No worries Tintin!

Unfortunately it looks as though there may be a bit of a wait... and I'm guessing there's a possibility the sale may not go ahead.

We'd arranged to meet and finish the deal today but he rang up very apologetically this morning to say there seemed to be some complication with the loan for his new car.
I should know by Thursday if everything's ok!

I hope so- I was so excited and happy with the deal!

I'll post an update as to the result when I know!

In the meantime, I may as well keep looking...

Hey guys!

I'm just wondering... in case this deal falls through- what are your thoughts on xterras/x-trails?

Pros/cons of a used one <25,000 AED vs. a pathfinder?

If they're suitable for some serious off-road use I'll look out for them too!

Are there any years/models that were better than others that would be within that budget (like '02 - '04 3.5L models for Pathfinders)?

I'd be curious to hear what the difference is!

X terra, yes - very good but likely to cost more like 45k+? X trails, think these are just all wheel drive or too small (4 cylinder?) to be all that useful off road. I suggest if this deal falls through just keep looking for a good Pathfinder (2002 - 2004)- they're excellent value for money.

X Terra is great but wont fit in your budget. Forget the Xtrail

Yes, stay patient and focused on the specs you've given yourself. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and then end up off track, especially when getting so close and the deal evaporates. It's your second car, right? So you have the luxury to wait for the right deal to come to you, and when it does, pounce right on it.

Normally I would advise an even older car for 4x4 use (second car) but since you're not yet comfy with the repairs scene in the UAE, in this case I think your Pathfinder plan is pretty good. Nice capable car, not hardcore but it'll take you places, comfy on tarmac and reasonable to fix.

Thanks for the replies!

I'll keep on track in case this falls through... you're right PR- too easy to get excited and caught up in the moment!
I'm very lucky in that my location and job doesn't require me to drive- so this will be my first and only car, and used only for pleasure! As you say, I'm in no rush as a result!

Hope you all have a great weekend-

Joe

Hey guys- guess what... I got it!! So pleased!
However, one concern- not sure how serious this it but I was pretty worried when I first saw it.
Basically I gave it a drive for a few hours after the deal was done, went to a friend's house for a while, and on returning saw a puddle of fluid underneath the front of the car, and whatever it is was still dripping constantly.
I had to get back for work so took it easy on the way back and parked it up.
I got out and it was still dripping.
It was warm (as it dripped), clear and had no smell, so first guess is that it's water.
Even when I checked after a couple of hours there was the sign of there having been a fairly large puddle and 'stream' going for a couple of meters out from the car. There was also still a fresh puddle meaning out had still been dripping recently.
It was coming from the passenger side of the car around half a meter in, and was either in line with or just behind the wheel, I.e. further into the body than it was nearer the front.
I rang the garage I took it to who said it could have been anything from a/c to the radiator, but I didn't have time to delve further.
Having Googled the symptoms the most common answer seems to be condensation from the a/c, with lots of people saying large puddles when parking up is normal in hot countries when a/c is used a lot.
This would make sense as today it was really humid when I drove it, but it still seemed like an awful lot of spillage!

Any ideas?
Thanks!

Ok the more I read different forums based on the question "what is this massive puddle of water under the passenger side of my car?!" the more I think it probably is just condensation from the A/C given that it was really humid today.
I really hope so.

Just thought I'd double check to see what you guys thought, in case it could be something more serious.
Tomorrow I'll check the levels of everything and make sure the radiator isn't running really low, that seems to be the only other possible solution that's plausible considering the colour/smell of the other fluids.

It'd still be handy to hear your thoughts!

It might be worth noting that when I looked underneath the car to see where it was dripping from, it seemed to be coming from two locations, around 5 inches apart.

Thanks,
Joe

Usually, usually if water dripping quite a bit from around the back of engine and depending where compressor and condensation lines are , that is common for here to see a puddle of water under youre car as you said of heat and humidity.
Maybe another symptom if this doesnt occur after a few days of use - leaking winshield wipers water tank?
If you cant see any increase in engine temperature from temperature gauge in dashboard, then not an issue of radiator system. Also usually (if they filled radiator with proper fluid) would be of green, purple,.. color.

Hey thanks for the reply Scavenger!!

I'm pretty certain it's the A/C now- I just couldn't believe at first that that much water can be collected by it! Now I look around in car, I realise that plenty of cars recently parked have the same puddle underneath!

I've checked the levels of everything else which seems to be normal, and the temp gauge says it's cool so I'm guessing it's nothing to do with the radiator, as you say!

Now it's time for me to come and join you on a trip!

Apologies for mentioning something I already initiated on another thread- but I have been recommended to invest in the following:

- Aluminium front plate
- Aluminium skid plate
- Rear towing point

Would you say these are essential/necessary for when I come out on a trip, or do they just make life easier?
I'm totally up for anything that can minimise potential damage, so I'm guessing they're a worthwhile investment!

Also, does anyone know where I can find them and what kind of money I can expect to pay for each? I think the garage I got the car checked out at can fit them for me.

Thanks!