Find the depreciation rate of your Nissan Pathfinder in the graph bel0ow.
A vehicle begins to depreciate (lose value) from the moment the owner purchases it. The Nissan Pathfinder depreciates in the same way. The most depreciation occurs during the first year. After the initial loss, the Pathfinder will depreciate more slowly each year until it reaches the four-year mark. Vehicles depreciate at different rates depending on their make and model, so knowing the depreciation of your specific car is important. Learning about the depreciation rate of your Pathfinder can help you determine its long-term value and total cost of ownership.
Keep in mind that just because the vehicle costs the least to own in the sweet spot we have outlined here, you still may not want to own the vehicle during these depreciation sweet spot years. Although vehicles depreciate less as they get older, they have more repairs. Duh right? However, keep in mind that repairs don’t just cost you money, they cost you time. Reliability is the difference between being able to make it to your destination on time or missing an opportunity because the car broke down.
Check out our article on the best and worst years of the Nissan Pathfinder to see our reliability ratings for all years of the Pathfinder between 2001-2022. We also cover MPG, safety ratings, and a number of other factors. We pulled data from Pathfinders registered in our app and surveyed owners to get you data-backed answers on just how good or bad each year of the Pathfinder is.
If you want to know the depreciation and maintenance costs for your particular vehicle, use our free “Total Cost of Ownership” tool available in the FIXD App – Android or IOS.
If you like our online tools and articles consider purchasing our FIXD sensor for $19.99 (this is 67% OFF). It’s our flagship product. With it, you scan your car for common engine problems.
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Nissan Pathfinder Depreciation
| Model Years | Mileage | Amount Depreciated | Residual Value Percentage | Resale Value |
| 2001 | 264,000 | $32,466.66 | 1.9% | $615 |
| 2002 | 252,000 | $33,304.86 | 1.7% | $593 |
| 2003 | 240,000 | $33,961.33 | 1.9% | $659 |
| 2004 | 228,000 | $34,371.47 | 2.0% | $710 |
| 2005 | 216,000 | $30,723.67 | 3.5% | $1,107 |
| 2006 | 204,000 | $30,287.86 | 5.1% | $1,618 |
| 2007 | 192,000 | $31,674.68 | 5.3% | $1,784 |
| 2008 | 180,000 | $32,186.19 | 5.6% | $1,919 |
| 2009 | 168,000 | $33,714.38 | 5.6% | $2,014 |
| 2010 | 156,000 | $33,120.47 | 6.5% | $2,288 |
| 2011 | 144,000 | $32,877.99 | 8.3% | $2,981 |
| 2012 | 132,000 | $32,250.04 | 10.8% | $3,914 |
| 2013 | 120,000 | $31,640.43 | 9.6% | $3,357 |
| 2014 | 108,000 | $31,596.32 | 10.0% | $3,527 |
| 2015 | 96,000 | $30,646.81 | 14.2% | $5,070 |
| 2016 | 84,000 | $29,687.60 | 17.6% | $6,362 |
| 2017 | 72,000 | $26,079.02 | 28.2% | $10,254 |
| 2018 | 60,000 | $25,444.14 | 32.1% | $12,038 |
| 2019 | 48,000 | $23,152.48 | 40.7% | $15,900 |
| 2020 | 36,000 | $20,448.17 | 48.2% | $19,035 |
| 2021 | 24,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2022 | 12,000 | $8,255.39 | 76.9% | $27,427 |
| 2023 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2024 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The chart above conveys the approximate depreciation for a Nissan Pathfinder based on Kelley Blue Book data since 2001, assuming a vehicle in standard trim, a generic color, such as black or white, and a mileage of 12,000 per year.
Keep in mind that the auto market was heavily affected in 2020 and beyond. Automakers selling new cars during the COVID pandemic raised prices which caused a spike in demand in the used car market as people tried to save money. Many automakers, however, did not drop prices after the pandemic, they kept them so they could make a larger profit.
This is why the most recent years of many vehicles have seemingly experienced less depreciation. Some may have even appreciated due to the heightened levels of inflation created.
Factors That Impact the Nissan Pathfinder Depreciation Rate
Nissan, a Japanese automaker, produces a lineup of cars, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks. Among its vehicles, some have high-reliability ratings, while others have issues relating to quality and dependability. This inconsistency in reliability may affect the depreciation of Nissan vehicles. Overall, however, the brand has a reputation for building solid vehicles with good performance. Besides Nissan’s reputation, here are some other factors that can affect the depreciation of your Pathfinder.
Age
A vehicle’s model year refers to its generation and features. It’s not the same as the year of manufacture, which is why some auto manufacturers release new models before the end of the calendar year. Generally, a vehicle loses the most value over the first year, especially when the next model year arrives to replace it. A vehicle may continue to depreciate more quickly for the next few years until the loss in value becomes more stable.
Nissan and other car manufacturers usually update or redesign their vehicles each year. For example, a new model year may get advanced safety features or new technology. For this reason, some model years may be better than others, which can improve their resale value.
Body Type
Body type, or body style, classifies a vehicle based on its size, shape, and arrangement. Common body styles include sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, sports cars, convertibles, station wagons, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks. In the North American market, small to midsize SUVs and pickup trucks usually depreciate most slowly. This is because there’s a greater demand for those vehicles. In contrast, luxury cars generally depreciate most quickly.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV with three rows of seats. Typically, vehicles in this class depreciate more slowly than compact cars. However, if the demand grows for smaller cars, such as sedans and hatchbacks, the Pathfinder and other SUVs may start to depreciate more quickly.
Mileage
The mileage on your Pathfinder can affect its depreciation and value. Typically, cars with higher mileage need more maintenance and repairs than low-mileage vehicles. This additional wear and tear can drive down a car’s resale value. The average driver travels slightly over 1,000 miles each month, according to federal data. That’s why we base our model on 12,000 miles of driving per year. If you drive more than that average, you may increase your Pathfinder’s depreciation. Conversely, you may slow the depreciation rate if you drive fewer miles than average each year.
Overall Condition
A vehicle in good condition usually has little or no mechanical issues and minimal wear and tear. Therefore, it’s usually worth more than another vehicle in bad condition. You can keep your Pathfinder in good condition by taking it for routine maintenance. Additionally, try to avoid major damage and keep the SUV clean to maintain its physical appearance.
While maintenance is an essential part of car ownership, there may come a point when it doesn’t make sense to continue fixing a vehicle. If the repair cost exceeds the vehicle’s worth, you may prefer to sell the car and purchase a new one. There’s no reason to spend money on repairs if you don’t get an equal or greater amount for the vehicle when you’re eventually ready to sell it.
Color
The color of your Pathfinder can also affect its depreciation. According to a recent study, less popular vehicle colors, including yellow, orange, and beige, retain their value better. Common colors, including black, brown, and gold, have faster depreciation rates because more vehicles are available in those shades. While your Pathfinder’s color isn’t the only factor to consider, purchasing one in an uncommon color could help you get the best resale value.
Other Costs of Nissan Pathfinder Ownership
It’s important to account for depreciation when determining the overall cost of vehicle ownership. However, there are other costs to consider.
Insurance
You must pay for insurance to drive your Pathfinder legally. Your insurance premium can depend on various factors, including the vehicle you drive. Insurers charge higher premiums for some vehicles, depending on their use and safety features.
It costs about the same to insure a Pathfinder as other vehicles. On average, you can expect to pay about $147 per month for insurance on a Pathfinder. That’s the same rate as the national average cost of car insurance for all vehicles. Your insurance rate on a Pathfinder may vary based on other factors, such as where you live and your driving history.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance is another cost to consider when purchasing a Nissan Pathfinder. Regular servicing helps you to maintain the vehicle’s operability and value. It costs an average of $668 per year to maintain a Pathfinder. If you own the SUV for five years, you’ll pay about $3,340 in maintenance costs throughout your ownership. In comparison, the average maintenance cost for all vehicles is $694 per year.
While the Pathfinder has lower maintenance costs on average, some model years may require more advanced repairs. You can compare the Nissan Pathfinder maintenance costs by model year by referencing our graph. Specifically, here are the worst model years that can come with above-average maintenance and repair costs:
- 2001
- 2003-2006
- 2008-2009
The Best Model Year To Buy a Nissan Pathfinder
Based on factors including price and reliability (but not depreciation), our choice for the best Nissan Pathfinder model years to buy are the 2007 and 2010-2020, but check out our article on the best and worst years of the Pathfinder to get the whole story.
Accounting for depreciation, the 2010-2014 model years are the best Pathfinders to purchase. These models all have high-reliability scores, and they’re also within the sweet spot for depreciation, making them excellent value.
Buying a Nissan Pathfinder New vs. Used
| 20-Year Projection | ||
| Years Since Purchased | Depreciated Value | With Inflation |
| 1 | $27,069 | $29,882 |
| 2 | $23,573 | $27,547 |
| 3 | $16,966 | $19,930 |
| 4 | $14,326 | $16,892 |
| 5 | $11,299 | $13,258 |
| 6 | $9,926 | $11,619 |
| 7 | $6,195 | $7,262 |
| 8 | $4,998 | $5,894 |
| 9 | $3,520 | $4,165 |
| 10 | $3,379 | $4,041 |
| 11 | $3,802 | $4,621 |
| 12 | $2,922 | $3,651 |
| 13 | $2,288 | $2,910 |
| 14 | $1,971 | $2,534 |
| 15 | $1,971 | $2,495 |
| 16 | $1,866 | $2,339 |
| 17 | $1,795 | $2,245 |
| 18 | $1,232 | $1,550 |
| 19 | $704 | $881 |
| 20 | $669 | $824 |
When deciding whether to buy a new or used Pathfinder, it’s helpful to compare depreciation costs. After three years, a 2020 Pathfinder has accumulated about $20,448 in depreciation costs. It’s currently worth $19,035, adjusted for inflation. In comparison, a new 2023 Pathfinder will lose about $18,234 of its value in the first three years, making it worth about $19,930 after that period.
Both the 2020 and the 2023 models experience similar losses in value over three years. However, when you buy the used version, you’re not the driver who loses the car’s initial value. Instead, someone else takes that loss, and you purchase a slightly used version that’s better value than the brand-new model.
When buying a used car, follow some steps to make sure you get the best deal on the vehicle. Use Kelley Blue Book or a similar resource to understand the value of the vehicle and its accumulated depreciation. Remember to consider other costs, such as maintenance and insurance, as you determine the overall value and cost of the vehicle.
Methodology
We base our findings on the residual value left after depreciation and the cost to maintain or repair each model year of Nissan Pathfinder per mile. All data in this article applies to a base-model trim for the Pathfinder with standard options. If you purchase a higher trim or a model with advanced equipment, it may be worth more. Other factors, such as the COVID-era chip shortage, can affect the resale value of used vehicles. Additionally, the condition of your Pathfinder and how you choose to sell it can determine how much you get for it.
Keep in mind, there are large economic factors at play here too and the sale of new cars has caused shifts in the used market too. There is a stark difference in the cost of vehicles due to car manufacturers seeking higher profit margins after COVID as detailed by CNN and posted by CBS channel 58:
“… (T)he auto industry saw sky-high profits even as sales plummeted. Domestic manufacturers of cars and car parts saw a profit of $32 billion through the third quarter of 2022 (the latest data available) — their largest profit since 2016. Car dealerships also reported record-breaking profits through Q3, according to auto-retail advisers Haig Partners.
That’s because pandemic-era pent-up consumer demand remained strong as supply shifted, allowing automakers to increase their prices and their profit margins. Cars and trucks were sold nearly as soon as they hit dealership lots, and the average price paid for a vehicle in December soared to a near-record high of $46,382, according to J.D. Power.
Data from the Labor Department’s November Consumer Price Index shows American consumers are paying about 20% more for cars than they were in 2019.
The trend could continue into next year — research website Edmunds expects new-car sales to hit 14.8 million in 2023, a marginal increase from last year but well below pre-pandemic levels.
The auto industry has entered a new era: Less choice, higher prices and larger profit margins. So far it seems to be working for them.”
This shift by car companies to create higher profit margins by taking advantage of the heavily-reported-on chip shortage panic of COVID has had rebounding effects upon the value of used cars.
Be aware that newer years (the latest 3-4 model years) may be inflated in price because of this and depending on how big this problem is for the model you are considering – it may even be inflating the price of the older model years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Depreciation
Do Nissan Pathfinders Hold Their Value?
Generally speaking, the Nissan Pathfinder has a decent resale value. The value you get for your specific Pathfinder can vary based on different factors, including its age, mileage, condition, and color. In addition, the way you choose to sell your Pathfinder can affect how much you get for it.
For example, if you have a black 2020 Nissan Pathfinder S with standard equipment in good condition, you can get $18,677 for the vehicle if you trade it into a dealership. For the same car, you can get $21,384 if you sell it yourself to a private party, according to Kelley Blue Book.
What Are The Best Years of Nissan Pathfinder To Buy and Which Ones Should You Avoid?
The best Pathfinder model years to purchase are the 2007 and 2010-2020. Specifically, these model years have high reliability ratings and a low chance of mechanical issues. If you want to purchase a model that’s within the depreciation sweet spot, choose a 2010-2014 Pathfinder.
However, some Pathfinder model years may be better to avoid. Don’t purchase a Pathfinder from these years:
- 2001
- 2003-2006
- 2008-2009
These model years have lower reliability ratings, high numbers of complaints, and a greater chance of needing costly repairs. Plus, none of these model years are within the depreciation sweet spot, so they won’t provide the lowest cost of ownership.
What's High Mileage for a Nissan Pathfinder?
According to our data, anything above 225,000 would be considered high mileage for a Nissan Pathfinder. The highest number of miles reported by owners is 275,000, while the average for all Pathfinders is 140,901.
High mileage doesn’t always mean low reliability, and we recommend having your Pathfinder inspected to see what issues it may have acquired, regardless of the driven miles.
How Old of a Nissan Pathfinder Should You Buy To Avoid Most of the Depreciation?
To avoid most of the depreciation, purchase a 2010-2014 Nissan Pathfinder. This range is the depreciation sweet spot for the Pathfinder. In addition, all these model years make our best years list, so you can feel confident you’re getting a good value on your purchase.
References
(2023.) Nissan. Consumer Reports. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2023, from https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/
(2023.) Are Nissans Good Cars? Jerry. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2023, from https://getjerry.com/driving/is-nissan-a-good-car
(2022.) Average Annual Miles Per Driver by Age Group. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2023, from https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/onh00/bar8.htm
(2023.) The Best and Worst Car Colors for Resale Value. iSeeCars. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2023, from https://www.iseecars.com/car-color-study
(2023.) Nissan Pathfinder Insurance Cost. The Zebra. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2023, from https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/nissan/pathfinder/
(2023.) What Is the Average Cost of Car Insurance? The Zebra. Retrieved Nov. 1, 2023, from https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/how-to-shop/average-auto-insurance/
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