Pathfinder vs Cherokee

andrewlail76

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2006
Location
Hickory, NC
OK...What would you choose...
I have a guy who will swap me either for my truck...and everyone knows about my truck...

1993 Nissan Pathfinder 5 speed with 171K

or

1990 or 91 Jeep Cherokee Laredo with 117K

Both 4x4
Both with functioning A/C

Again...this is to haul family and pull my boat...
I'm leaning towards the Pathfinder because I've never had one...but I've had a Cherokee before also...

I was thinking the heavier Pathfinder may give a better ride thatn the Cherokee...but what do I know...

HELP!!!
 
Well neither one would have a prob pulling a 17'. I had an 89 Cherokee 2 dr sport, and even though I babied it, it had alot of problems. I also had a 95' Pathfinder SE (Big wheel and rear tire carrier package) and didnt have one problem out of it cept the auto tranny went at 100k miles. It also had the electronic suspension and that started to sag.
I assume the cherokee is an auto? Have you pulled with a manual before? It a little different. So depending on that i would make your assumption from there. IMO i would go with the Pathfinder, but then again, im on my 5th Jeep. Ha ha, so it all depends really bro, but neither one would have a problem with pulling.
 
Thank you for the input. I pull the boat now with my truck...which is a 5 speed
so...pulling with either is cool. My luck...the Cherokee will get snagged Saturday...but that is OK. I am game for either one.
 
the cherokee would be best. i think.
 
91 cherokee would be the ho motor/better cooling system? parts are a little cheaper for the cherocar?
 
if its a 91 and not a 90, then it would be better for the xj. 91 had lots of advantages over the 90
 
As much as a Nissan fan as I am, I would lean towards the Cherocar. Why? More powerful, torquier engine, lighter chassis leaving more power to pull the boat and deal with the weight of lots of people in the rig. Parts are cheap and abundant.

The Pathy would be great, I still think that the design was ahead of it's time for functionality (reclining back seats anyone?). If you are keeping it basically stock it will run forever with regular 60k timing belt changes. The engine (VG30E) is just as bulletproof as the venerable Jeep 4.0. If it is an SE it has rear disc brakes which would help with towing. The only thing that will really suck is the 5-speed. They usually equipped the manuals with 4.375:1 axle gearing instead of the 4.625:1 that the automatics got. It doesn't sound like much but it makes a big difference and would be worth swapping some junkyard parts to get them.
 
I appreciate all the info...keep it coming. I know if the Jeep is a 90 it has a few less HP...and the 91 would have more...but he said someone was coming to see it Saturday...so I have to wait and see if it is an option for me.

I do not know yet if the Pathfinder is an SE or not.

Also, I do not know for certain if either has a trailer hitch...and I really don't want to spend more than tax, tag, and title, so...I'll most likely go with the one that is out of the box ready to tow...er...go...
We'll see...maybe...

A question...

They usually equipped the manuals with 4.375:1 axle gearing instead of the 4.625:1 that the automatics got. It doesn't sound like much but it makes a big difference and would be worth swapping some junkyard parts to get them.

Does this just involve swapping out the rear axle?



Much like everything else...Pics were promised for both last night and I do not have any as of this morning.
Typical luck for me.
 
OK...here's a 3rd to throw in...
1992 Cherokee w/205K
needs Valve cover gasket, A/C not working, and I have to find a trailer hitch...

By the way...the Pathfinder doesn't have a hitch...
y2kcrawler...you have one I can have?
 
I know the hitch from the Grandcherokees will fit on a cherokee. I would go with the Cherokee personally. If the 1992 is in good condition go with it. Fixing the AC is neither hard nor expensive, and a good valvecover gasket that will not leak is about 30.

I pulled my buddies boat all the time with my cherokee, and If I am not then he is pulling it with his.

How much are you looking to spend? I have a 1991 cherokee with a little over 200k on it. Ac works, hitch is on it, new rear springs with some 2001 coils in the cargo area. Motor and tranny run great, I just did an oil change and a tune up. Interior looks new. PM me if you are interested, or I have it listed in the For sale section
 
lol
I give up...my wife told me the only reason someone would swap me for my truck is because they have something that isn't worth a crap...

looks like blue will be with me for a bit longer...
I'll keep trying to sell...
 
I would go with the pathfinder.....I beat on mine like a redheaded step child. It had 200k w/auto tranny and I never had a problem out of it
 
andrewlail76 said:
lol
I give up...my wife told me the only reason someone would swap me for my truck is because they have something that isn't worth a crap...
looks like blue will be with me for a bit longer...
I'll keep trying to sell...
Click to expand...


You just arent having any luck bro!
 
i'm going to put in my two cents worth.
i love jeeps just to make myself clear, before anyone starts bashing me.
i drive a 93 nissan extended cab pickup-with the 3.0
same thing that is in the pathfinder. 233,000 miles on the original engine. does not smoke or leak oil. i pull a boat slightly smaller than yours-all the time. i have no problem. the engine when lugged kinda reminds me of an old 2cyl. john deere engine. i just putts along and doesn't want to quit. that being said my truck is a five speed. so i can't comment on the auto. idk. but my best freind borrowed my truck for a couple of weeks while we were fixing multilple drivetrain issues on his jeep. (dana 35 axle broke, range fork in transfer case broke)
he wasn't complaining.
 
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