The one that got away...

If I remember right, mine had around 200K+ when I let it go. Other than dash/door/AC electrical problems and a burned up in-tank fuel pump, it was as reliable as could be. The wiring problems were typical GM problems for those years.

 

The '96 Pathfinder SE 4x4 that my dad traded for the Tacoma I now have...

My dad bought it brand new and had it for 13 years, and it was one of the most reliable vehicles we ever owned. I was 7 when he bought it, and it was the first vehicle I learned to drive in at age 16 when I got my learner's permit. We traded it for my 2010 Taco in September 2009, and according to Carfax; It had only 113K miles on it and was in good condition; Everything worked! It was repossessed from the second owner in June 2010, and the trail goes cold after that which leads me to believe that it didn't sell at a repo auction and was scrapped/crushed...



I loved this truck! Green with a gray leather interior, heated seats, sunroof, ICE COLD A/C, and decent factory stereo (not the optional Bose system, but still pretty good; original radio broke and it had an Alpine unit installed in 2005). It also had Off-Road Package, which added the blackout trim, fender flares, and a limited-slip rear differential, along with increased towing capacity (It could tow up to 5,000 pounds but we never towed with it). This picture was taken in 2008.

My dad financed the Pathy, but he paid at least $26K for it when it was new, and he paid it off in like 2000 or 2001. The one question I ask is "Who in the bloody hell finances a 13-year old vehicle with over 100K miles?!?!" It was worth like $4,500 at most when we traded it in! This is the type of vehicle that middle-class families (or even rich families) pay cash for and use as a spare vehicle or reliable winter beater! I still see these 1996-1998 Pathfinders driving around with over 200K on the clock, and it saddens me to think that my immaculate Pathy died so young!

I also had a friend that my dad was willing to sell to for $3,500 (less than what it was worth at the time). She had $3,500 in cash ready to go, but she wasn't sure she wanted this particular vehicle. My dad ended up trading it for the Tacoma and got $2,300 (they started at $1,600 and he almost walked). She finally made up her mind that she wanted to buy it, one week after we'd traded it in! I told her to call the dealer because they probably still had it, and to our absolute shock, Peruzzi Toyota had already sold it!

This here is a REAL Pathfinder, not like the current soulless blob crossovers with CVTs that are Pathfinders in name only!

 

2001 Saleen S281SC Speedster. Shipped her off to her new owner 3 weeks ago. 31k original miles and had a hell of alot of fun on local twisties with this one, handled like a go kart....miss her already.