Nissan Pickup Owners, need insight

[Black_Thunder]

I've been looking for a vehicle for awhile now that gets decent mileage that i can drive year round.

I've recently found an ad for a 1995 Nissan XE pickup, its 4 cylinder and 4wd, has about 137,000 miles on it, i don't know what kind of transmission it has but i'm guessing a manual.

Any insight on these little trucks?

I know Nissans are pretty dependable vehicles, i've never owned anything foreign or anything other then a Ford for that matter.

thanks in advance.

 

[Shannow]

Down here, they are sold as the Nissan Navara.

I've got a 2003 dual cab turbodiesel, and quite like it.

 

[ThirdeYe]

Pretty sure that year uses the KA24 engine, it's a very durable and robust engine, with no timing belt to worry about. I'm a big fan of the older Nissan pickups, I say go for it, provided it isn't too rusty.

 

[01rangerxl]

A member here recently bought one. Electrical problems seem to be the main concern. I'd check out all the electrical features on the truck closely, along with the usual used car stuff. In general though, Hardbodies are very solid trucks. I see ones from that generation all the time.

 

[MrCritical]

I'd be most leery of the 4wd system. Check it out completely.

Not for any special problems with this truck, just because it's 13 years old.


I wish the U.S. got that turbodiesel. I've got a feeling we may be getting it soon.

 

[eljefino]

If it has the same box frame as the pathfinder watch for rust in front of the rear wheel wells.

 

[ediamiam]

I've got a 2000 nissan frontier XE with that ka24 engine, 2wd, manual. It's been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, hasn't been in the shop, with most minor stuff I've been able to handle myself. Only thing is batteries die after only 4 years and I'm on the 3rd. Pretty easy access to most of the maintenance stuff, except I haven't gotten to the EGR or PCV yet which I understand can be quite tight. Mileage ranges from 23 -28.

 

[artificialist]

The #1 cause for a check engine light on a 4-cyl is a failed IAT sensor. Actually, what happens is that when the air filter is removed, moving the stuff around stretches the IAT wires until they break. Fortunately, it is cheap to fix.

 

[MolaKule]

I would definately find out if any CEL codes have popped up.

1. Before CAT O2 sensor uually goes south around 150,000 miles.

2. EGR flow problems, (stuck valve, etc) are another item to look for.

Have the steering tie rod ends etc checked.

Otherwise, they are essentially bullet proof and get around 23-26 mpg with the K24.

 

[globey]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
The #1 cause for a check engine light on a 4-cyl is a failed IAT sensor. Actually, what happens is that when the air filter is removed, moving the stuff around stretches the IAT wires until they break. Fortunately, it is cheap to fix.


Bingo! I had a 95 Nissan XE 2WD for five years and I had this very same problem.

I paid 2.5K for it used with 120K on the clock. I sold it with 170K and it was running great. What a mistake.

 

[Waldo_vt]

I have a 98 Nissan Frontier 2wd SE with the KA24DE & AT (120K miles). Really no major complaints with the truck. It has only been to the shop once to replace the rear pinion seal. Other then that it with regular changing of the fluids / filters it has run fine getting between 20 to 28 mpg depending on my mix of city & highway driving. There is a slight bug in the drivers power window that I have been too lazy to track down (window goes down but is slow to go up).

 

[Hootbro]

I had the exact same truck. In 125K, I went through two alternators, replaced the valve cover gasket due to a leak and had a issue with a sticky lifter I cured with a dose of MMO. Regret getting rid of it when I did because the wife did not like manuals.