Anyone have any experience with the new pathfinders> I'm interested in downsizing from my Qx to something smaller. So if anyone has had any experience with them do share.

wow no one?

I hear nothing but good things about 'em. Never checked 'em out though!

should be lightning quick witht the second gen Vk56DE. Very appealing. It's so odd that even the pathfinder owners dont know about em'.

Personally, I'd wait before getting a Pathy with the V8 until they get any bugs worked out. The V6 is a pretty nice little truck in itself.

i'm actually in the same boat, looking to downsize from the 'mada to a pathy....any good lease or finance deals on them??

We had a V6 Pathfinder as a loaner while our Armada was getting serviced. Really nice truck. Rode smooth and reminded me of a 3/4 sized Armada.

I had an '05 Pathfinder for about 3 months. No complaints, good mid-size SUV.

I tried the "downsizing" thing going from an '04 Tahoe to the Pathfinder but it didn't work out for our family so I traded it in for the '05 Armada. It's really hard to get use to a smaller car especially when you have young kids.

I know I like the body style...looks beefy!

looking to downsize from the 'mada to a pathy

Why are people downsizing? Pathfinders are not that much smaller than armada's are they?

I thought BIG was GOOD!

Why are people downsizing? Pathfinders are not that much smaller than armada's are they?

I thought BIG was GOOD!


Probably for gas savings. Although often these V6's don't get much better mileage than the V8's because you have to rev the hell out of them to get anywhere.

The Pathfinder is a good SUV. While we were at the dealer looking at their Armadas, my dad pointed to the rows of Pathfinders and said "What about them? I bet they get better mileage!..." Too bad he was mistaken :rolleyes: . As far as gas savings go, you wouldn't save much with the Pathfinder 14 & 20 for the V6, and 12 & 18 for the V8.

I had an 05 Pathfinder for 6 weeks when I got involved in an accident about 2 years ago... it was pretty nice, I'd consider it if I were looking for something in that class. It'd be a tossup between that and a 4Runner I think.

I had one back in 05.. got it 12/04... loved it, Black on black all options... They get good milage, upwards of 18 on the highway, I also had the offroad package, SE Off road. we put on 28k miles no problems, not even a check engine light. A saturn even commited suicide into and we still didnt have problems.
Traded it in on a 06 armada and its been in the shop 8 times.
I say go for it if the size will fit you. We have two small kids, 3 and 16 months so we use all the room in the armada..

Suicide! I'll say! Hahahahahaha!

Yea the ladys was like I Just got this out of the shop! I was like so mine is new!....

I think the trailer hitch busted her block. there was oil, radcoolent and free on spraying all over the place when it first happend.

Yea the ladys was like I Just got this out of the shop! I was like so mine is new!....

I think the trailer hitch busted her block. there was oil, radcoolent and free on spraying all over the place when it first happend.
I feel ya on that!

Look at mine.
http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5485&highlight=Emporia

I think some people down-size simply for a reduction in vehicle size. Perhaps they no longer have the need for a full-size SUV. Maybe they are a couple with no kids and they simply no longer want a big SUV or they need a smaller SUV so that it can fit in the garage.

For the most part i think he will love it. With the two i have owned i feel the pathfinder is better build suv. lol.. Nissan need to send me a new 08 path with the V8 and 08 LE armada for free so i can rethink my decision :)

The 08's have the V8 power available.

i'd consider trading someone out, I myself am looking to upsize (new addition to the family and we like to carry alot of people and alot of gear :) )

I think some people down-size simply for a reduction in vehicle size. Perhaps they no longer have the need for a full-size SUV. Maybe they are a couple with no kids and they simply no longer want a big SUV or they need a smaller SUV so that it can fit in the garage.

That explaination makes perfect sense for rational people ;) . We did consider getting an 08 'Mada "moving up" from our Montero. I'll be driving in a year or so, my brother's already eight--there's honestly no reason for a larger vehicle anymore, we all just loved it. Reason did eventually win out, though.
And BTW, had we gotten an Armada, it AND our Montero would sleep in the garage next to each other (gotta love a three-car garage). The way I see it, how can you expect your vehicles to take care of you if you don't care for them (sadly many people just don't), and in our home cars get the same treatment as humans (maybe even better treatment, coming from me ;) ).

Armada is a lot bigger on the inside and out. I had a 2005 Pathfinder LE. The Armada is much better in my opinion since I had both. The gas mileage is not much different either. Plus you need premium in the Pathfinder which will balance out the costs.

We had a V6 Pathfinder as a loaner while our Armada was getting serviced. Really nice truck. Rode smooth and reminded me of a 3/4 sized Armada.

How'd you pull off getting a loaner while getting your Armada serviced? I can't get the dealership to do jack while fixing problems that were covered under warranty.

How'd you pull off getting a loaner while getting your Armada serviced? I can't get the dealership to do jack while fixing problems that were covered under warranty.
My dealer gives me a loaner for all service that will take more than 3 hours!

Nissan service does stink when it comes to providing loaner vehicles. I took my Pathfinder in for a service and they gave me a rental (piece of junk from Enterprise rental cars). My old Acura Legend is almost 14 years old and when I take it in for a service, the Acura dealer always puts me in a brand new loaner (TSX).

I guess this is a cost cutting measure.

Nissan service does stink when it comes to providing loaner vehicles. I took my Pathfinder in for a service and they gave me a rental (piece of junk from Enterprise rental cars). My old Acura Legend is almost 14 years old and when I take it in for a service, the Acura dealer always puts me in a brand new loaner (TSX).

I guess this is a cost cutting measure.
Living here makes a person appreciate any loaner (rental or not). Most dealerships here will not provide any type of a loaner so the fact that Nissan had it written into the contract for the extended warranty was a major selling point for me on both cars. I can drive an old Pinto for all I care as long as it runs good because we can always fit everyone into the other car. The only time I had an issue was last winter when we had 6" of Ice on the roads with a 2.5' ice mound outside my garage and my Murano's AWD wasn't quite enough to handle the mound and the roads like the Armada can.

Looks like I'll need to talk to other dealers to see who will give me a loaner when servicing.

I asked about this while my mada was having the stabilizer bushings (2 Days) replaced and they basically told me to stuff it. Told me that they might go in on half a rental with me and that it was going to hurt the dealerships bottom line as Nissan doesn't provide it, the dealership has to. I understand they don't want to pay out of their pockets, but when you sell a faulty product, the least you could do is back it up. I asked him how much I had to spend on a vehicle to actually get a loaner and he told me, Nissan just doesn't offer it. I told him I guess I have to get an Infiniti, but surprised cuz doesn't 50K = 50K for a vehicle? He really didn't have anything to say, just knew I was frustrated and left it at that.

Looks like I'll need to talk to other dealers to see who will give me a loaner when servicing.

I asked about this while my mada was having the stabilizer bushings (2 Days) replaced and they basically told me to stuff it. Told me that they might go in on half a rental with me and that it was going to hurt the dealerships bottom line as Nissan doesn't provide it, the dealership has to. I understand they don't want to pay out of their pockets, but when you sell a faulty product, the least you could do is back it up. I asked him how much I had to spend on a vehicle to actually get a loaner and he told me, Nissan just doesn't offer it. I told him I guess I have to get an Infiniti, but surprised cuz doesn't 50K = 50K for a vehicle? He really didn't have anything to say, just knew I was frustrated and left it at that.
If I take mine in for non-warranty work, I'll most likely be in the same boat w/o that leg to stand on because I bought it at a different dealer (shhhhh, don't tell!). So, if they cannot provide me with a demo or something, "then I'll just need to take it back across town to another dealer who already told me they have a demo they could loan to me this time" (not). Catch my drift??

Pops; your right about the Murano and driving it in bad weather. I had a 2006 and traded it for my Armada. I had problems driving out of my driveway and I was surprised at the poor traction of the tires and the weak all wheel drive system.

I personnally don't want to drive a piece of garbage around when I pay top dollar for a new vehicle. Some people don't care but I want something comparable to what I have when my care is in for repairs. I know it's not long term but it says a lot about what they think about you when they pass you a piece of junk. Just my two cents. Go to a BMW dealer and I guarantee you they will give you a nice BMW loaner. Same is said for the other top manufacturers.

concerning the new Pathfinder. i had set on trading the 03 in for one. the salesman brought it to my house for me to drive while they appraised mine. the front seats are great! very supportive and comfortable, more than the Mada. BUT, the rear room is a joke. Forget about ever using the 3rd seats.
It is difficult to get to them. And, if you have small kids, you wont be able to access them at all with car seats. the Pathfinder has the extra cargo capacity in the rear with the seats down, and is good for kids still in seats.
so, I guess I should have gotten one, but the 2nd row seats are closer than in the 03. Like others have said, not too much difference in mileage, so why not get the bigger, more spacious truck? Mine fits in the garage!

The new Pathy's are as good as always. And my Brother just got the V8 one and its put my 08 Mada to shame :(. So I guess Ima have to put finally put the Turbo on mine...lol

And hey, Gilbert88 dont I agree with you BIG IS GOOD...

The new Pathy's are as good as always. And my Brother just got the V8 one and its put my 08 Mada to shame :(. So I guess Ima have to put finally put the Turbo on mine...lol

And hey, Gilbert88 dont I agree with you BIG IS GOOD...


Mmmmmm Turbo :bow:

If you are lucky enough to get a POS loaner, look at it this way, it makes you appreciate what you have even more. lol. Good ol' Nissan is always looking out for us!

As far as reliability and performance, the Pathfinder is the best I've owned and I've owned a lot of new vehicles including a 2000 Xterra and a 2004 Titan.

The gas savings is huge between this midsize and the larger Titan. The Armada is even a bigger gas hog than the Titan.

When I had the Titan, I was getting 13 mpg average on my way to work, that was country roads, expressways, and highways. Straight Expressway was 16 mpg and town driving was 11 mpg. That Titan was a Crew Cab 4X4 with the Off Road Package. If it weren't such a POS, I'd still have it. Rear end was going out along with brake judder, and then the brakes went completely out almost causing an accident. It was then I traded to the Pathfinder. My Xterra was an excellent vehicle so I knew the Pathfinder would also as it's matured and built in one of the best plants in the country in Tennessee.

The Pathfinders gas mileage going to work is between 17 - 18 mpg were the Titan was 13 mpg. Expressway driving is between 20 - 21 mpg just and town driving is 16 mpg. This was slightly better than the mpg rating for my Pathy but the Titan's actual mileage was far worse than it's mpg rating. The Pathy is a SE 4X4 where I added skid plates at delivery. It even included the same differential axle ratio as the Titan Off Road/Tow package.

As far as performance I tow all the time and even have pulled some people out of ditches with it during our severe snow storms.

The downside is that the second row back seat is poor on leg room but if you don't put the front seats all the way back, it's enough for most people. The 3rd row is for small children only. The cargo area is awesome and will even sleep an over 6' adult when the second row seats are folded.

The only problem once again with Nissan is that Nissan refuses to back up their vehicles or stand behind them. I know several including myself that have bad paint problems that lead to rust. Mine isn't bad but with Nissan's refusal to stand behind their product, this will be the last and they'll never seen another dime from me.

Good luck in your hunt.

Have a good one.

It does seem to have a cheap paint finish. A rock hit my Armada as soon as I got it off the lot and I have a gash in it where you can see through to the metal. I have two other rock chips on the side by the rear passenger door where it also is down to the metal. I guess they have to cut costs somewhere.

Mike Up: The gas mileage does stink and seems to get worst as it's broken in. The heavier aftermarket wheels I have on really make it a gas hog along with the cold air intake (don't believe the hype, they make it burn more gas and no noticable HP gain). Maybe I should have kept my 05 Pathfinder, it was a lot better on gas (18 mixed verses 14) but too tight in the rear seat and useless third row seat and rattling headliner that the dealer couldn't seem to fix (service bulletin on it). Those were my only complaints. The interior (Pathfinder) seems to have a more refined feel than the Armada but I love the space of the Armada even though I don't carry passengers.

I don't have many problems with the paint chipping. I did with the Titan and that was getting really bad where the wheel wells had rust spot where the chips were.

However the midsize SUV and pickup paint jobs are much worst. I know a guy with a 2005 Frontier who was sueing Nissan over the rail dust issue. His white Frontier was covered in rust spots. A coworker's white 2005 Xterra had rail dust all over the hatchback and had the paint peeling off. She had to repaint the hatch. My 2005 Silver Pathfinder also has the same rail dust as these others, but my dealer is really good and very cool. They clay bar the truck every visit as he can really sympathize with me and is just as disgusted that Nissan won't stand behind their worthless paint warranty. That's why the guy with the Frontier sued Nissan. I think the never ending court battles was enough for him as he got rid of the Frontier and bought my favorite brand of vehicle, GM:eek: :eek: :eek: (sarcasm, I absolutely hate them ;) )

The rail dust was even on showroom floor 2007 Xterras and Frontiers but worthless Nissan wouldn't stand behind those, I was told. The reason, inferior clear coat that so soft, it lets any contaminents penetrate it and ruin the paint. By comparison, my dealer sells Dodge vehicles. While rail dust was on them, it could simply be wiped off and DID NOT pentrate the standard hardness clear coat. This could be said of used Ford and GM products also on their lot. Simple, Nissan's paint jobs are poor and cause the body to rust if you don't perform constant maintanence. Even worse is that they are useless, and hide from their responsibility to warranty their defective products. Fine, as much as I like their performance and reliability, the rusting body panels are ugly, expensive to repair, and lower resale value greatly. Their decision to not stand behind their defect product has cost them my business and others as well. In 2000 I was impressed with Nissan and my Xterra. Today, I'm disappointed in Nissan, that I put my trust and loyalty into, both time in disappointing vehicles, the Pathfinder and the Titan. However I do love the performance and reliability of the Pathfinder, but because it's rusting, it's got to go next year for either a Ford F150 crew cab 4X4 or a Mega Cab Dodge 1500 4X4.

Unfortunately I"m done with Nissan, yet only a year ago I turned my parents onto a Sentra and my friend onto a Altima. Now their wondering if they made the wrong decision. I'd like to say they didn't but my experience has me wondering.

Have a good one.

I have the 2008 Nissan PATHFINDER LE V8 and i am loving it so far 4 months and 24 000km, great unit and very glad i went with the V8...

well i got my Pathfinder back in 06 and i have put 40 thousand miles on it and its been great for the most part, I had to have the auto tension limiter replaced and the ac blower has a short in it but its very fun to drive. The V6 pulls very smoothly, the best 0 to 60 run iv gotten is 7.2 seconds on 91 octane. But im looking to replace with an armada or a qx56. Im not in to much of a hurry though.

Welcome to CA VQ4.0DE! Good luck on your search!

Welcome to CA VQ4.0DE! Good luck on your search!

thank i look forward to getting too know you guys and hearing about the armada's.