2013 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Long-Term Update 4

In the last update, I ran through the laundry list of battle scars that have accumulated on the Arctic Blue Paint and regular black plastic on our fully loaded Pathfinder Platinum Edition. I was hoping to repair everything in one fell swoop as the time to return our crossover-ish SUV draws near. Unfortunately, a steep estimate from one local dealership has me holstering my credit card until I have another dealership take a look.

The driver's side mirror housing that was damaged in a parking lot way back at our SUV of the Year even came in with the most significant cost. Somehow the black chunk of plastic surrounding the mirror costs $300, and another $260 in labor to have it properly put on. This seems like a lot for just a side mirror housing, but it does hold one of the cameras for the brilliant Around View Monitor System, which I suspect affects the cost, though the service rep wouldn't confirm it. The camera itself was not affected at all and the system still works flawlessly.

I feared fixing the rear bumper cover around the tow-hitch would cost the most, but compared to the $560 for the side mirror, the $192 for parts and labor on the bumper seems almost inconsequential.

I had also inquired about the fuel cap being broken off -- though as I think of it now, that should technically be covered under the 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty -- but it was a cost substantial enough even the service rep suggested skipping that repair . Another minor repair that is tempting to skip because of a cost-to-benefit ratio is the broken AC adapter cover in the center console. The part is only $10, but it will cost $136 in labor to put it on.

A grand total of $895 seems a bit high for a few relatively minor repairs, but the same way complicated safety features and government regulations have added weight , they may have also added cost in repairs. I opted to pass on the work after this visit but will get another quote to see what two different dealerships say for the same repairs.