Used Highlander (2013ish) vs. New Pathfinder?
Asked by caralion May 17, 2016 at 11:40 AM about the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder S 4WD
Question type: Shopping & Pricing
Having resigned myself to an ongoing need for 3rd row seating, I'm
debating purchasing a low-mileage used Toyota Highlander (CPO, 20-30k
miles, v6, base trim) vs. a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder (base trim). In our area,
these vehicles are within 1k - 2k within each other in price.
Our priorities include 1. safety, 2. reliability, 3. price (<30k). I'm a little
spooked by Nissan's past CVT troubles in Pathfinders. Would like to use
the new vehicle for about 8 years, then downsize.
I'd be very grateful for any insight and/or analyses into the pros/cons here.
Many thanks,
Caroline
6 Answers
Me, I'd go with the Highlander. the 1GR-FE motor is very stout, and not terribly fuel inefficient, with a combined City/HWY mileage of 22. They're comfortable and pick-up speed very well, all the while offering car-like manners and luxury car options (like back-up camera, navigation, and the like).
Thank you CtRacer_x -- any reason in particular you'd avoid the Pfinder, or just have an affinity for the Hlander?
Well Nissan's are good vehicles, and have wonderful technology- the problem is they of then have annoying drivability issues (moreso than the Toyota), like the fact that you have to remove the intake manifold just to change the spark plugs, or the dreaded CVT transmission- plus the towing capacity on the Toyota is better. And from my experience, the Toyota is more forgiving for those who tend to forget regularly scheduled maintenance.
Thanks again for your comments! We really like the Pathfinders, but the reliability ratings have us spooked.
Get the Highlander, the Nissans are on the bottom of the reliability list for Japanese vehicles.
Auto_Centric answered 8 years ago
Nissan the Worst of Asian vehicles, NEXT Highlander good enough (and the choice of) terrorists for use against.. Humvee's Kinda says a lot to me!
