Topic: Nissan Pathfinder Chilkoot vs Chinook 2004

[coolcanuck-eh]

Can any of you Pathfinder people out there explain the difference between the Chinook and Chilkoot models of the Pathfinder.  I am about to purchase and both these models are available to me. They are both 2004 models. Chilkoot going for $12,900 with 88,000 KM and Chinook for $16,400 with 46,000 KM. Are prices within range?  Thanks
 

[HeliDriver]

Can any of you Pathfinder people out there explain the difference between the Chinook and Chilkoot models of the Pathfinder.  I am about to purchase and both these models are available to me. They are both 2004 models. Chilkoot going for $12,900 with 88,000 KM and Chinook for $16,400 with 46,000 KM. Are prices within range?  Thanks
 

Sure. On the rear hatch, the Chilkoot had cheesy graphics of three prospectors climbing a mountain. The radically updated Chinook had cheesy graphics of wind blowing off a mountain.

Okay, okay... I did also find this (for 2003 Pathfinders):

"Chilkoot lacks the LE's skid and traction control technology, side-curtain and seat-mounted air bags, and power seats and other luxuries. But it comes with limited slip differential, a six-CD, 150-watt audio system, and, with the automatic transmission, the all-mode four-wheel-drive. (Manuals get a part-time, shift-on-the-fly system.)" http://driving.canada.com/research/viewroadtest.spy?artid=47120&pg=2

You can read all about the 2004 Chinook here: http://www.canadiandriver.com/2004/10/27/test-drive-2004-nissan-pathfinder-chinook.htm . (I think there's an error in the third paragraph, though. Where it says "the Chinook replaces last year’s Chinook Trail edition", I think it should read Chilkoot Trail edition. If so, are you sure that Chilkoot you're looking at is really a 2004?)

[Trainman]

If my memory serves, the Chinook replaced the Chilkoot for 2004, so the one labeled as a Chilkoot can not be a 2004 unless it has been repainted/striped in which case I would be asking why.

The Chilkoot name will also appear on the front fenders in the stripping and in the cab, on a numbered plaque on the overhead compartment.  Mine was 108 or something   

[coolcanuck-eh]

Thanks for the information all. Next question is can the 3.5 litre engine tow a 26 foot travel trailer or would it need a special tow package.  Trailer is 6000 pounds. If the pathfinder will not do is there another SUV that you can recommend that  would tow it that would still be reasonable on gas mileage when not towing. 

[rrocket]

Hmmmm...I think they can only tow 5000 lbs.

You might be looking at a full size (V8) tow vehicle...

[HeliDriver]

With a trailer that size and weight, I think you're squarely in V8 territory. I'd be looking for something no smaller than a Durango.

There's a few tow-vehicle threads over in the Truck section. You might want to do some reading over there..

[Trainman]

Thanks for the information all. Next question is can the 3.5 litre engine tow a 26 foot travel trailer or would it need a special tow package.  Trailer is 6000 pounds. If the pathfinder will not do is there another SUV that you can recommend that  would tow it that would still be reasonable on gas mileage when not towing. 

The VQ 3.5 with automatic is rated at 5,000 lbs (with 5 speed manual its only 3,500 lbs), so you are out of luck.  You will be looking for something bigger, with more capacity.