You’ve no doubt read the story about Goldilocks – the beds, and too soft, too hard and just right.
So the same applies to Nissan’s range of SUV’s – Juke, Qashqai, X-Trail, Pathfinder and Patrol. There’s a size to fit anyone.
And now that Nissan has extended its warranty to 5-years, there’s no good reason to pass on the Nissan brand.
I’ve recently driven the Qashqai and Juke, and after this Pathfinder, I’m in an X-Trail and later in a Patrol. So let’s continue on the Nissan range.
What is it? The Nissan Pathfinder is a large 7-seat SUV powered by a V6 petrol engine, mated to a real automatic gearbox, not a CVT or Direct Shift Automated one. It may be a bit ‘old’ in design terms, but it’s a big powerful vehicle nonetheless
How Much? Nissan is promoting a 1% offer presently, so I can only go on the RRP Drive Away price from my price guide of about $68,352 but I’m sure that you could easily negotiate the price with your local Nissan dealer.
Competitors? There aren’t many throaty V6 petrol engines available in the large SUV range, whether 2WD or AWD. You’d be thinking Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorrento, some type of Land Rover, Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Kluger, Fortuner or Prado, or a Volvo. Not many have the beating heart V6, preferring a diesel engine. Nissan Pathfinder also has the option of a petrol-hybrid if that’s your thing.
At the Front
Under the atypical Nissan Grill, beats the heart of a throaty V6 monster. All the grunt you’d ever need around the suburbs and when you choose an AWD, enough power to get you out there and back. The Pathfinder produces 202Kw of power and 340Nm of torque.
You’re riding on front independent suspension while the rear is an independent multi-link setup. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard for this vehicle.
Headlights are LED with auto-levelling and LED daytime running lights
Down the Side
I don’t really have a positive or negative comment on the side profile of the big Nissan Pathfinder other than to say, it needs something to break up the large blue slab. Perhaps some chrome or hipline striping, but hey Nissan designers, it needs something.
I like to show my readers and potential customers the equipment that is nice to have rather than those items (ABS Brakes for example) that is expected or mandatory in new cars.
If you like to do your own research on specifications, here’s a link to the Nissan Website, but follows arguably the important specifications of the Nissan Pathfinder.
• Front, front-side and side-curtain SRS airbags
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Driver and front passenger occupant seatbelt warning and alarm
• 2nd and 3rd-row seatbelt warning and reminder
• Tow mode
• Hill Start Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Intelligent Emergency Braking with Forward-collision Warning
• Blind Spot Warning
• Space-saving spare wheel with tyre repair kit
“Not so good here is the space saver wheel with a tyre repair kit. Hopefully, you’re going to call Roadside Assistance to help you rather than trying to do this yourself”
At the Back
There’s plenty of room in the Nissan Pathfinder – plenty for all 7-seats to be in use and then still have room for some other kit. With rows 2 and 3 stowed, you could almost sleep in the back overnight.
Equipment extends to:
• Rear parking sensors
• Rearview camera with predictive path technology
• Motion-activated tailgate with position memory
The maximum towing capacity with electric brakes is a solid 2700kg and un-braked it drops significantly to 750kg. So no matter what you intend to tow, check with your car dealer and caravan/boat dealer for the actual weight of the towed item. Pathfinder has a 73-litre fuel tank which may be a tad small given its consumption figures.
Safety Ratings – ANCAP
Please note dear readers that the ANCAP Star rating for this car was determined in 2013, some 6 years ago. It’s arguable whether the Nissan Pathfinder would achieve 5 stars if tested today, but I don’t think so. Most of the ‘big’ safety items are there, but the latest tech required to achieve 5-stars, Lane Departure for example, is missing.
Green Vehicle Guide
The Nissan Pathfinder is a large heavy vehicle, so you shouldn’t expect 4 cylinder economy.
Green Vehicle Guide suggests around town number of 13.6 litres per 100klm whilst on the highway, it’s about 7.7 Litres per 100klm for an average of 9.9 litres per 100klm.
Nissan Pathfinder – Car Insurance
I use RACQ to quote for an insurance price comparison. If you’re looking to change insurance companies, I’d be checking with at least the following for that comparison
RACQ, Budget Direct, Youi, Suncorp and NRMA – My own cars are insured with a combination of these companies, but one can be more expensive depending on the actual vehicle.
For this offer the information I’ve used is:
• Male Driver of 62 years of age
• Lives in postcode 4017
• Paid cash for the car
• Is garaged overnight
• The vehicle has an immobilizer
• No accidents in the last 3 years
• No license suspensions and hold license for over 10 years
• Bronze RACQ member with 2 current eligible policies
• Rating 1 for ten years and no-one under 25 will drive the car
Premium quoted by RACQ Online is $537.61 with a $750 excess
Driver’s Seat
It’s big inside and the front seats are set up perfectly for the driver. Plenty of information to be had on the dashboard.
I found the seating to be comfortable and perfect from a long highway trip. The bullet points that follow refer to some of the included driving technology.
• Bluetooth® handsfree phone system with voice recognition
• Tri-zone climate control
• Intelligent Cruise control
• Satellite navigation with traffic monitoring and multi-touch controls
• Intelligent Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection
• 8.0″ touch-screen colour display
Summary
The Nissan Pathfinder is an older style vehicle that may not be refined when it’s time has come.
If Nissan retain this, it will probably morph into a diesel or petrol hybrid vehicle down the track. It’s a handsome unit which still needs a bit of a facelift – much like me
Nissan Pathfinder – Where to Buy?
It’s difficult to provide suggestions on where prospective buyers should go.
To enable me to advise you, I use the Google Star rating system.
If I was looking for a Nissan dealer to visit, I’d type Nissan Dealer Brisbane and see the results. In South East Queensland, I’d see the following dealers
Northside Aspley Nissan 4.3 Stars
Southside Nil Recommended
Eastside Barton’s Nissan Wynnum 4.7 Stars
Westside Ipswich Nissan 4.2 Stars
Gold Coast Von Bibra Southport 4.6 Stars
Sunshine Coast Cricks Nambour 4.8 Stars
If you want to be a smart buyer, then chat to me or get in touch via [email protected] Besides a scribe about motor cars, I’m also a new car broker through my company Car Business.
Typically I’ll save my customers between $1000 and $3000 brand dependent which also includes my fee. Any New Car Cheaper – Car Business
Summary
Honestly, you’d never find a Nissan Pathfinder in my garage. I think time has left this large SUV behind and at $68,000 for the base 2wd model I think there’s a lot of other vehicles in the market for you to consider.
If you’re a ‘NissanOPhile’ lucky you that Nissan now has a 5-year warranty. Service costs are still a little on the expensive side, but keep your services with a Nissan dealer. Pays off in the long run.
Nissan Qashqai N-Tec. Why Should You Buy? Nissan Patrol – In Their Own Words
I’m Bob Aldons, the owner and founder of The Car Guy, and Car Business, reviewing cars, reporting on car industry matters, car tech, Formula 1, the motoring world at large and helping you to buy #anynewcarcheaper
I’ve spent the last forty-one years immersed in the automotive industry from salesman to the owner of a 7 brand multi-franchise dealership and since 2015, like a new car broker.
I know cars.
Find One
If you’re hunting around for a great price on your next new car, you should call me, the car buying expert, from Car Business.
My company, a Brisbane Car Broker, Car Buyers Agent or Car Buyers Advocate, will return your inquiry within 24 hours and make the process of buying a new car easy and stress-free.
Are you tired of salesperson tricks? I protect you from the pressure exerted by car dealer’s salespeople. There isn’t any obligation – just a pretty significant savings in terms of time, stress and financial reward.
You’re where? Seriously, my services are available for you in any Australian state and territory: from Darwin to Hobart, Cairns to Perth. Car Broker Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Darwin – I’m available when you need me to be.
Whether you’re a retail customer, a small company or a large national fleet, I’ll go to work and get that price down. Lower new car prices are my goal. So you’ll get the best prices from me rather than hoping you can do it by yourself.
If I can’t get you the best new car price, better than you can get yourself from a car dealer, I won’t charge you any fee. No Saving, No Fee. – that’s what you should expect from a car buying expert.
Car Business will help you to purchase your next new car – Cheaper
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If you’d like to support this worthwhile foundation, donate to the cause, become a member today or buy your next new car from Car Business.
People Also Ask/Frequently Asked Questions
Car Buyers always seem to need answers on a vast number of topics about their cars.
There are a few questions that I’m asked regularly, so to save you a phone call, check out my “People Also Ask” questions and answers below.
If your question isn’t listed, I’m happy for you to call me on 0418 748 498 or send an email to [email protected]
My advice is free.
Q: Why Should I deal with a Car Broker rather than just going to a dealer?
A: It’s the goal and the job of a car salesperson to make as much money for his dealership as he possibly can. And that applies to the car, finance (finance and insurance), and aftermarket sales (tint, paint, interior, rust).
It’s the role of a car broker or car buyer’s agent to buy the same car at the lowest possible price. Your broker will get prices from at least five dealers or more, get independent finance and insurance quotes and then only recommend the car protection you need rather than the products the dealer wants to sell you. Dealers, on average, make around $3800 on a car sale. An astute broker will get that margin down to around $1800, saving you about $2000 on your vehicle purchase
Q: Should I take Finance and Insurance through a car dealer?
A: Generally no. An average car dealer relies on the car buyer to be exhausted after the trauma and stress of actually buying a car. They depend on their finance manager to make an average profit of $1100 for EVERY car buyer coming into their dealership. The income per finance contract rests around $2700 per contract. In recent times, the ACCC (Australian Consumer and Competition Commission) has looked closely at the way that finance companies and their dealers sell to consumers. Recently, voluntarily, finance companies have reduced the flex rate (the maximum rate allowed to be charged over the base rate for particular consumers) to 2%, down from 8%.
There is still need to be wary of some of the non-standard lenders. For those in our community who have fallen on hard times, have bad credit or are on Centrelink benefits, some lenders are still allowed to charge exorbitant interest rates, upwards of 25%.
Q: It’s a fact that dealers, forced by their manufacturers charge very high prices for genuine spare parts. Recently I needed to purchase a set of head bolts for a 2008 Alfa Romeo Sedan. Price quoted by my local dealer was $294. I picked them up from the UK for $115 including freight to Australia. I expect to receive them at the same time as the local dealer would take to get them from Melbourne.
A: It’s not the dealer’s fault on this occasion. Typically a dealer makes around 20% profit on genuine spare parts sales. It’s the manufacturer/Importer who is charged prices higher than dealers in overseas markets can buy at. Shop around. To determine whether you can buy the part you need, you’ll first need the part number. Get your VIN, ring the local dealer and ask for the part number. They may oblige and if they do, just search on the net through Google. You’ll be amazed. There’ll even be local suppliers who can provide a genuine part for you at around overseas prices. For Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Isuzu Ute and Volkswagen, visit my site www.genuinespares.com.au
Q: If you have a larger vehicle, with a lot of glass area, the chances are that you’ll want or need window tinting. At the point of sale, dealers will want to charge you up to $795 to tint the windows of your car. Again, you’ll want to avoid the stress and pressure of negotiating anymore and sign where you’re asked.
A: Window tinting can be obtained for under $400 through Car Business. My company has arrangements with local tint shops to do just that price – $400. Don’t be overcharged. $400 is the price to pay for the average vehicle
Q: How do I pick the right car for my needs?
A: Typically, car buyers will have a general idea of what sort of car they want to buy. However, in a market like ours with nearly 60 brands and thousands of models, historical ownership doesn’t have to be maintained. Find an honest buyer’s agent and have a chat to them about your requirements. My company, Car Business, offers this service to our customers without any obligation. You can fill out the lifestyle form, by clicking and a representative of Car Business will contact you to discuss your needs. We use the R J Pound Comparative new Vehicle Price Guide to assist buyers in understanding the alternatives. It may not be the one you’re thinking about right now.
Q: I need some accessories for my new car, but I’m not sure that I’m getting the best price from the dealer
A: Accessories are another area that dealers make a lot of their profit. Apart from the window tinting, paint and interior protection and rustproofing, a typical salesperson will run through a long list of accessories. Even the manufacturer has copious amounts of accessories in their new car brochure.
Don’t feel obligated to buy any accessories you want through the dealer. I suggest to a lot of my customers to phone the spare parts department of the same dealer and ask for a quote on the accessories they want. You might be surprised at a price. The other way is to search on the internet. There are lots of retailers who buy the same parts you want from overseas suppliers (even ones that supply the manufacturer directly) and will offer them at a substantially better price. All you have to do it fit them up, but generally it’s a pretty easy thing to do for the home handyman
Q: If I sell my car privately will I get a better price?
A: It is sometimes possible to achieve a higher price with a private sale; however this reduces significantly if your vehicle is not presented correctly and is no longer under warranty. The private buyer today is looking to receive the same benefits they would by purchasing from a Dealer and expect huge reductions in price if they believe they are disadvantaged. Add to this the cost of preparing your vehicle to the same standards as Motor Dealers. Look at such items as Safety Certificates, Service, Tyres, Windscreen, Chips and Scratches, Detailing, and Advertising along with the need to be accessible and available at all times including weekends when prospective buyers will want to inspect your vehicle. It may not be the wise choice to have people you do not know, coming to your home.
Once the costs and time involved are assessed, most people choose to trade their present vehicle or to use a professional Car Buying Service to ensure they get a good price without the expense or hassle.
Q: Do you allow and/or recommend RACQ Inspections on second-hand cars?
A: Yes, we welcome the RACQ Inspection Process in our business and recognise the need for such an independent examination. Once completed, I’ll discuss the report with you and facilitate any repairs that are deemed necessary. You can arrange for the RACQ to visit my business. I can arrange for them to inspect your choice of vehicle and have them send the report directly to you if you prefer.
Q: Why are dealers so expensive for service in comparison to other service centres?
A: Dealers service and maintain vehicles as set out by the manufacturer’s recommendations to protect your new car warranty. They will generally be willing to match other service providers as long as they are comparing “like for like”.
Your circumstances can be taken into account regarding changing some filters and coolants etc. They also have factory trained technicians and have the support of specialised equipment and of course the proper factory support. There are many other reasons such as resale value, and when it comes to trade-in price, car retailers always look at maintained service books and especially if a dealer has serviced them.
On the other hand, if you’re carefully managing your money, we can arrange a logbook service at one of our preferred providers.
Do I need to return my vehicle to the selling dealer for service?
The simple answer is NO!
While dealers may suggest or insist that your new car is brought back to their service department, the reality is:
- You can take your car to any of the brand’s service centres for routine or warranty service. Brand X warranty is covered by the manufacturer, not by the dealer. So if there’s a more convenient location to have your car serviced, take it there.
- Dealers may suggest that you have to have your car serviced at the franchised dealer to maintain your warranty. Again that’s a falsehood. You can have your car serviced by any qualified mechanic or technician, provided that they follow the service guidelines for your vehicle as specified by the manufacturer
- They should use as a minimum the oil grade specified by the manufacturer and also parts that are of the same quality standard. You shouldn’t use inferior parts. While I would suggest using the manufacturer’s parts, there are similarly high-quality non-genuine parts available on the market. Things like brake pads, brake rotors, air and oil filters, spark plugs and the like are often cheaper and as good quality as those supplied but the manufacturer
How often should I check my Tyre Pressures?
I check my tyre pressures monthly. I have a tyre gauge purchased from Repco that I rely on to check the pressures in my tyres. Arguably, it’s probably better to check your tyre pressures every second time that you fill your fuel tank. High volume petrol centres have good quality air pumps, and it only takes a few minutes to do that after you’ve got your fill.
What should I do if my car breaks down at night?
Firstly, I’m suggesting that you be in a roadside assistance program such as provided by the RACQ.
If you’ve purchased a new car, you’ll have coverage under your new car warranty. Kia Motors Australia provides seven years of roadside assistance in coordination with their warranty. Hyundai and Ford have a 5-year program.
Mitsubishi provides roadside assistance after the first year provided you’re having your services done at one of their dealerships.
If you run out of roadside assistance, best sign up with RACQ or your state motoring body. (NRMA, RACV, etc.) It’s far from sensible to break down on a dark or unlit road and then have to do repairs yourself, particularly for younger drivers.
A phone call from inside a locked car is preferable to having to find a phone booth or a ‘friendly neighbour’ to call for help
If you’d like to discuss anything to do with the purchase, trade-in, private sale, service, warranty issues or just have a conversation about the motor industry in Australia, please give me a call on 0418 748 498 or email to [email protected]
