My wife and I are looking at new vehicles. We both like the Pathfinder and are leaning that way. Looking at SL with Nav, DVD in headrest, and leather. Besides about $3000 and sunroof what is difference between SL with options and Platinum. What say the Pack?
OT: New SUV
- Thread starter cowbell88
- Start date
If it's got the Nav and leather and DVD in an SL package I'd go with that. I have a Platinum Armada just because in the SL I couldn't get those options.
check out carmax and you can compare the list of features on a platinum vs an sv or sl...then check edmunds for reviews. once you decide what you want -check out a car buying service (most larger credit unions offer this service... see penfed .org)
s=28k sv=31k,sl=36k, plat=40k,,,looks like you get a cvt whichever option you choose
it used to be truck based..now is car based..more like a soccer mommie van...
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I know someone w a pathfinder and they do not like it. Could be the fact they owe quite a bit more than its worth. The pathfinder blew its transmission shortly after they bought it at 60k. They bought a Tahoe before that and it now has 144k and it hasn't had the slightest prob. That's what if buy.
I had a '13 Honda Accord w/ a CVT and now have a '14 Nissan Rogue w/ a CVT. They're different, but not bad. Main thing is that they rev the engine higher, so they can be loud at times, and there's a weird kind of "rubber band" effect when speeding up and slowing down in a hurry. Best way I've heard them described is that it's kind of like driving a boat - if you gun it, the engine revs really high, but speed builds gradually. Gas mileage does seem to be a little better, fwiw.
We enjoyed our Acadia. It had great handling and good ride. We got rid of it when we had twins because I'm 6'6 and could barely drive it with a car seat behind me.
Yeah our Armada drinks gas but I wasn't buying it for the gas mileage. It has more room than any other SUV in its class (I tried all of them). I can have the seat all the way back with the backrest where I want it and not touch a rear facing car seat.
My wife has a Ford w/CVT, we haven't had any problem w/ it at all but it is different feeling. It needs servicing now, we'll see how that goes, I've heard bad things happen after the first service on them
Agree.
My parents travel a good bit between Tennessee and Mississippi and they just bought a Honda CRV after doing tons of looking. They have never been happier with a vehicle. Great gas mileage, roomy, smart technology, great deal. Just thought I'd throw it out there. I would never buy a Nissan. Toyota, Honda, even Ford before Nissan in my opinion. But do what ya gotta do.
I have an '06 4Runner with over 170,000 miles. The thing is indestructible. The only problems I have had with it have been self-inflicted. I preferred my old '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee for off-road capability and on road handling, but it was not as reliable.
A Highlander is just a mini-van disguised as an SUV....
A Highlander is just a mini-van disguised as an SUV....
NO!
There are too many other good SUV's to pick this one.
First year reliability has been very problematic
http://www.truedelta.com/Nissan-Pathfinder/reliability-226
Consumer Reports' owners gives it a full black circle for the worst reliability. Transmission problems are legion.
If you're gonna go w/a CUV (crossover) go w/the Highlander and at least get a reliable car w/a little masculine swag.
The once-great Pathfinder is now a chick-mommy CUV.
Actually if I were in you guys shoes, I'd forget the new car and look at a certified (CPO) Acura MDX. Now you can drive it w/out having to be ashamed.
There are too many other good SUV's to pick this one.
First year reliability has been very problematic
http://www.truedelta.com/Nissan-Pathfinder/reliability-226
Consumer Reports' owners gives it a full black circle for the worst reliability. Transmission problems are legion.
If you're gonna go w/a CUV (crossover) go w/the Highlander and at least get a reliable car w/a little masculine swag.
The once-great Pathfinder is now a chick-mommy CUV.
Actually if I were in you guys shoes, I'd forget the new car and look at a certified (CPO) Acura MDX. Now you can drive it w/out having to be ashamed.
I like the new Highlanders. A little more sporty looking than the previous models. I bought a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe last year. The bigger LWB version. I really like it, drives great. Nice warranty too.
I also have a '13 Accord with CVT. Gas mileage is great. It averaged about 39 mpg when I recently traveled from Hattiesburg to Jackson.
I've got an '09 Pathfinder and while I wouldn't give it a 5 star rating by any means, it's been a good car. It's basically an SV with extra upgrades to include leather seating, fog lights, back up camera, etc.
Pros
-I like the look. It was one of the few new SUVs at the time that still had somewhat of a rugged look to them as opposed to the more common crossover style
-Decent gas mileage at 20 MPG on avg. I just read that the 2014 model is 20-26, so I'm not sure what a poster was talking about in terms of it being a gas guzzler. That's better than the vast majority of non-hybrid SUVs/Trucks.
-A good bit of power for a mid size SUV at 266 HP
-Third row that can be used to seat up to 8 or it can be flipped down for extra storage
-Leather seating - If you have kids, this is a must in my mind. I can't tell you how many times I've cleaned something up with a wet wipe that would have been a major issue with cloth seats.
-Knocking on wood, but zero significant repairs to date
Cons
-Definitely not the roomiest car. The front seats are pretty comfortable, but legroom is an issue everywhere else unless you're under 5'10".
-takes premium gas
-tires are pretty expensive once you get to replacement time
Lastly, to each his own and if you're able to somehow snag a Nav package for little additional cost, by all means go for it... but I've never quite grasped why someone would shell out a couple extra grand for it these days when you can pull up an oftentimes better GPS system on your phone at any time.
In summary, I like my Pathfinder and I'm not sure that I would have done anything differently if I could go back, but my next SUV will most likely be something in the Lexus RX series or an Acura MDX. I haven't had an issue with a Nissan yet, but I feel like I'm on borrowed time sometimes
Pros
-I like the look. It was one of the few new SUVs at the time that still had somewhat of a rugged look to them as opposed to the more common crossover style
-Decent gas mileage at 20 MPG on avg. I just read that the 2014 model is 20-26, so I'm not sure what a poster was talking about in terms of it being a gas guzzler. That's better than the vast majority of non-hybrid SUVs/Trucks.
-A good bit of power for a mid size SUV at 266 HP
-Third row that can be used to seat up to 8 or it can be flipped down for extra storage
-Leather seating - If you have kids, this is a must in my mind. I can't tell you how many times I've cleaned something up with a wet wipe that would have been a major issue with cloth seats.
-Knocking on wood, but zero significant repairs to date
Cons
-Definitely not the roomiest car. The front seats are pretty comfortable, but legroom is an issue everywhere else unless you're under 5'10".
-takes premium gas
-tires are pretty expensive once you get to replacement time
Lastly, to each his own and if you're able to somehow snag a Nav package for little additional cost, by all means go for it... but I've never quite grasped why someone would shell out a couple extra grand for it these days when you can pull up an oftentimes better GPS system on your phone at any time.
In summary, I like my Pathfinder and I'm not sure that I would have done anything differently if I could go back, but my next SUV will most likely be something in the Lexus RX series or an Acura MDX. I haven't had an issue with a Nissan yet, but I feel like I'm on borrowed time sometimes
Acadia, Traverse, and Enclave are all the same. They are different skins, but that pretty much it. The number of shared parts makes them basically the same vehicle. Yes yes yes, they differ in what options come with different levels. That's all just candy. The bones are the same.
Enclave typically offers the most 'luxury'. Acadia is next. Then Traverse.
I know probably a dozen people with Acadias and Enclaves. Most love them. A few hate them because they have had major engine issues at under 100K.
I still drive what was basically the starter to 3 row CUVs- a Chrysler Pacifica. Its a boat. Only 500# less than a .5ton Chevy truck. And at this point its features are no longer impressive due to age, but I love it because its the family hauler. I don't want leather and touchscreen everything as the car will be abused.
Check out these options-
- Hyundai Santa Fe- ignore that its Korean blah blah blah. It has a ton of features and rides really well. Storage behind the 3rd row when the seats are up is very limited though.
- New Dodge Durango- Not sure if a 1 year old used vehicle is possible for you, but the new design is solid. rear wheel drive, which is odd, but it has easy access to the 3rd row and smooth ride. A lot of tech features.
Both of the above ride as well or better than the Acadia/Traverse/Enclave. An they offer more options at the same price point. A Traverse doesn't even come with a power liftgate at $40K
Toyota Highlander 3rd row is a joke. Just FYI. Otherwise, its a great vehicle.
As for the CX-9, it has really good handling. And seating was really good- better to me than an Acadia where you sit on the seat instead of in it. Access to the 3rd row is good too. A buddy at work has one, and hates the infotainment system. its small and not intuitive. And its a louder engine than most in the class, no idea why, but you can hear it in the cabin more than others.
Swallow your pride & get a minivan.
I'm half joking - I've never had one. But the wife and I are seriously considering one for our next vehicle which is still a few years off. Depends on the size of your family and where you live (harsh winters??) but for some situations they can't be beat. They aren't cool or fun to drive, but they can be much more convenient and comfortable for a family with small children.
She has an 09 Santa Fe now and we love it, but it does get cramped on road trips when you have to haul luggage & strollers in addition to kids.
I'm half joking - I've never had one. But the wife and I are seriously considering one for our next vehicle which is still a few years off. Depends on the size of your family and where you live (harsh winters??) but for some situations they can't be beat. They aren't cool or fun to drive, but they can be much more convenient and comfortable for a family with small children.
She has an 09 Santa Fe now and we love it, but it does get cramped on road trips when you have to haul luggage & strollers in addition to kids.
new SUV
I have both a Nissan (2013 Frontier Crew Cab 4WD) and a Honda (2006 CRV). Both are exceptional vehicles, both very dependable, and both do well in the ice and snow of a CO winter. Fuel economy is very good with both, about 25 mpg for the CRV and 20 for the Frontier (equipped with towing package, so geared down a bit). I don't know where the responders are coming from not liking Nissan products. I have had six Nissans and loved them all. My daughter has a Pilot with about 150k on it and it's great also.
I would not hesitate to buy a Pathfinder. I would not want an Armada - too big for me. But Nissans are great products.
I have both a Nissan (2013 Frontier Crew Cab 4WD) and a Honda (2006 CRV). Both are exceptional vehicles, both very dependable, and both do well in the ice and snow of a CO winter. Fuel economy is very good with both, about 25 mpg for the CRV and 20 for the Frontier (equipped with towing package, so geared down a bit). I don't know where the responders are coming from not liking Nissan products. I have had six Nissans and loved them all. My daughter has a Pilot with about 150k on it and it's great also.
I would not hesitate to buy a Pathfinder. I would not want an Armada - too big for me. But Nissans are great products.
Buy a used Toyota...
Same yourself some major cash and buy a used Toyota. I would not even think about a new auto, unless it was 0% interest.
I currently have a 2005 Land Cruiser that we bought in 2007 and it is still running great. Just change the oil and tires and drive..
I also had a 2003 4Runner, that we sold last year b/c the wife got a company car. No problems with it either.
Same yourself some major cash and buy a used Toyota. I would not even think about a new auto, unless it was 0% interest.
I currently have a 2005 Land Cruiser that we bought in 2007 and it is still running great. Just change the oil and tires and drive..
I also had a 2003 4Runner, that we sold last year b/c the wife got a company car. No problems with it either.
Fish
Considering parting ways w/my ancient Tacoma to get a mid decade LC. Premium gas? What's your real-world mileage? Insurance premiums?
Considering parting ways w/my ancient Tacoma to get a mid decade LC. Premium gas? What's your real-world mileage? Insurance premiums?
What is the deal with the new Tahoe prices? My theory is that ...
since the gov has mandated that auto makers must meet minimum MPG averages for their sold autos, auto makers are raising prices on SUV's and trucks so that more people will buy higher MPG cars. The wealthy will still be able to buy the premium priced SUV's, others won't. Thoughts?
since the gov has mandated that auto makers must meet minimum MPG averages for their sold autos, auto makers are raising prices on SUV's and trucks so that more people will buy higher MPG cars. The wealthy will still be able to buy the premium priced SUV's, others won't. Thoughts?
You get what you pay for.
Toyota products tend to be more expensive yet much more reliable. I'd go w/the Highlander or a CPO MDX in a heartbeat.
Nissan has been losing market share and reliability points since they were bought by the pantheon of well built cars....Renault of France.
Good luck.
Toyota products tend to be more expensive yet much more reliable. I'd go w/the Highlander or a CPO MDX in a heartbeat.
Nissan has been losing market share and reliability points since they were bought by the pantheon of well built cars....Renault of France.
Good luck.