Is the Pathfinder series 2 the best SUV for family and towing?

w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 07:56
Last edited 17/11/2018 - 07:57

Hi all. In the market for a new SUV and I need to tow a food truck and carry a growing family.

I am aware of all models that could get the job done. Some have mean towing power but without the tech and luxury and others have the 'nice to haves' but do not tow above 2000kg. Good value is what I am after. Started at. Jeep GC but now I feel it would be silly to look anywhere but a Pathfinder.

The Nissan Pathfinder STL (or above) series 2 keeps rearing its head. What I find strange is….. No one is talking about it as the best all round SUV BUT when you look at the head to head (vs) reviews IT BEATS EVERYTHING.

Any experience, thoughts or advice appreciated.

Automotive Nissan

Comments

            • brauhem on 19/11/2018 - 14:46

              @brendanm: I said "pretty bulletproof"… I would take a Toyota Diesel over a Nissan or Mitsubishi any day. There is a reason the mine sites all run Toyota Diesels…

              • brendanm on 19/11/2018 - 14:55
                +1

                @brauhem: And I'd take an Isuzu diesel any day, and twice on Sundays, over a Toyota, Nissan, or Mitsubishi, and I own a Nissan diesel haha.

          • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 14:43

            @brauhem: Awesome cheers

    • redvaldez on 19/11/2018 - 10:57
      +1

      Pajero Sport looks good on paper. I don't know what's happening between the engine and the rear wheels, but most people complain that they are under powered as a tow vehicle (even though it has the same ratings as most of the competition…).

      I have a Pajero Sport and it's significantly quicker than a 2.8l Prado which I had for a week as a hire car. However the torque of the PS is rather peaky compared to most other diesels (peak torque is 2500 rpm) so I don't think it would be as relaxed when towing. I didn't drive an Everest as I couldn't justify the significantly higher price for a similarly spec'd model, but I did drive the PS back to back with a MU-X and thought the PS was better in every way bar ride (the MU-X soaked up bumpy roads better).

      I'm curious to what kind of numbers/facts about the PS are "misleading"?

    • subywagon on 20/11/2018 - 21:06

      I would avoid the Pajero as it's older than the MUX.

      I wouldn't skip something because it's "older". Yes it is overdue for an update, but at least the Pajero is tried and tested and it has aged well. It has constant AWD on the fly, excellent off road capability, strong reliable diesel engine with plenty of torque which is why it is very often used as a tow vehicle.

  • Koaladeals on 18/11/2018 - 22:35

    Do you really need a 7 seater SUV?

    I would suggest a large dual cab ute if you don't need all that space. Holden Colorado, ford ranger, or the VW Amarok.

    These have all the comforts of an SUV, and they are safer in a collision, better for towing, any have way better resale value to a tradie- there's not much resale value on family SUVs, comparatively. Generally families arent buying used SUVs, but a tradie or a company will pick up a dual cab ute with families kilometres on it.

    • spackbace on 19/11/2018 - 01:33
      +1

      These have all the comforts of an SUV

      As has been said earlier, only when there's a load in the back. With the leaf springs, if the back is empty it's not as good a ride as an suv

      • This Guy on 19/11/2018 - 10:09

        Ranger and Navara currently have a good ride unloaded. Ranger is very car like in XLT and above but the accelerator vibrates. Navara is almost as good with out the accelerator issue and feels like it has more interior space (especially in the back seat) and has a usable child seat anchor system.

        • spackbace on 19/11/2018 - 10:55
          +1

          Navara does because it uses rear coil suspension not leaf. Hence why they're having issues with anyone putting a load in the back 😂

  • AlexD on 19/11/2018 - 12:09
    +2

    You sound very set on the Pathfinder, but I’m putting in another +1 for the Prado. You mentioned towing and safety features (“not gadgets”) as your priorities, and I really see very little difference between the safety kit on even the base model Prado and the better equipped Pathfinders - blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, etc. are all there - you are only missing out on creature comforts that are certainly nice, but entirely unnecessary. If you’re getting them to impress others, maybe a less featured car would be better, as you won’t always be wishing you had features others have, and feel more satisfied with your purchase. It’s not a competition, and no one else really cares what car you have.

    You’re not wrong that the Pathfinder is a decent vehicle - it’s just a decent family SUV. It competes more closely with the Hyundai Santa Fe or (to an extent) the Volvo XC90. If you’re buying it based on having all the flashy features, think about how much you’ll use each of them, and consider the premium that you’re paying for each. Have a look at resale values - if the extra kit is more important to you, consider stretching the budget more for a better equipped Prado. Can you write off part of the value on tax? Are you keeping it for a shorter period? Even 10 year old base model Prados demand a high price.

    I’m not going to repeat every comment here, and ultimately it’s your choice, but have a good think about the reasons you’re so set on the Pathfinder, and if you’re still convinced, go for it.

    • BlitzR on 19/11/2018 - 12:16

      You are correct and I'm sure everyone who has read this can clearly see that he is dead set on the pathfinder. The only person who may be able to convince him to buy a different car would be Jay Leno

      • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 12:30

        Lol. Your assumption are so off. If you read the headline it was actually a challenge against the Pathfinder. Testing out a fortuna today and have a wild track I am also looking at and made an enquiry on an everest. 7 seats are an issue. My partner wants 7 seats (big family).

      • w3b3d1g1 on 27/11/2018 - 22:24

        You deserve votes down for this insightful nothing BlitzR

    • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 12:33

      "The impress others" is a bit patronising but thank you for the insight. To outline my priorities. I want my family to be safe, I want my partner to comfortable, I will need to tow once per week short distance on bitumen roads, we need 7 seats and leather.

      The original post was concieved because the Pathfinder beats near every vehicle in head to head comparisons on cars guide yet it does not get a mention in top 5's and after this post I understand this more clearly now (feature sets comparisons vs drivability, longevity reviews)…

      • jparga on 19/11/2018 - 13:26

        Have you seen the holden acadia?, has safety features and can tow well, also big space. but looks you wanted some reinforcement of your decision for the pathfinder…..

        • chumlee on 19/11/2018 - 13:33

          Have you checked out the acadia towing capacities? It falls short of towing much but a trailer or jet ski

          • BlitzR on 19/11/2018 - 14:00

            @chumlee: Plus it has a tweeked engine that was first released in 1994. Might as well put a bucket on the end of the exhaust everytime u drive.

          • jparga on 19/11/2018 - 23:16

            @chumlee: 2000kg a jetski ?

            • chumlee on 20/11/2018 - 05:44
              -1

              @jparga: Do you know anything about tow ball weight limits? Seems not

              • jparga on 22/11/2018 - 13:03

                @chumlee: me? no clue…towed a jetski with a car that had a 750k capacity…..so maybe the acadia can not with 2000kg…….maybe its a 8 seater jetski…..maybe I buy a fortuner and see if can tow it….with 2800…..let me know when available we do a test in either car….
                I wonder if your name is related to the pawn shop show from the USA?

                • chumlee on 22/11/2018 - 13:19

                  @jparga: Tow ball limit on the Acadia is 100kg. It won't tow a food caravan

                  • jparga on 22/11/2018 - 14:16

                    @chumlee: you said it will not tow a jetski……I did not say will tow a food caravan (2 wheels , 4 wheels?) …..

                  • brendanm on 22/11/2018 - 14:53
                    +2

                    @chumlee: Last time I checked it was 200kg, as it should be for 2t tow capacity.

        • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 14:38

          Yep took the acadia out on the weekend. No good. Rubbish interior and found the whole package underwhelming. I am not a massive holden fan outside my daily driver (vf2 ssv redline ute). I am not after reinforcement of the pathfinder….. To be honest the fortuner is the tops of the list.

          • jparga on 19/11/2018 - 23:15

            @w3b3d1g1: Fortuner ride I liked more than the MUX or
            Pajero sport,

            • Euphemistic on 19/11/2018 - 23:44

              @jparga: Not surprising given all three are a wagon built on the base of a ute. (Hikux, D-max, triton)

    • chumlee on 19/11/2018 - 13:35

      Huge price difference between a pathfinder & Prado. Prado is great for towing a large caravan around Oz but overkill for a food truck

      • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 14:39
        +1

        Fortuner is a better option then?

        • chumlee on 19/11/2018 - 14:46
          +1

          Out of those ute based ones ford everest is the better one

          • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 15:11

            @chumlee: Thanks yeah the everest keeps coming up but just cant afford it….. What are the series progressions like in the everest?

  • Plug on 19/11/2018 - 12:50
    +2

    NW Pajero would do it for me.

    • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 16:18

      A new Pajero? Any reason why?

  • tryagain on 19/11/2018 - 14:37

    A roughy that you probably haven't considered, no idea if it's any good though but I remember seeing one in the flesh and thought it looked OK.

    https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/haval-h9-68814

    • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 15:12

      Great. I wondered if this ever was going to get mentioned. This deserves a whole post on it's own. I checked out the LDV and Haval for fun. Suprised that they felt like nice vehicles but there was a though that i would never buy one (why is that?)…….. Do you own or would you own? Resale is a massive issues but i will likely hold on to it for a while…..

      • tryagain on 19/11/2018 - 15:35
        +1

        I originally saw one and actually thought it looked pretty good so looked it up, I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

        Vs a Prado (which I currently have) I guess you are comparing a 3-5yr old Prado with 100'000kms and no warranty with a new Haaval still with 5 yrs warranty left on it. Having said that I did the 5yr old Prado thing about 12yrs ago now and it is still going great with very little having gone wrong with it and almost an extra 300'000km put on it, I probably wouldn't be expecting the same from a Haaval.

        Resale would be one thing I would really need to look into, a greater depreciation on the Haaval could likely wipe out any saving on a purchase price.

        Would I own one? probably not as I actually take mine offroad and aftermarket parts etc for them I would imagine being non-existent, If I were using as you talk about I would consider it.

        there was a though that i would never buy one (why is that?)

        Fear of the unknown?

        edit, you have mentioned safety is important, in that case, I would probably make sure I had something that was not near the limit towing wise, a lot of towing specs these days seem way overblown to me, it's no good having the tail wag the dog.

        • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 16:00
          +1

          Agree with all your comments. Thank mate.

  • Ss-ss on 19/11/2018 - 15:34
    +2

    Hello, I had a 2017 Pathfinder Ti , It was great around town & power was good however for towing I'd go for something else. The rear shocks sagged very low with just a camper trailer on it & steering became dangerously light. I towed over 5000klm with it & survived but have since gotten rid of it for a Prado which I also had before the pathfinder. I think if you were going for the pathfinder I would change the suspension & put in airbags for rear springs.

    • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 15:59

      Thank you. Good info.

  • tissue on 19/11/2018 - 16:45
    +1

    What about a second-hand Q7 or Touareg? Has a 3.5t tow rating from memory. Inlaws did this after realising that second-hand Prado's seem overpriced for what you get, but thats what resale is I guess.

    • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 16:52

      Thank you. Ca you point me a little bit closer in the right direction. Happy to do the research but I have not considered. Looked at some touregs, nice vehicle but felt like I had to spending more than a prado? Any particular model or series you recommend for towing and family fun?

  • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2018 - 17:42
    +1

    Another vote for the Prado. I traded up from a Pajero and never looked back.
    Mind you after a trip to Mexico when I heard them using the word Pajero in their own language I wouldn't buy another one anyway!
    https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/pajero.31083/

    • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 18:53

      Lol. Cheers

  • JayM on 19/11/2018 - 21:55
    +1

    What about a Canyonero?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI_Jl5WFQkA

    • w3b3d1g1 on 20/11/2018 - 22:04
      +1

      Cayonero is my first choice… Those high beams! Whoa Canyonero!

  • Grish on 20/11/2018 - 20:29

    The more recent pathys are more of a soccer mum car, like the klugers. I wouldn't invest in either for any towing more than a basic camper trailer.

    The Pajero Sport imo is not comfortable at all, cramped leg room and useless third row kiddy seats. Not to mention no grunt either. But good towing capacity.

    I reakon the classic wagon Pajeros are gems though, pick up a diesel and you'll have a good sized family car and a very capable tug.

    Prado obviously very popular (among soccer mums too) but pricey.

    And kind of suprisingly, Ive heard a lot of ppl buy ford falcons to tow their boats/caravans. Cheaper, reliable, comfy, good tech options and can tow 2.3T.

    • w3b3d1g1 on 20/11/2018 - 22:07

      Thanks mate. I love the Pajeros and there are plenty around. I'm looking a two spectrums of the scale at the moment. An MUX and an everest and have a dealer telling me an option Pajero exceed is on it way for me to have a look at.. only issue is it is 2014. Need to evaluate what the upgrades are between 14 and 17.

      • stewy on 21/11/2018 - 01:03

        Steer clear of Isuzu.

        My 2017 DMax was the worst car I have ever owned (recurring DPF issues even after being off the road 6 weeks for repairs). Isuzu couldn't care less about you when you start having problems if it isn't a cheap and fix for them.

      • jparga on 22/11/2018 - 12:59

        look at the foot area on the third row of the everest, no way you can put both feet on floor……weird angled corner……

        • w3b3d1g1 on 22/11/2018 - 19:24

          Thank you I will. Have an offer on a trailblazer LTZ 37k and an MUX 39 2017. I'm thinking trailblazer at present…

          • brendanm on 23/11/2018 - 21:17
            +1

            @w3b3d1g1: Trailblazer has the far inferior engine of the two.

            • w3b3d1g1 on 23/11/2018 - 21:32

              @brendanm: Yes Isuzu leads the pack though right. The trailblazer engine is pretty good. My fear with trailblazer is what happens to Holden in the coming years?

              • brendanm on 23/11/2018 - 21:46
                +1

                @w3b3d1g1: The trailblazer engine is actually pretty poor in comparison to most of the others. It's the same 2.8 that was in jeeps in the mid 2000s. Just Holden tarting up old stuff as usual.

                • w3b3d1g1 on 24/11/2018 - 07:26

                  @brendanm: Is that the duramax engine right? Poor? Half glass full would say 'tried and tested' right? They have made a few changes though to access more power and torque and a more comfortable ride…. Below was a comprehensive comparison
                  where they gave the trailblazer the tick.

                  https://www.caradvice.com.au/683374/2018-holden-trailblazer-…

                  towing for
                  me is where the battle will be won and it is ohh so close ..

                  I have to increase my budget to 41. Getting no love at 38.

                  • brendanm on 24/11/2018 - 09:12
                    +1

                    @w3b3d1g1: I personally wouldn't trust caradvice, I go from my own experience. This is that the 4j11 is bulletproof and has a very nice torque spread, and that the 2.8 "duramax" is not. I've seen a couple of the late 2.8s in Colorado's burning a LOT of oil. They were an average engine 10+ year ago in the jeeps.

                    • w3b3d1g1 on 25/11/2018 - 02:04

                      @brendanm: Cool mate. And transmissions? Even par? Trailblazer tech is so much better that I think the misses will love but reliability is massive factor for me as I want to own it for 5 years…. Trailblazer warranty is good. My daily driver is a vf2 ssv redline that I bought purely for the fact it was athe last one and I'd never had a Holden before.. I have been impressed all round (besides with a few rattles they struggled to fix)… Anyway that is a positive the trailblazer.. my head says MUX LST….. At least I am at two. Do you own a MUX. What is your DD?

                      • spackbace on 25/11/2018 - 12:24

                        @w3b3d1g1: Trailblazer is not a Commodore. Don't think that for a second.

                        I used to sell Holdens and I'd happily own your Commodore, Trailblazer I probably wouldn't, I'd be looking at the Fortuner ideally.

                        • w3b3d1g1 on 25/11/2018 - 13:03

                          @spackbace: I would need the crusade though cause the leather is a not negotiable. I can go a 4x 2 option, whereas the trailblazer is a 4x4 for the same price. I am happy with a 4x2 until the food cart need to get off some soggy ground… Thanks

                          • spackbace on 25/11/2018 - 13:06

                            @w3b3d1g1: Fortuner doesn't come in 2WD, only 4WD…
                            And again, just because something is cheaper doesn't mean it's better value 😉 gotta consider long-term

                    • w3b3d1g1 on 25/11/2018 - 02:17

                      @brendanm: Mate thanks for all you help. Much appeciated but are you sure about the Duramax?

                      Reading: https://www.equipmentworld.com/duramax-2-8l-meet-the-4-cylin…

                      The engine was engineered in 2011 and optimised again in 14.

                      • brendanm on 25/11/2018 - 14:32
                        +1

                        @w3b3d1g1: The VM motori 2.8 was first available in the early 2000s. Used in Chrysler/jeeps. Model was r428. Later ones are a428, basically the same thing but with slightly higher common rail pressure, different turbo etc.

                        Completely up to you, but one is used in small trucks due to its longevity, the other is made by an Italian company and used in quality products such as Chrysler, jeep and Holden.

                        • w3b3d1g1 on 27/11/2018 - 22:14

                          @brendanm: Done. Thanks mate. Just purchased a MUX. 2018 LST 4x2 new for 40800 drive away.

                          • brendanm on 27/11/2018 - 23:00
                            +1

                            @w3b3d1g1: Nice one, enjoy it mate, they are a good thing and will do a great job of towing the van and carting the family.

                            • w3b3d1g1 on 28/11/2018 - 05:53

                              @brendanm: Thank you mate. Appreciate it very much. You are top notch!

  • w3b3d1g1 on 23/11/2018 - 19:28

    THANK YOU TO ALL WHO COMMENTED. VERY VALUABLE. Reading the post again I see the error in my ways….. All round definitely does not describe the Pathfinder. Even though I plan to keep the vehicle for 5 years the resale proposition ways on my mind. MUX LST is top of the list still, simple no BS. Followed by a Everest Trend (giving up the leather and some of the controls is annoying) and Fortuner….. A Prado would be nice but it is hard to find value in 4 year old with kms when you are spending 40k.

  • w3b3d1g1 on 27/11/2018 - 22:19

    2018 MUX LST 4x2 purchased 40800 drive away. Family happy. Will be seeing some foodcart deals here soon. Thanks again. To those who said I had my mind made up don't be so quick to judge. To those who spent the time to help much appreciated. The family and the business thank you, you did a good deed. Regards. Long live OzBargain.

  • w3b3d1g1 on 12/12/2018 - 08:56

    Received the MUX. Had some paint issues. Mismatch of colour on bumper and body, scratch on leather, scratch on soft plastic, vibration on front right speaker… Pretty annoying… Dealership gave me a purchase order number to get it all fixed….. So far so good with the driving… I have driven it from Sydney to New England and Tamworth to Brisbane via coffs harbour….. Plenty of long driving in miles…. How are you meant to drive diesals in?

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