What truck?

[Balduccimoto]

Almost 3 months since I started this thread and i'm still dragging my feet about buying a truck. I've been using this time to reflect on my needs and I decided that i'm getting a 3rd generation Nissan Pathfinder. They have 2 main issues:

1. the radiator is combined with the transmission cooler. The radiator can leak coolant into the transmission and destroy the transmission
...easy fix - install a separate transmission cooler

2. the timing chain guide wears down around 120-150k miles and needs to be replaced before catastrophic damage.
...I did these years ago. They make a whining noise when cold and takes 6 hours to do.

The key is that both problems are preventable, and the later years had worked these issues out.
6000 pounds towing capacity, 20mpg highway
I applied for $10k loan through my credit union because the rates are crazy low. I'm going to make this happen within the next few weeks.

 

[yamanube]

Almost 3 months since I started this thread and i'm still dragging my feet about buying a truck. I've been using this time to reflect on my needs and I decided that i'm getting a 3rd generation Nissan Pathfinder. They have 2 main issues:

1. the radiator is combined with the transmission cooler. The radiator can leak coolant into the transmission and destroy the transmission.

I believe Nissan fixed this (at least in Frontiers and Xterras) in 2011. As long as you find one that hasn't had this issue, bypassing the trans cooler with an aftermarket one is common.

 

[Balduccimoto]

I believe Nissan fixed this (at least in Frontiers and Xterras) in 2011.

That's correct. Btw I accidentally posted before I finished writing my post. You caught it before I could edit.

 

[Sanoman]

The best thing is not to be in a hurry. And you are doing that.Taking 3 months is ok in my book.Took me a year and half to make a purchase.

 

[Big Kahuna]

The best thing is not to be in a hurry. And you are doing that.Taking 3 months is ok in my book.Took me a year and half to make a purchase.

but your a little "Tight"..................

 

[Balduccimoto]

but your a little "Tight"..................

So am I .. and I have no shame haha.
I was approved for the loan $10k 60 month at 4.09% .. Better to finance the car and invest my money at that rate.
The catch is that the truck can't be older then 8 years. Looks like I need to find a 2011 or 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. I refuse to go to the 4th generation because they went crossover.

 

[mxmark4]

I sold one of my 4runners over the weekend, just have one more to sell and I might have enough cash to go ahead and buy a second gen tacoma outright. Also on the pathfinder watch out for the u1000 death code they get if that trans mixes. It can take out the ipdm( fuse panel) along with all kinds of other expensive poop. We have had several in the shop for that issue and even replacing the trans and fuse panel didnt fix them. Its a once it happens it aint never really right again kind of deal. And later ones can still wear out guides too, even though it was supposedly fixed.

 

[Balduccimoto]

I sold one of my 4runners over the weekend, just have one more to sell and I might have enough cash to go ahead and buy a second gen tacoma outright. Also on the pathfinder watch out for the u1000 death code they get if that trans mixes. It can take out the ipdm( fuse panel) along with all kinds of other expensive poop. We have had several in the shop for that issue and even replacing the trans and fuse panel didnt fix them. Its a once it happens it aint never really right again kind of deal. And later ones can still wear out guides too, even though it was supposedly fixed.

I have a scan tool that can see U codes so i'll check with that and the dipstick. Thanks for the heads up. I see that the later models had fixed the transmission cooler issue, but I think that I will put an aftermarket one anyway.

 

[mxmark4]

I would still bypass the radiator cooler for sure! Its cheap insurance, only other thing I remember having issues with on those trucks was cats.

 

[Balduccimoto]

I'm going tomorrow to see a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD, 110k miles, black interior/exterior, and fully loaded. $9650, dealer vehicle. I think that I can get 100k more miles because I see Frontier's with 200k+ on them. And the Frontiers are identical under the hood.

I'm financing at 4.09% rate so that is approximately $1000 interest charge after 60 months. Because i'm not taking $9650 out of my savings, I can put that money into a 5-year CD at my bank, at 3.10% APY, will get me $1649. Perfect!

 

[bird]

I'm going tomorrow to see a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD, 110k miles, black interior/exterior, and fully loaded. $9650, dealer vehicle. I think that I can get 100k more miles because I see Frontier's with 200k+ on them. And the Frontiers are identical under the hood.

I'm financing at 4.09% rate so that is approximately $1000 interest charge after 60 months. However I find that $10k in a 5-year CD at my bank, at 3.10% APY, will get me $1649. Perfect!

I laugh at the 200k number. Even my parents 1990 Mercury broke 200k without any mechanical breakdowns. 1997 Lumina went to 325K, my 2008 Suburban just rolled over 236k...

You going to hold the world ransom for "One Million Dollars"?

 

[Balduccimoto]

I went to see the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder and I was a disappointed because the bumper had some scratches, the fender had some paint chipping and it sound like a loose exhaust shield or maybe catalytic converter. The owner of the dealer promised to fix anything mechanical, but he couldn't do anything about the body.

I decided that I would go with it and we were discussing numbers when an employee came into the office "someone just traded in a really clean Pathfinder". It was fully loaded like the 2011, but it was a 2010, color silver, and brand new looking.

But financing was complicated because my credit union won't finance a vehicle 2010 or older. Then the woman there had suggested that I go to another credit union .. I went there and was able to get 3.59% for 60 months! Amazing!

I like how the truck has heated seats and steering wheel, keyless entry and start, backup camera, factory subwoofer, sunroof, etc. fully loaded. So i'm very satisfied. Also I gave my number to the beautiful woman there and i'm hoping she contacts me we chatted for a long time and that would complete this valentine's day.

 

[Big Kahuna]

forget the car, where is the pic of the woman?

 

[Balduccimoto]

forget the car, where is the pic of the woman?

Unfortunately, the X-H2O will likely never know.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Unfortunately, the X-H2O will likely never know.

Guess you are not expecting her to actually call you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ouch, did that burn? lol

 

[Balduccimoto]

Guess you are not expecting her to actually call you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ouch, did that burn? lol

Ha! Lets just say that she is a solid 10.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Ha! Lets just say that she is a solid 10.

So that would be a no then! Lol. A for effort!

 

[Balduccimoto]

Still no call

But I put together some things today. It’s all coming together!

 

[Balduccimoto]

So that would be a no then! Lol. A for effort!

Major development. I received a text.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Major development. I received a text.

Bonus Points!