So, a guy at work has had this 01 Pathfinder LE since new, a very picky sob, always garaged and kept absolutely pristine. Never offroad, I doubt it has done more then 10 miles of gravel since new. I always told him I wanted it if he ever wanted to sell. He called my bluff, now it's mine.

I really "want" to love it, but am having huge second thoughts now. Finding the lack of aftermarket a disappointment. I'm also finding that it seems a mere shadow of the Montero's I've owned in overall quality and capability. We won't even go into the lousy mileage and premium fuel recommendation.

It runs like a scalded dog zero to 40, but shifts slower than anything I've ever owned - what a mush box. I've searched and searched without really finding any hope to improve this. Any suggestions? huge peave for me, I like a positive shift. I would also really like to find a limited slip at minimum. Will not be a hardcore wheeler, will tow my boat and make occasional dune trips.

Help me out, worth hanging on, or ditch it? Is there a good resource for info anyone can reccommend?

Ditch it.

They weren't bad cars in the day, but when looking for a little 4x4...you already had a good one.

1997 Hardbody XE 4x4 kingcab was worn out in less than 100k miles. My Raider at 180k is way better and able to be passed down.