How do you know if you've got a lemon?

[Dan in NZ]

My brother wrote off his Nissan Pathfinder 6 months ago, he had that one for 180,000km (80-260)and never had any problems. He got a newer one as a replacement, 1995 with 80,000km Turbo Diesel. In the six months and 10,000km he's had it, it's had the following done:

- Front struts both replaced
- Air Flow Sensor
- Drivers window regulator
- Front engine main seal (major work)
- Oil Pan gasket
- Front brakes replaced
- Battery Replaced

Today, it threw a Check Engine due to faulty crankshaft position sensor. Also one front brake was smoking after driving downhill, as only one front brake is working.

Should we keep it and hope nothing else goes wrong... Or sell it and find another one?

[emw525E34]

Dan, it looks like pretty normal R&R work when getting a used car. Its a bit early to tell if its a lemon. Yeah, throwing Check Engine is a bit worrying but I think the initial phases of R&R has not be fully completed as such.
I would say, bare with it for 6 months longer and sort out the minor problems as it comes along. If you he has another major issue, then you can probably conclude, it looks like a lemon!.
Good luck.