NISSAN PATHFINDER

Often passed over in the second-hand stakes, Nissan’s Pathfinder has never had stunning success off the new car lot, either. That’s a shame, because they’re a terrific ‘soft-roader’ and a superb entry-level four-wheel drive. And the best thing about the Pathy is that they’re built super-tough to take on the dirt, yet very few ever venture off the driveway. In 1992, Nissan killed the old gutless wonder, the four-cylinder Z24 motor, and all Pathfinders since then have come with the fabulous 12-valve V6 - one of the simpler engines in these days of high-tech but one that delivers the goods none the less. In 1995, Nissan had dropped the manual-box option and by 1999 introduced its All Mode 4WD, which made four-wheel driving about as simple as it’s ever been. All that suggests ‘softy’, but the Pathfinder is definitely a Nissan off-roader, with all that that entails. It’s got one of the best-tucked undercarriages around, superb dust sealing and plenty came with a limited-slip diff as standard. Pathfinders are superb to drive, with terrific comfort and plenty of crisp acceleration that matches their excellent handling.

OFF-ROAD MODIFICATIONS

Nobody even makes a snorkel for the Pathfinder, which indicates how few people have taken them seriously. However, there’s plenty of generic stuff you can add to improve them, from dual-battery systems to roof-racks and even winches. One of the best ways to spend money on a Pathfinder is suspension. Something like ARB’s sports kit will improve the ride on- and off-road, and you’ll notice it every day.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Apart from the V6 being a thirsty lump, it’s unusual to hear about Pathfinder problems, mostly because they don’t have many! One area they have dramas with is the complex auto 4WD system, which can often appear to have chucked in the towel big-time when, in fact, it’s just sitting there having a little lie down. I’ve had a Pathfinder lock in low-range after a severe water crossing only to pop out easily a few hours later when a connection must have finally dried out. The automatic gearbox has a built in, temperature controlled, cut-out switch. Overdo it in sand or something, and it’ll shut down, refusing to drive until the transmission’s cooled down. But damn, what sort of test drive were you planning anyway?

HOLDEN JACKAROO

Early Jackaroos were boxy and cheap, but plenty of people learned to love them because they were reliable and cheap off-road transport. Then in 1992, they copped a redesigned body and a V6 petrol option that really changed things big-time, until they were refined again with the L8 in 1998. Oh sure, plenty of people reckon the Jackaroo’s interior layout isn’t as good as the Prado or Pajero, but try finding someone with a big mechanical whinge. The fact is that these Isuzu-built wagons are misunderstood in the market, and that makes them superb value for money because, given the quality of vehicle you’re getting, they’re cheap! My choice would be for an early model 1998 or 1999 L8, because the new engines were significantly better in many ways, and the body shapes look very modern.

OFF-ROAD MODIFICATIONS

The number of modified Jackaroos seems to growing all the time as people realise that they can be a very effective weapon with the right touch. Diff locks are available and very suitable for a vehicle that’s hard to grab too much clearance, especially given the robust Isuzu diffs. A 50mm tweak with long-travel shocks, a snorkel, some side steps and even a winch and bar up front is enough to transform a Jackaroo from good all-rounder to demon off-roader!

COMMON PROBLEMS

Very few, like most Isuzu-engineered beasts! Earlier models had troubles with the self-locking front hubs if they were abused, and that’s about it. They are prone to rust if used up the beach a lot - something they’re superb at given the power-to-weight ratio - and I’d definitely check under the plastic trim for signs of decay. Standard Jackeroo suspension has been getting better, but it’s still probably the weakest part of a very robust vehicle. I’d figure in the cost of some good aftermarket kits and exchange it as soon as you can. Might as well get the most out of your new rocket from day one, eh?