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

  • brendanm on 17/11/2018 - 09:59
    +8

    Are you talking about the new pathfinder? The one that isn't a proper 4wd? It has a CVT, which would be terrible for any kind of serious towing. Numerous reports of CVT issues without towing. Did I mention it's not even a proper 4wd?

    • chumlee on 17/11/2018 - 11:10
      -3

      What's a 4wd got to do with towing?

      • brendanm on 17/11/2018 - 13:27
        +11

        Guess you've never tried towing something on boggy ground. Old mate is trying to tow a food truck, generally fairly heavy, and will probably have it on grass etc, could be wet, boggy. Having an actual 4wd will make life a lot easier if he does get in a jam.

        Another issue is the only engine is a petrol, which will suck the juice like there is no tomorrow towing anything more than a box trailer.

        • chumlee on 17/11/2018 - 14:21
          +3

          Pathfinder has a 4wd lock. This will be enough for muddy conditions. No need to go to extremes for just towing a food caravan

          • brendanm on 17/11/2018 - 14:49
            +2

            @chumlee: Yes I'm sure the pathfinder will be perfect for him, my mistake, you obviously know better.

            • chumlee on 17/11/2018 - 14:50
              +1

              @brendanm: You haven't suggested an option.

              • brendanm on 17/11/2018 - 15:18
                +1

                @chumlee: Isuzu mux. Failing that a Prado or ford Everest.

                • chumlee on 17/11/2018 - 18:08

                  @brendanm: Isuzu mux doesnt have luxury OP wants.

                • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 22:32
                  +1

                  @brendanm: Yeah doesn't offer 7 seats and technology falls way behind compared to Pathfinder and is 10k plus more expensive.

                  • brendanm on 17/11/2018 - 22:38
                    -1

                    @w3b3d1g1: Of course the mux has 7 seats. Oh well, grab the pathfinder. Might want to have a look at some reviews of it being used for towing lol. If you like hearing your engine do 6000rpm up a hill it'll be right up your alley. Also enjoy your CVT issues, will be worth it to have some random bells and whistles over something reliable. This is coming from an r51 pathfinder owner.

                    • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 22:42

                      @brendanm: I owned a 2004 xtrail with all the kit and it went hard. The CVT is definitely tly something Nissan have persisted with without any moment of perfect but I thing they are ok. Towing though yes, I should dig into that a bit more. The tow reviews are ok with the Pathfinder r52 series 2.

                      • brendanm on 17/11/2018 - 22:54
                        +1

                        @w3b3d1g1: An 04 X-Trail is a standard automatic. I also owned a couple years ago, and they do not go hard. Might want to look up CVT problems with r52s if you think they are ok. Reviews I've seen say it revs to high heaven at any sign of a hill, which it would as it's peak torque at about 5000 rpm, compared to about 2000rpm for a diesel.

                        When you see rated tow weights, that just means the chassis is rated to tow that amount, not that it will be enjoyable to do. My car is rated to 3500 from memory, and towing 3t plus in it isn't something I'm keen on often, and it has double the torque at under half the rpm of the r52.

                        If you want something that can tow and is luxurious without being a proper 4wd, get a 4motion Touareg. Air suspension will even level itself out when you put weight on the ball.

                        • w3b3d1g1 on 18/11/2018 - 07:46
                          +2

                          @brendanm: Cheers. Thanks. Disagree with the xtrail. Going bush that thing conquered anything and still goes strong today at 350k kms

                        • w3b3d1g1 on 18/11/2018 - 07:52

                          @brendanm: ….

                        • w3b3d1g1 on 18/11/2018 - 07:54

                          @brendanm: What tourag am I looking at here v8 is over 100k!!

                          • brendanm on 18/11/2018 - 09:10
                            +1

                            @w3b3d1g1: You never specified a price, but the 6 cylinder diesel will be under that obviously.

                            • w3b3d1g1 on 18/11/2018 - 12:20
                              -2

                              @brendanm: Diesal pumps though….. I don't get the diesal lust beyond the cooler burn. See to much heart ache with issues and rebuilds in the last couple years and 1.70 per litre prices…. But I will check it out… My price range is 40k give or take hence the Pathfinder being a compelling option….. But I am now looking toyota/VW with your advice.

                              • brendanm on 18/11/2018 - 14:09
                                +5

                                @w3b3d1g1: I'm not actually sure what you are saying. Diesel has a lot more torque, at a lot lower rpm. The higher diesel price is offset by using nearly half the fuel when towing, and being able to do it comfortably. Not sure what you are talking about with issues and rebuilds, the mux engine is the engine out of small Isuzu trucks, rated that 95% of them make 500,000km with no rebuild. The old Toyota 3 litre is also very reliable apart from injector seal leaks, which isn't a big deal if they are replaced every now and then. The vw V6 diesel from 07ish on is also very reliable, generally the worst thing that happens to them is egr issues.

                                For 40k needing a 7 seater and towing I would get the mux. Touareg 7 seater has only just come out and will be out of your price range, earlier ones are 5 seat. Prado is also ok but generally overpriced. Discovery is very comfy and will tow well, but reliability is shocking.

                                • BlitzR on 18/11/2018 - 22:08

                                  @brendanm: Its pretty obvious that he has his mind set on a pathfinder. A quick Google will show that the current patherfinder isn't the 4wd it used to be. Its a glorified awd for yuppies n soccer mums. The 2019 Nissan Terra that Australia isn't getting is what the pathfinder should be.

                                  • BartholemewH on 19/11/2018 - 07:18
                                    +2

                                    @BlitzR: When I was looking around a quick Google showed pathfinders are in their element on a tow truck back to the dealer.

                                  • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 08:13

                                    @BlitzR: No I dont mate considering multiple vehciles I started thinking the Pathfinder was food bang for buck but have manay things to think about now hence my engagement in this forum. Mind is not made up unfortunately.

                                • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 08:12
                                  -6

                                  @brendanm: Vw a Holden and Toyota in the family all big issues with diesal, fuel pumps and rebuild at 200 but I agree with your points and thanks for the info.

                                  • BlitzR on 19/11/2018 - 09:30

                                    @w3b3d1g1: Diesels have big issues? Where did u read this.

                                    • Euphemistic on 19/11/2018 - 10:30
                                      +1

                                      @BlitzR: DPF, injector failure are two items that are common themes in diesel issues. Different models have different common faults. Diesel and short trips, stop start don’t go well together.

                                      You can also take what you read on the internet with caution. The info is skewed towards faults because the happy drivers don’t bother posting or searching for faults they don’t have. The number of websites, posts and messages don’t equal the number of vehicles still running. Ask a mechanic and they’ll say ‘every diesel xxxxx brought in here hs the same fault’ but the ones that drive by working well aren’t counted. It’s a confirmation bias.

                                      • BlitzR on 19/11/2018 - 12:07

                                        @Euphemistic: I've owned about 5 diesels (brand new and used) over the years and have never had any issue with the engine. I couldn't care less about stop/start when it comes to diesel since it gets better mileage over petrol.

                                        • Euphemistic on 19/11/2018 - 13:33
                                          +2

                                          @BlitzR: Which kinda proves my point Blitzr. You haven’t had any bad experiences, you wondered why others have given diesel a bad rap. There are plenty of stories on the internet about all the bad points of pretty much anything while thousands of other users suffer no issues in silence. People will often say ‘don’t buy xxxx’ but you see dozens driving around daily.

                                          Modern hi-tech Diesel engines can have issues, probably more common than the old rattlers of yesteryear.

                                          Personally we’ve had 3 diesels. Two have been near faultless. The third is giving me grief, but I’m confident it can be fixed and soldier on without too much drama. Fortunately it is our second car and not the family runabout.

                                      • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 14:59
                                        +1

                                        @Euphemistic: Not sure why you got downvoted. Good comment thanks.

                                    • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 15:03

                                      @BlitzR: Its experience. Some have pointed it out to be bad fuel perhaps but fuel pumps x 2 and a recon new valves the lot within my family. Where i am diesal is also 170cent+…. anyway just to clarify my downvoted comment I am considering diesel.

                                  • brendanm on 19/11/2018 - 11:41
                                    +1

                                    @w3b3d1g1: That goes against what I've seen as a mechanic over a much larger sample size.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2018 - 14:39

      OP didn't specify drive type or road conditions, just SUV that can tow.

      That could be towing a one tonne trailer on bitumen. Not much of a task.

      • whooah1979 on 17/11/2018 - 14:47
        +1

        Op did mention 2000kg.

        • resisting the urge on 19/11/2018 - 00:16
          +2

          Towing anything with a rubber band is an exceedingly bad idea.

          There is a reason CVT is not a thing in heavy vehicles or ones with loads of torque. Their form is around 4 cylinder engines, not on gradients or in applications where they are driven hard or heavily laden

      • brendanm on 17/11/2018 - 14:48
        +2

        He's towing a food truck, they are generally parked on footy ovals etc, and weigh much more than a tonne

        • whooah1979 on 17/11/2018 - 14:56

          We don't know what you guys do in Qld, but we in NSW normally see food carts on bitumen or concrete road related areas. It's a whs and public safety thing here.

          • brendanm on 17/11/2018 - 15:19

            @whooah1979: You aren't allowed to have school fetes, sporting events on grass, or regional shows? Makes me even happier I'm not in Sydney.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2018 - 18:32

          I typically see them in concrete/bitumen

          • abb on 20/11/2018 - 12:24

            @[Deactivated]: A regional show, by definition, wouldn't be in Sydney ;)

            I've seen food trucks in both paved and grassed areas in Sydney.

  • pao2x on 17/11/2018 - 10:37
    +4

    You considered Jeep GC? I think you have to re evaluate your vehicle evaluations as a whole.

    • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 22:34

      As mentioned in the post I started at the JGC but I don't see many JGC with 150k km for sale….. Not sure the longevity it there…I need a vehicle to go hassle free for 4 years 30k km per year.

    • dogboy on 19/11/2018 - 13:47
      +5

      Jeep lol. The most unreliable of all cars. I can't understand why people keep buying them. It must be a Jeep thing. Mate has had 2 and they are forever in the shop with every kind of issue imaginable.

  • p1 ama on 17/11/2018 - 10:38
    +1

    Issues with the Pathfinder already discussed above. Before going with a Jeep, I'd recommend you have a look at some of the issues that people have with Jeeps.

    • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 22:34

      Yeah I don't feel confident. Love the vehicle but the fact they signed a big deal to transport their broken down vehicles in covered trucks scares me.

      • trev likes bargains on 18/11/2018 - 21:39

        Can you provide a link? I'm very keen to read this

        • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 15:05
          +1

          I was told by a "marketing partner of Jeep" did a quick good search and found some logistical information and nothing specific. If i find i will share. The person was anti jeep although working with them. I like the jeep personally heart says yes head says no. I have bought most fo my cars in hte past off heart this time i need a sensible purchase thanks.

  • spackbace on 17/11/2018 - 10:41
    +6

    Probably because a Prado shits all over it for towing and family trips etc.

    And very strong resale, something Nissan can't offer any more

    • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 22:39
      +1

      But Pathfinder beats it on comfort and tech and price and fuel economy… I'd like a Prado but slightly out of my price range for the optioned models.

      • spackbace on 17/11/2018 - 22:55
        +4

        Meh, 73L petrol tank vs 150L diesel tank.

        The Prado GXL with leather option really has most features you'd need at $72k drive away. It'll tow your food truck with ease, and take the family on holidays.

        But feel free to go for gadgets over reliability… You'll regret it in 3-5yrs when you have to sell the Pathfinder 😉

        • w3b3d1g1 on 18/11/2018 - 07:49
          +1

          Yeah fair point the Prado will sell especially if you take it the country, New England area is it all Utes and prados. If you call them 'gadgets' then yes it is easy to justify. I call them safety features ;)

          Whats your take on the fortuna?

          • spackbace on 18/11/2018 - 10:55

            @w3b3d1g1: What safety features does the Patrol have that the Prado doesn't? When comparing new vs new.

            And I wasn't talking about what I'd buy used, I'm talking about what I'd buy new to suit your purpose

            But hey, it sounds like you've made up your mind so this is pointless discussion anyway. As I said, feel free to buy what you want, you'll just regret it in 3-5yrs time when the Nissan is worth peanuts 😉

            • w3b3d1g1 on 18/11/2018 - 12:28

              @spackbace: Lowest Prado vs highest Pathfinder (for comprorable price) lots, adaptive everything, leather, climate and heating cooling, sound system, light tilting, automative lights washers seats, 7 seats… That is from my understanding…. But I also think you don't need it but I can see how it does make the Pathfinder a value for money.

              • spackbace on 18/11/2018 - 12:29
                +3

                @w3b3d1g1: Buttt… Those are gadgets. Here's what you said before:

                If you call them 'gadgets' then yes it is easy to justify. I call them safety features ;)

        • w3b3d1g1 on 18/11/2018 - 07:56
          +1

          So you would go a 4 year old Prado with 140k km over a new 1 year old Pathfinder with 15k km and warranty? I think I know your answer but just throwing it at you.

          • whooah1979 on 18/11/2018 - 10:41
            +4

            @w3b3d1g1: Comparing a Prado with a Pathfinder isn't fair for the Pathfinder. Their target market is different and not in the same price range. One is marketed as an affordable SUV/2WD/4WD made in the USA/Russia while the other is a quality premium made 4wd.

            The Pathfinder should be compared with the Kluger and the Prado with the Patrol.

            • w3b3d1g1 on 18/11/2018 - 12:22

              @whooah1979: Yeah but if I presented you with the above option which one?

              • whooah1979 on 18/11/2018 - 14:53
                +10

                @w3b3d1g1: Prado of course. They're not made in the USA or Russia.

                A used $40000 Prado is a better buy than a new Pathfinder.

                • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 07:41
                  -2

                  @whooah1979: Wow.thats a massive call. Bold. Thanks mate. Appreciated

                  • whooah1979 on 19/11/2018 - 08:47

                    @w3b3d1g1: The Lexus GX is based in the Prado. Toyota is smart enough not to risk the Lexus brand name with anything less than top quality. Any faults are usually addressed quickly.

                    • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 15:06

                      @whooah1979: Thanks that's interesting cheers. What insight do you have on the fortuner…

    • abuch47 on 19/11/2018 - 11:10

      Navara has great resale which was suprising to me.

  • chumlee on 17/11/2018 - 11:09
    +1

    Pathfinder is a good choice for the price but just make sure you do your towing capacity sums. Ford Everest is an option also

    • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 22:38

      Thanks.Pathfinder is not the 3.5 they advertise for the other vehicles but at 2.7 it does well. The Everest is ok but it does feel a little cheap when inside…

  • Captain Kremmen on 17/11/2018 - 11:33
    +2

    In no particular order:

    1. Isuzu Mux.
    2. Toyota Prado.
    3. Jeep Grand Cherokee.
    4. Ford Everest.
    5. Toyota Landcruiser 200, Landrover Discovery.
    • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 22:35
      -3

      4 of your 5 don't match the Pathfinder on towing/tech/comfort.

  • 2jzzzz on 17/11/2018 - 14:17
    +3

    Mitsubishi offerings are pretty good.

    • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 22:36

      Test drove the Pajero sport today but again no close to the Pathfinder. I did love the 7 seats in the Pajero sport though… Very comfy.

      • stewy on 21/11/2018 - 00:50

        What about the actual Pajero, have you test driven it?

        Although personally I'd try to pick one up that is a couple years old and without the DPF.

  • whooah1979 on 17/11/2018 - 14:51
    +4

    4x4 ute. Haul the food cart on weekdays. Then take the family for fishing and hunting on weekends.

    • chumlee on 17/11/2018 - 15:02
      +2

      Source his own fresh food for the food cart

    • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 22:37

      Nice ;)

  • w3b3d1g1 on 17/11/2018 - 22:45

    THANKS ALL!

  • Euphemistic on 18/11/2018 - 08:14

    Sounds like you are sold on the pathfinder, whatever floats your boat I guess.

    How much towing will you be doing? Short trips in town or long highway trips? For me that would be the difference. If the food trailer is just short trips in town on the weekend the pathfinder, assuming working within its specs, would be fine. But I wouldn’t be keen for dragging a loaded caravan around Aus with a petrol with CVT.

    For the record we drag our caravan with an R51 pathfinder so I’m not anti Pathfinder. I do think that the current pathfinder should have been called a Murano7 though as the pathfinder was a serious 4wd. Supposedly they are bringing out a new 7seater based in the Navara at some stage, and they should have saved he pathfinder name for that.

    • w3b3d1g1 on 18/11/2018 - 12:25

      Definitely not. We would be operating in a 300km radius at best once a week :) we do have some hill ranges. I think the weight will be 2k that we are towing but want to have more than a 2k tower….. There have been some serious improvements on the r51 though right..(beside rugged capabilities)… If you could choose a vehicle to swap out for your Pathfinder now what would be be… (Given you have a 40-50k budget, low kms used)

      • Euphemistic on 18/11/2018 - 15:17

        If replacing our pathfinder I’d prob be looking at an MUX, but I favour good solid engineering rather than all the latest bells and whistles. I would also probably want them extra 4wd capability, it that I’ve really used much of our pathfinders capability. I save the off road stuff for my ute (Navara) mostly but if we go on another long trip I’d want a vehicle more capable just in case.

  • hoey888 on 18/11/2018 - 17:52

    Some options and food for thought

    A) Get SUV

    Pro: Comfortable with tech that OP wants

    Cons: Absolutely rubbish for towing long term unless making modifications to suspension unless making modifications to suspension to reduce the sag

    B) Get a regular sedan/wagon

    Pro: readily available and generally had comfort and tech that OP wants

    Cons: As above, absolutely rubbish for towing long term unless making modifications to suspension to reduce the sag

    C) Get a ute

    Pro:
    -Usually great with a load on the back with leaf springs. (as long as you stay away from Mercedes and Navarra)
    -Can usually drive them to the universe and back reliably. Just look at car sales for high mileage ones examples.
    -Depending which one you buy, resale values can be pretty good. (if its a good ute, generally people don't tend to sell them often. they are run down to the ground or are written off)

    Cons: Absolutely rubbish to drive around town without weight in the back.

  • justaperson on 18/11/2018 - 19:44
    +3

    Current model Pathfinder simply will not last with heavy towing, its basically a glorified people mover. Grand Cherokee Diesel would be fine, a base model will last well. I know quite a few people who use it as a towing vehicle and they couldn't be happier. If you're not comfortable buying a Jeep though I'd go straight to the Toyota Fortuner - which is basically a narrower Prado for a hell of a lot cheaper. If you want something that will last towing, avoid the current model Pathfinder at all costs.

    • BobLim on 18/11/2018 - 23:24
      +2

      The Fortuner shares the Hilux platform and is a very different vehicle to the Prado.
      FYI Kluger shares the Camry platform.

      Prado and other Land Cruisers are in a different league

      • justaperson on 19/11/2018 - 00:45
        +1

        Full size 200 Series LandCruiser and 79 Series I understand are both on two completely different platforms. But I'm pretty sure the IMV platform which the Fortuner is based off is a derivative of the 120 series Prado platform with the current 150 series and FJ Cruiser being a wider body 2nd gen derivative of the 120 series platform, at least from the information I can find. I already know about the Kluger, same league as the Pathfinder meaning it'll be rubbish for any demanding towing.

        • BobLim on 19/11/2018 - 01:28

          Hmm you may be right about how close they are actually. I thought the IMV was a significant departure from the Prado line in several areas but maybe not.

          The Prado suspension should hopefully do a much better job with the trailer than the Fortuner though, and generally be a nice ride all around. There's also reasonably expensive legal aftermarket kits around for the Prado if you'd ever feel like towing 3500kg for some reason.

          Not sure what gadgets OP is after, but Prado seems to have heaps

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

            @BobLim: The prado for me is overkill but it is agreat vehicle. the problem is i cant afford the 50K for for 2015 model. I am interested on the progression is series of prados… is a later series much different from an earlier year series? FORTUNER…… interested to know more. Would the fortuner beat the pathfinder?? thats where my head is at now…

            • Euphemistic on 19/11/2018 - 21:12

              @w3b3d1g1: Fortunes and pathfinder are in different market segments so not really comparable. The pathfinder is a soft SUV design for moving people in comfort while the fortuner is a Hilux with a wagon body - tough and practical, suited to towing and proper off road use.

            • justaperson on 20/11/2018 - 01:13

              @w3b3d1g1: Fortuner is the same body on frame construction as the Prado but is narrower and lacks the self leveling suspension in the Prado. It is however luxurious enough and due to the IMV (hilux) platform its built on its very good as a tow vehicle, and 50k buys you a 1 year old, possibly even a new one with some haggling. The crusade trim is the one to get IMO.

    • stewy on 21/11/2018 - 00:56

      Wouldn't go anywhere near a Fortuner, Hilux or Prado that have the 2.8L diesel with DPF. They are plagued with issues and last I had heard, Toyota have no real idea on how to actually fix it.

      Well documented around the internet, so resale will go to the shitter.ou

      If you want a Prado, go for the pre DPF model. Although there was some slight chatter about of some people having fuel injector troubles but it's not anywhere near as bad as the DPF dramas on the current Gen.

      • spackbace on 21/11/2018 - 02:09
        +1

        Umm no, not a problem

        There were a handful of cars affected, internet blew it up to a crazy level.

        Older cars now have software updates with no issues seen since, new models have manual burn switches for the dpf.

        By rights any diesel should see regular highway use. Drive it in suburbia every day and you'll see issues.

        Resale still strong as ever

        • stewy on 21/11/2018 - 18:51

          Well given I have seen quite a few driving around puffing out smoke, I must be really lucky then to have actually seen all of that small handful..

          • spackbace on 21/11/2018 - 18:53

            @stewy: Depends on the smoke. When any car is burning the dpf it's normal to see smoke.

          • Euphemistic on 21/11/2018 - 19:05

            @stewy: Smoking diesel is typically overfuelling. Push your foot down too hard and all the excess gets pumped out the back as black smoke. Nothing to do with DPF.

  • ShortyX on 18/11/2018 - 21:12
    +1

    Random question here… what’s a Sorento (diesel) like for towing a caravan?

    • resisting the urge on 19/11/2018 - 00:19
      +1

      Fine. Heavy and torquey. Kias are like heavy (increasingly plastic, nowadays) tanks.

      After all, they also make steel tanks

      But a large 2WD may still be better for towing as it has lower CoG, is more economical and more controllable in an emergency

      • SlickMick on 19/11/2018 - 00:51

        Glad this was asked. I'm buying a Sorento with a tow pack. Considered most of the other vehicles mentioned here - they provide a lot of features and 7 year warranty. I thought the towing would be the weakest point - good to hear it isn't that weak.

        • BlitzR on 19/11/2018 - 09:50
          +1

          Did you have a look at the new santa fe? Amazing for luxury, comfort and safety.

          • SlickMick on 19/11/2018 - 12:17

            @BlitzR: No, I missed it. They're added heaps in the latest version.

            But I heard that they're so popular they will hardly give a discount, whereas I got $7550 off the Sorento.

            I haven't picked Sorento up yet, could probably still get out of it, but Santa Fe will end up costing almost $10K more.

            • BlitzR on 19/11/2018 - 12:26
              +1

              @SlickMick: When I got the 2014 DM series it was very popular too and the wait for about 4mths for a brand new one. I just did a search on carsales for a demo model and was able to find about 5 within QLD. I was lucky enough to get a demo that was apparently driven by the sales manager for $10k off the price and had only done just over 1000kms. The bonus was they threw in headlight/bonnet protectors, carpet, window visors, sidesteps a full tank of fuel PLUS they delivered it to my door. All this from a dealer then was nearly 100kms away from my house.

              Don't believe the BS that ppl stead about dealers not going below ticketed price. It all comes down to the salesman u get get. There is no harm ringing around for the best deal if it can save u thousands.

              • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 15:09

                @BlitzR: I have pushed the salesman hard on some vehicles but absolutely no budge… I almost miss the old style, no clipboard in hand and willing to have a good ol' haggle. They try to discount by the government costs now… frustrating especially when you have cash to go.

  • This Guy on 18/11/2018 - 21:29
    +10

    Like others had said, the Pathfinder is not comparable as a tow vehicle. Nissan's comparable vehicle is the Patrol. Sometimes numbers lie are misleading because they are missing vital pieces of info "cough" Pathfinder "cough" "cough" Pajero Sport "cough".

    From what you have said, a ute based SUV will be your best bet.

    You want cheap, tech and need a real 4x4.

    Everest fits your bill best. Everything else is a compromise. Best warranty. Strong on recalls (every car listed has issues, Ford NOW fixes theirs). Quite and one of the smoothest. 12V already in the boot. Proper tie downs in the boot. Can get the bottom two trims in 5 seat for $1000 less. Priced a $5k to $10k higher than the MUX, but you get more bells and whistles on each level. Has Ad Blu which is a ton easier to use than a particulate filter. Only issue is that over drive gears will cook the gearbox if you manually select them when towing (they won't cook if left in auto). Adaptive cruse and auto braking are amazing and works with load. Just avoid the 2 litre (as it's unproven).

    MUX wins as a cheap SUV, because it's cheap, reliable, comfortable and a 4x4. No tech in LS-T other than roof DVD, but an after market branded head unit fixes most of that. Has more advanced anti fishtail tech than the Everest, but none of the current fad auto stuff. Newer ones now have problems, but no worse than the competition. Thin paint.

    Prado fails on price but wins on resale value. Also not a ute platform! They have a good name. About all I know about them.

    Jeep fails on resale value. Seriously, up to $15k worse as a trade in as they don't sell on used yards. If you want one, be prepared to sell privately far below carsales advertised prices (the ones on there have often been listed for a year plus).

    Pathfinder fails as it is petrol making it insanely expensive on fuel, not a 4x4 (no ladder frame meaning not as good for towing), designed as on demand AWD so no low range to get you out of trouble) and CVT (loaded CVT's tend to break, however Nissan seems to be getting better). I doubt the rear suspension would handle towing more than 2 ton constantly (why Hyundai and KIA de-rate their ball weight rating).

    I would avoid the Pajero as it's older than the MUX. It should compete the with Land Cruser or Patrol. It doesn't compete with the Ute Based SUV's. 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 personally find the 2nd and 3rd row cramped and tacky (I hate it's rear roof vents).

    Ignored Trailblazer as in my opinion they have some of the worst seats in the industry. I see little value over the MUX (it's sister car). They have a bad rep for reliability.

    Don't forget to budget for tow bar, electric brakes and your tow harness.

    Test drives won't show you what each SUV drives like while towing. Read forums.

    These are my personal opinions. Take them or leave them. Please do your own research.

    • w3b3d1g1 on 19/11/2018 - 08:10

      Absolutely brilliant feedback and advice. Cheers thank you.

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

        Thank you.

        Let me know which way you go.

      • jparga on 19/11/2018 - 10:38

        Have you look the Toyota Fortuner?

        • brauhem on 19/11/2018 - 11:32
          +1

          My folks are grey nomads and just sold their Hilux and got a Fortuner. Amazing car, surprised there aren't more on the roads. Great at towing, the crusade has a nice interior, based on a hilux so pretty bulletproof.

          • brendanm on 19/11/2018 - 11:43

            @brauhem: I love the "based on a Hilux so it's bulletproof" comments. How is the Hilux going with dpf and 5th injector issues?

            • spackbace on 19/11/2018 - 12:44

              @brendanm: Dpf is sorted, was a very small amount that had issues. Could be worse, could be the Ford one catching fire because of placement 😉

              There's now a software update which has resolved any issues, and new models have a manual burn switch

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