USED Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 (05 - )

My car

Tried one before we decided to buy another Jeep GC. It's a shame that the Pathfinder seems to be such a let-down. The styling is great and the bodyshell very practical but the engine is woefully inadequate to haul around so much mass. Both gearboxes have their problems - the manual is slow and ponderous and the auto is poorly geared and makes progress very noisy and revvy. Also, after reading some online warranty figures the Pathfinder is unreliable with engine and clutch faults quite common. The test drive vehicle we borrowed actually had a rusty tailgate at just 10k miles, not a good sign... With a six pot engine and better auto they'd have a good vehicle but as it stands it's a bit of a wierd choice.

My car

I have owned this Nissan for over a year now with no problems whatsoever. It's the manual diesel and performs quite well on the mainly B-roads in the area in which I live.

The ride is smooth and nothing like 4x4s of old. I did test-drive a new Discovery when I bought this car and immediatelty felt sick at the wallowing at the slightest corner.

Power comes from very low down in the revs and this provides the car with reasonable acceleration; it won't win many races, however, but you don't buy a car like this to dabble against a V6 Clio...

The cabin is well laid-out and easy to use - even the sat-nav screen and all the different menus. The Bluetooth for the 'phone connection is wonderful, as are the automatic wipers and lights. Reversing and parking the car are simplicity itself, using the fabulous rear-view camera which comes on when reverse is engaged.

Seven seats have proved invaluable when relatives come to stay. The rear row of seats fold flat into the floor providing a huge space for luggage.

The 4x4 system is easy to use. I have used this to plough through axle-deep mud, climb grassy hills and wading through water.

On the down side, there could be more power available for overtaking and car tax is £300.

I have owned Ford Mavericks, Nissan Terranos and a Nissan X-Trail in the past.

In all, this is a brilliant family car that can turn its hand to anything and I would definitely consider buying another one in the future.

My car

I have only just purchased my Aventura having owned a Terrano for 4 years prior to this. The equipment levels are superb. Sat Nav. Rear Camera, Memory seats, full leather, to name a few. Today I drove to London and back and returned 35 mpg. The performance was great and the 6th gear a godsend as was the cruise control. The only down side is the £400 road fund licence which this vehicle just creeps into.

My car

Update on my review in March: my Pathfinder is now back at the dealers for the 9th time with the same fault. The ESP and the slippery surface come on for no reason and you lose power. We have now consulted solicitors.