EXCLUSIVE: 1988 Nissan Pathfinder

UPDATE – There was a typo when the mileage was entered for Michael’s Pathfinder. This Nissan actually has 284,593 miles, rather than the 28,459 originally stated. We have since updated the ad to reflect the correct mileage. Sorry for any confusion. Our thanks to Michael for letting us know of the error.

Back in September of 2017, Jeff L wrote about a Nissan Pathfinder. Well, after reading that article, reader Michael M.G. saw this low mileage example down the street from where he works and decided he needed to have it. So he bought it and has been enjoying it ever since. The time has come to find a new home for it though and since it was a post here that inspired him to buy this low mileage 4×4, it only made sense that he sell it here! So, if you’d love to have this Nissan, be sure to message Michael via the form below.

From Michael – This Pathfinder spent the majority of its life in Oxnard, California. According to what I have been able to find out about it, it was traded in by an older gentleman who clearly took very good care of it. One day it started to produce a sound which he believed was the timing belt. So, he had the water pump, timing belt, and tensioner replaced but the sound remained. After having the vehicle for such a long time and the recent timing belt investment not fixing the sound, he decided to trade it in at Carmax and parted with his beloved pathfinder in order to buy a newer vehicle. It was then purchased by a wholesale dealer named RD Motorsports which buys vehicles in bulk and resales them at auctions, from my understanding. The vehicle was then sent to a night auction in Los Angeles near where I work that doubles as a dealer and consignment auction. I was fortunate enough to be at the right place at the right time and realized that the pathfinder was mislabeled as a “1998 Pathfinder”. I knew exactly what I was looking at and couldn’t believe it, all thanks to the Near Extinct: First-Generation Pathfinder article I read here on Barn Finds! No one else paid any attention to this Nissan. Needless to say, I purchased the vehicle and drove it away that night and have been the owner ever since! I’ve been wanting a vehicle worthy of posting on to Barn Finds and finally the day has come.

Details:
Automatic transmission
Interior in great condition
All body paint appears to be original
Very few dings on the body
Has what I believe to be a piston slap when cold or low idle
Runs great and drives well
Could use an alignment on front wheels
The steering wheel has some wear
Dash looks perfect with the exception of one small split (pictures provided)
Aftermarket stereo
No rust
California Car
Registration is up to date – Sep 2019
All original
Looks incredible for being over 30 years old
True survivor

We want to thank Michael for listing his Nissan with us as a Barn Finds Exclusive! It really is a great looking little 4×4 and would be a fun rig to have. These really are getting hard to come by, especially in this nice of condition. It seems like a great buy, so be sure to send any questions or offer to Michael via the contact form below!

  • Asking Price: $4,000
  • Location: Los Angeles CA
  • Mileage: 284,593
  • Title Status: Clean
  • VIN: JN8HD16Y0JW015465

Contact The Seller

List your car here on Barn Finds for only $50!

Comments

  1. Avatar Jeff Lavery Staff

    Smart move buying this. I want it but lack space. These are nearing (or have eclipsed) extinction in condition like this.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar angliagt Member

    I called these “Mallfinders”,because very few would ever take
    them off road.
    That said,I prefer that era of “suv”,as they’re not overly computerized.

    Like 2
    • Avatar CanuckCarGuy

      And still truck based…which is equally appealing in my books.

      Like 4
  3. Avatar OIL SLICK

    Piston slap?

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Skorzeny

    Watch those exhaust manifold studs… They always* break.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Mr. TKD

    Since when is 284k low mileage?

    Like 5
    • Avatar Codyco33

      Mr TKD I agree, I’ve got 210K on my ranger and I feel that’s much too high.
      Am I missing something ?

      Like 1
  6. Avatar Ross Williams

    The sound he describes is not piston slap. It is a wry common problem with the exhaust manifold bolts breaking, or the manifold cracking near the bolt. My 1994 did this, as do many others. The sound only appears when it is cold, but after warm-up, it generally goes away. Fix the bolt and/or the manifold, like I did, and the sound is gone. Great little 4x4s, although a bit unpowered.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar jimmy the orphan

    I had 5 of these. Mine were all pickups the SEV6’s 5 speeds. These pathfinders are just like the pickups. 87,88,89,90,92. I had the 89 the 90 and the 92 all at once. My daughter drove the 89 wife the 90 and me the 92.We loved those trucks.Used them for everything. The 89 had over 100k on it when I sold it with no major problems. But 284k ? those 30G and 30GE motors were great but I don’t know about all most 300k. I replaced the cam belts per factory specs. Hope this fellow did also, If I had this truck I’d rebuild the motor. Soon. BTW I never had any piston slap or broken studs……………………………..JIMMY

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Michael M.G

    Hello,
    If anyone is interested in this vehicle
    I would take $2500 for it
    Thank you

    Like 0

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