Right now, there’s a Nissan Pathfinder similar to this one listed on a popular auction site that has been bid close to $20,000 at the moment. It’s a true survivor with miles lower than the one shown here, but it’s still a sign that the market for clean, survivor-grade SUVs is still largely untapped. This particular Pathfinder listed here on Facebook Marketplace is a desirable two-door model with the preferred manual transmission and in shockingly nice cosmetic condition for a truck with over 200,000 miles. The seller confirms there is no rust and he’s asking a very reasonable $4,999.
I’ve felt for a long while that 80s and 90s SUVs have yet to hit their stride in the marketplace. They are still highly utilitarian for anyone looking for an authentically raw experience, but still more comfortable than a 60s or 70s-era Bronco or Blazer. Parts are still more or less available, and modern conveniences like air conditioning and power steering were more or less standard by this point. Still utilizing body-on-frame construction with traditional 4WD systems means they are more than capable off-road, and simply adding a set of all-terrain tires increases their capabilities significantly. It was a delightfully simple era of trucks being trucks.
The Pathfinder shown here also hails from the era when Nissan was still trying to be a competitive car company instead of the CVT-slop builder they are today. Amazing bucket seats, gorgeous gauges, a 5-speed gearbox, and high-riding suspension are all qualities you’ll be hard-pressed to find in a Nissan truck made in the last 20 years. The seller’s rig looks absolutely spectacular inside and out for having over 200,000 miles, and he indicates that an older gentleman owned it in Arizona for the last several years (if not longer.) The Nissan looks quite clean inside and out with the exception of some missing bumper trim on the right rear.
Surprisingly, this two-door model doesn’t have a sunroof, as it seems like most of the Pathfinders from this era had a pop-up installed. The reliable VG30 3.0-liter V6 produces 145 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, which will likely still feel quite robust through the 5-speed gearbox. When it comes to survivors, you can’t be too careful throwing that term around, but for an 80s Japanese product that is extremely susceptible to rust, I’d say this Pathfinder qualifies. With the other truck going for big money, $5,000 seems like a steal for a rig we rarely see in condition this nice. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jack M. for the find.
Beautiful site that interior. 2 sticks, comfy buckets. 👍
1988 was my first year as a technician and I was working at a Nissan dealer in Florida.
Full body shiver.
I seem to recall that the two wheel drive Pathfinders still had transfer cases in them, they were just empty cases.
I remember when these first came out – I had just purchased a 1986 Toyota 4Runner because…well it was a Toyota (!) and it had more room and a better story to it, but these were still nice trucks. This is in pretty good shape, but the average late stage “Boomer” is too big for it now (Read: Fat!) and Gen Z can’t appreciate what these were at the time. The 4Runners still command much more $$$ than these will ever bring but still a very nice truck and a great write up!
Gen x we’re young drivers then and wanted these. They are the prime buyers now. Do you even know what a GEN Z is? As a gen x myself I already bought and enjoyed an 86 4Runner.
I am at the tail and of Gen X and YES I can tell you’re Gen X – you can’t spell! “Were” versus we’re but I understood what you “were” “attempting” to say! My point was that Gen Z and for that matter Gen X or anyone looking to get into one of these as a “collector” might pass this up in favor of the Toyota! Again – Toyota 4Runners continue to command significant $$$ – not so much for the Nissan products. That might change in the future but not on a 200k mile product. Don’t believe me? Watch BAT and see what you average 86-89 4Runner is going for these days!
I bought mine brand new in 1987. Although it was an automatic 3 speed and ran too high of RPM’s at highway speed. Never let me down though. Great SUV.