Potential New Buyer

Hey everyone,

So I am in the market for a new vehicle, current is a 2006 Nissan Frontier crew Cab, MT. She has served me well but age is definitely showing. Have been considering a Tac for years and finally got around to test driving a volc orange a year ago and was flabbergasted at the terrible pickup of an AT. Truly thought I could run faster than it could to 25mph. The look of the Tac is top notch and love the look but performance is a concern. So this weekend my wife suggested we test drive one again and I took out a Cavalry blue, OR, MT and to say it’s a beautiful truck is an understatement. Driving though the MT seemed still to be poorly geared. First was terrible (too short) but overall the MT was good, not great. DW wanted to drive an AT and she did and boy did she confirm it sucks. She also drive the MT and it was night and day. So my question is, am I expecting too much? The 6 cylinder engine is a good engine but it seems to be lagging. I guess I am looking for whether anyone has found performance improves because for the MPG and price, I am not sure Tac is the one.

Just some reference where I am at. All our vehicles are MT’s including the Frontier (seems to have more torque even at 13yrs old), Mini Clubman S and a Shelby Cobra replica.

 

A regear would help you out. I'm not sure of any tuners available at this time. They like higher revs with that motor but for the 3rd gen I'd lean towards a manual

 

Doesn't sound like the taco is for you. Why not another Nissan?

 

Regear would probably work out.

 

Hah! You sound like my wife!!! I want a new vehicle (or let’s say different). Nissan has been dragging out the new Frontier for ever and am tired of waiting. Last I read is late 2020 for the “new” version albeit it has been out there in AsiaPac and elsewhere for years.

I will lookup the regear as I thought of that while test driving the MT.

 

Once you go TACOMA, you will never look back. Hang your head out the window and enjoy the ride buddy.

 

The MT 3rd gen is awesome.

Best performance improvement is here

https://www.ovtuned.com

thread with tons of info
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-toyota-tacoma-ovtune-1-05-tune-development-thread.495735/

 

Welcome.

Since you typed the name Shelby...

I saw a Shelby Raptor, the other night. What ever that is.

 

If I drove one last year and was flabbergasted at how bad it was (thinking I could run faster) and then my wife drove one this year and confirmed it sucked, we would be on to the Ford or Honda dealer. I certainly wouldn't be on the Tacoma forum asking someone to convince me to spend 40k.

 

If you don't like the way it drives, you will never be happy with it. Many people are happy with their Tacoma, but it's not for everyone.

 

It's a truck, not a car. I'm not out to win drag races from a green light, but it will do anything I want it to.

I will say that a programming change to the shift points on my AT (DCLB so no manual option) made a huge difference to performance. If I look at the skinny pedal wrong she's gone, and that's even before I engage ECT.

I test drove a 2015 Frontier and was stunned by how it handled like an empty U-Haul. It was quick, the stereo was loud, but the ride was shit. My Tacoma is very comfy, and after a 12-hour haul from Austin to Missouri I'm still able to walk.

You might find better performance from the GMC twins, but their quality is lacking. There's a reason that Tacomas cost so much - they really hold their value. Around here, older tacos don't sit on the lot. They go out as quickly as they come in.

Ultimately, whatever you get is based on your needs and nothing we say can convince you. Drive them ALL*, list pros and cons, and if nothing trips your trigger then consider hanging out in your Frontier for a year or two. I waited for the 2016 Tacoma and I've loved it.



*Except the Ridgeline - anything unibody isn't a truck, it's an SUV with a bed.

 

The tacos are pretty well known for not having a ton of power but that lack of power allows for insane reliability and longevity

Most people don't keep fords for more than a handful of years but with tacomas people still will pay 20k and more for a 10 year old truck and you see wayyy more old tacos/4runners on the road than any other truck

On another note my 159hp 4cyl does fine on freeways and getting up to speed. If you have realistic expectations for the truck then it'll do you fine. If you expect to fly in the fast lane or tow a huge trailer then the taco isn't for you

 

Sounds like you need to visit other options. If you are not satisfied with the Taco on your test drives, it will not get better.
The Ridgeline drives and handles and shifts very nicely, but the ground clearance didn't work for me and neither did the front wheel drive. Sure, I could have got the AWD, but then you are up in the full size price and I didn't want to do that. I have not drove the new Ranger and have no desire too, but maybe it will work for you. There is also the twins you could check out, I have never been a fan of GM/Chevy products, but thats my personal opinion.
Dont be afraid to check them all out and find the one that's right for you, thats why they make them all different.
Honestly, if dodge still had the Dakota I probably wouldnt be on this forum right now.

 

"finally got around to test driving a volc orange a year ago and was flabbergasted at the terrible pickup of an AT"

Stopped reading right there.

 

I felt the same way when I test drove mine but bought it anyway. Seems to break in and drive better. Perfectly happy with mine. I have the AT.

 

Sounds like an F150 might be a good choice for you... lot's of factory engine/gearing options. I'm not flaming, I'm being serious.
While not as reliable as a Tacoma, it's still a decent truck. Also, the new Tundra will probably drop sometime next year as a 2021 model.... just an FYI.

 

Do you need/want a midsize truck? If not, check the full size options.
Tacoma is a niche vehicle in my opinion. Handles well off road and it’s smaller size makes it easier to fit places, but may or may not be the right truck for you.
The transmission is finally behaving decently at 6000 miles but hasn’t been overly enjoyable up until now. Not sure if I’m getting used to it or it’s actually getting better.
F150 with 2.7 ecoboost would get better mileage and has more power. Just depends on what you’re wanting.
My 3rd gen experience will probably be less than a year.

 

I definitely know where you are coming from. I came from a 2015 Frontier and my Frontier was a lot quicker. Give that sucker gas and she moves. I almost bought a 2019 Frontier PRO-4X, but at the end of the day I didn't want to drive a truck that felt 12 years old. Although I do feel the Taco lacking in power at take off, the ride quality is a lot better in my Taco. I would personally avoid Ford or GM. I'd stick with either another Frontier, or a Taco. Both proven trucks. Just my opinion.

 

Yes I will say the drive was very good compared to my Frontier. Smooth and quiet all the way to 70mph which I really liked. Yes I will definitely avoid a GM/ Ford as they look nice, I do not trust them to last. That is one primary reason for looking at a Tac, plus the look, plus the quality. Just not sure about dropping near $40k and trying to find a nice used one is not easy and even then how much of a discount, likely not much.

 

Try to test drive the ranger or gladiator then you can have informed purchase. Seems like the Taco is not for you. Judging from your review on your test drive, you’ll just be disappointed. If you insist, then a good advice is to rent one for couple of days . Some dealerships will reimburse your rent toward purchase .