hey guys , am confused between a Nissan pathfinder 2003 and a Bmw x3 2005? both are good equally cars but the nissan has a problem with rust in the struts(they did a recall for it) and the bmw is very good but expensive if transmission fail or important component fails? should i buy the Bmw x3 ? is it reliable? or should i go with the Nissan ? thanks a lot
I have no experience with BMW's, but you got lots of advice above on that. I do however have experience with that era of Pathfinder, and don't be so quick to think it is a good buy either. I had a 2002, purchased used at 3 years old with 60,000 kms on it, was the base Chilkoot edition. Although Consumer Reports noted at the time it was an above average vehicle for repairs, this dropped to average by the time I got rid of mine after 4 years and with 180,000 kms. The issue here is that it was a vehicle with average reliability, but above average repair costs. Half the lights don't work? That will be $500 for the Daylight Control Module please. Rear windows won't come back up? That will be (you guessed it) $500 for the window control module. Has the Pathfinder "death wobble"? That will be $1,200 to replace all the bushings in the suspension; bushings only not the shocks/struts. The twin cam V6 needs valve adjustments? That will be $3,500 please.
So just be aware that you will probably have above average repair costs for both the Pathy and the X3. If you buy either, we would look forward to seeing your comments in either the FGC or FJC threads
