Midsize truck shopping

[dlundblad]

I am torn between either a 3rd gen Tacoma or a 22+ Frontier. I like the Tacoma because of how simple and reliable it is, but sadly the only thing out there is now used. The new Frontier is a great little truck, but feels very cheap compared to a Tacoma. Being only a 2 year old platform, reliability is unknown. I can currently buy a highly optioned "base" Frontier for about the same price as a ~2-5 year highly optioned Tacoma, ($35k for both) but a huge turn off is no fender flares or wheel well liners. The truck will be used like a truck and see many muddy job sites and non ideal road conditions. My preferred Tacoma TRD Off Road package has both. I am currently driving 500 miles a week and my old Blazer is getting tired.

Any input is appreciated. Any other truck models worth looking into? Any input on a new Frontier vs used Tacoma? We just came back from a 5 hour round trip journey of looking at a Tacoma TRD Off Road that was a complete disappointment.

 

[OneLonelyBurrito]

Any specific reason your not currently considering the GM twins and the Ranger? The midsize truck segment is very competitive any its probably worth taking a look at all the options on the market.

 

[dlundblad]

Any specific reason your not currently considering the GM twins and the Ranger? The midsize truck segment is very competitive any its probably worth taking a look at all the options on the market.

I am only interested in naturally aspirated at the moment. I find the Ranger ugly too.

 

[JeffKeryk]

As another option, perhaps the rock solid 1st gen Tundra might make sense if you can find a clean one. The V8 kinda sucks the gas, but they run forever! Here's mine:

 

[OneLonelyBurrito]

I am only interested in naturally aspirated at the moment. I find the Ranger ugly too.

Got it, it still might be worth taking a look at the previous gen Colorado/Canyon with the 3.6L if you want an N/A engine. I do also find the previous gen Ranger ugly too, so I agree with that assessment.

 

[rijndael]

If you are buying new, or a used car with a warranty, I would think about your local dealership. Nissan is in financial trouble. Some Infiniti dealerships are collapsing in to the Nissan dealership. I wouldn't be surprised to see an underperforming dealership shuttered. If you're in a major metro area with a lot of access to dealerships, you're probably fine.

 

[dlundblad]

If you are buying new, or a used car with a warranty, I would think about your local dealership. Nissan is in financial trouble. Some Infiniti dealerships are collapsing in to the Nissan dealership. I wouldn't be surprised to see an underperforming dealership shuttered. If you're in a major metro area with a lot of access to dealerships, you're probably fine.

Fort Wayne, Indiana. We have 1. Lol.

 

[rijndael]

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/nissan-vehicles-dealerships-decline/

https://www.thedrive.com/news/nissan-dealers-are-suffering-as-profits-tank-to-15-year-low

 

[UncleDave]

I love my Ridgeline.
It rides and handles way better than any body on frame truck.
Very economical pulling down 24.5 at 75-80 for a 1K trip a week ago.

 

[JTK]

Have you driven a 2022 Frontier? Are you interested in a king or crew cab?

I have a crew cab 4x4 S-model. It's been a trouble free truck the few years and 48K miles I've owned it. It definitely rides and handles like a truck, as you'd expect given the the frame, chassis, suspension and steering is mostly unchanged since ~2007.

Your normal oil/fluid maintenance on them is easy. The 9spd is you typical plastic pan type you see today, with a single combo drain/fill/level check plug on the bottom of the pan.

 

[dlundblad]

Have you driven a 2022 Frontier? Are you interested in a king or crew cab?

I have a crew cab 4x4 S-model. It's been a trouble free truck the few years and 48K miles I've owned it. It definitely rides and handles like a truck, as you'd expect given the the frame, chassis, suspension and steering is mostly unchanged since ~2007.

I drive a king cab last weekend. It definitely handled the road great.

How’s your truck holding up rust wise especially in the rear wheel wells?

 

[dlundblad]

As another option, perhaps the rock solid 1st gen Tundra might make sense if you can find a clean one. The V8 kinda sucks the gas, but they run forever! Here's mine:
View attachment 259392

I’ve considered it. I’d have to go down south to get one. The 4.7 is solid.

 

[JTK]

I drive a king cab last weekend. It definitely handled the road great.

How’s your truck holding up rust wise especially in the rear wheel wells?

Mine is a black, greasy mess underneath, including the wheel wells, as I treated it with fluid film and woolwax when it was new. For the most part, I've found that 2007+ Frontiers hold up pretty well in the rust belt. It's not a common truck in the N.East, but the old ones you see, still look good.

 

[buster]

Frontiers are good trucks. I think this current gen will prove to be very reliable. As others have mentioned, they are in financial trouble. Not sure how that would impact your decision though.

Tacomas were always my favorite preferred mid-size truck until the last gen. I'm not even sold on the current gen as being that good. I really think the GM 2.7L is a better engine than the Toyota. On the FB Colorado groups, several techs said they never have to work on the 2.7L. One of the only GM engines to hit 2mln miles on a dyno too. Sorry not trying to convince you just putting it out there as an option. Also, Honda Ridgeline.,...if I was looking for a new mid-size the Ridge would be on my list.

 

[CKN]

I am torn between either a 3rd gen Tacoma or a 22+ Frontier. I like the Tacoma because of how simple and reliable it is, but sadly the only thing out there is now used. The new Frontier is a great little truck, but feels very cheap compared to a Tacoma. Being only a 2 year old platform, reliability is unknown. I can currently buy a highly optioned "base" Frontier for about the same price as a ~2-5 year highly optioned Tacoma, ($35k for both) but a huge turn off is no fender flares or wheel well liners. The truck will be used like a truck and see many muddy job sites and non ideal road conditions. My preferred Tacoma TRD Off Road package has both. I am currently driving 500 miles a week and my old Blazer is getting tired.

Any input is appreciated. Any other truck models worth looking into? Any input on a new Frontier vs used Tacoma? We just came back from a 5 hour round trip journey of looking at a Tacoma TRD Off Road that was a complete disappointment.

Look ( sit ) at the seating position in the Tacoma- then sit in a Frontier. Report back here.

 

[tblt44]

Toyota over Nissan any day

 

[dlundblad]

Look ( sit ) at the seating position in the Tacoma- then sit in a Frontier. Report back here.

I found both comfortable.

 

[Elkins45]

Were it not for Nissan’s troubles the Frontier would be the only truck I would consider, and I say that as someone who drove only Toyota trucks for 20+ years.

I’m really hoping my Titan lasts for 150k miles because that will be another decade at my current rate of usage. The truck market is just idiotic now.

 

[fantastic]

Hopefully a Honda buyout happens for Nissan. I'd like to see them carry on & we still need Japanese competition. Perhaps trying to find a dealership willing to give a good deal on a Frontier? Hope you figure out what you need. Don't see too many Blazers roaming around like they once did. Think the last year for them was like 05'?

 

[rijndael]

we still need Japanese competition.

You'd still have Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Mitsubishi.