Should I Trade My 22 Frontier For A Taco?

No electronic parking brake is a good thing.

 

That's fair. Early 2000's Nissan was world's better before the Renault merger. We have an '11 G37 too and it's been decent besides a leaky water pump, which was expensive because it's behind the timing cover. Then it having to go back because someone didn't know how to seal the timing cover correctly...

 

I'm glad our trucks don't have them. Over-engineering in my opinion. Changing something that worked fine to begin with.

 

Hey, I remember you from ClubFrontier. I had two frontiers. Both 2019 Pro-4Xs. The first one a white automatic, the second a black manual. Bought the auto new, bought the manual used. I have test driven a 2022 but not extensively dealt with one, although they have so much reused stuff from the 2nd gen that I’m pretty familiar with the 2022 regardless.

I sold the auto for a few reasons, mostly because it wasn’t the manual I always wanted. I had an 05 Ranger and when it was time to ditch that one, I could only find auto frontiers, so I settled. Hated it, though I liked the truck. That truck had a few problems though. The typical too low coolant from factory, rear axle seal leak, dash rattles all over the place, and most importantly, some freak-incident occurred at ABS module when a brake line randomly unthreaded (I had never messed with it and I bought the truck new - this happened 9 months into ownership randomly in my garage). Also the white paint was just flaming garbage. It chipped everywhere.

Finally found a black manual so I swapped. I REALLY loved that truck but it had problems, mostly P.O. related. The roof was all screwed up, dents and such everywhere. Part of the deal in buying it was dealer would fix it all. They did, so I bought it. Looked pristine. 6 months in, the roof wasn’t holding up. Cracked paint at Seams, bondo bubbling up in the sun, it was a shame. The previous owner also screwed up the trailer hitch weld nuts in the frame so I couldn’t tow, and hacked into the wiring back there (but I fixed that). The rear axle leaked like the white truck. Lastly, my instrument cluster would start bouncing the needles anytime the truck was off and parking brake not set.

So, long story short, my two frontiers had a few factory defects. The black truck was awesome and so fun to drive, had it worked out I would have kept it. I actually had a buddy who had a gray manual 19 that I wanted to buy but when I was ready to, he backed out. So I got the black one. Had I got his (problem free), I no doubt would have kept it.

Anyways, I liked the Nissans but they weren’t perfect. So when it was time to ditch the black Frontier, I got a 2021 TRD OR, manual. So far I like it a lot. My only gripes are that I’m missing a few creature comforts the Nissans had (heated seats, better audio), and the Nissan drove considerably stronger, meaning better acceleration. The Toyota has far less torque down low than the Nissan 4.0. The Toyota tuning doesn’t help that. That part can be fixed but it will never be a Nissan V6. The automatic in the Tacoma is especially anemic due to ridiculously tall gearing. Despite all that, I like the truck a lot. Definitely glad I got the manual. A tune helps a lot with the throttle response, and gearing will fix the lack of power. Many people are fine with it as is anyways.

So, for my scenario, quality control led me to the Toyota. I don’t think Toyota is the end all be all for quality, but knock on wood mine has been rock solid, head and shoulders better quality than my Nissans were. Doesn’t mean Nissans are all bad, but I think you have a better chance at a good one with a Toyota. Granted, you will pay a lot more for that and the performance acceleration wise is worse, so it’s all a tradeoff. I personally prefer the better quality.

 

Go drive one and see if you like it. My Tacoma feels like I hopped into a time capsule from a decade ago. When I replaced my '11 Titan for this '22 Tacoma it felt familiar in the sense that there wasn't a dramatic jump in tech or upgrades. I went into it knowing this and kinda welcomed it.

If I was OK with an automatic transmission I would've seriously considerd the Frontier Pro-4X. Both are similar enough on paper you can't go wrong with either, but if you've already got one there's no reason jumping to the other unless you just want to.

 

I manage a Japanese specialty automotive shop. Here's a few things I've noticed over the years. Everything on Nissans is more expensive than Toyota. Start with something as simple as the oil filters. (OEM specifically) then go from there. Nissan are also more difficult to work on and cost you more to maintain. Try doing valve cover gaskets and spark plugs on a Nissan 4.0 vs a Toyota 4.0. You will quickly see what I mean. The fit and finish of Toyota is much better than Nissan. We haven't touched one of these new frontiers yet but I have little faith in the brand. We have touched other models from the 2020s and customers are complaining about rattles, rough shifting, etc already on vehicles with less than 30k miles. I love my Tacoma. It is a 2nd gen so I know that doesn't help your situation but even after offroad abuse, and over 200k it doesn't rattle, and shifts smooth as butter.

 

After owning a 3rd gen Taco and the Frontier, I’d say they’re about the same to work on. The Tacoma has more underhood space due to the engine being smaller and the hood area being huge, but then the Frontier has an easier rear axle to work on, easier front diff, simpler interior, etc. they balance out to be about the same. I don’t know about a 2G taco, maybe that’s easiest out of all 3. The 2G frontier was not bad at work on. The spark plugs are a bit time consuming but not hard at all.

I will agree that the quality/fitment aspect is significantly better on Toyota, no question.

 

Mine did.

 

BS aside, Tacoma is a great truck, the Frontier is a great truck. It's your choice. But dont think the Tacoma is in any way perfect. The first page on the gen 3 section of this forum I see

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/truck-groaning-in-reverse.785723/#post-28109009
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2017-extended-crank-when-warm.785697/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/21-tacoma-still-vibrates-after-tsb.740185/page-4#post-28076298
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/could-use-some-help-with-this.785695/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/check-engine-p0455-code-and-adaptive-cruise-not-working.785714/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ing-flips-into-slot-when-rolling-down.785699/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/brand-new-2022-sr-sx-vibration-at-around-25-mph.776856/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oil-cap-vibrating-off.782036/page-2#post-28101935
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/loose-intake-bolts.785674/

It may become the devil you know vs the devil you dont. If you want a Tacoma, get one. I like mine and havent had a minutes trouble out of them other than a power steering pump on a 1st gen. No problem out of the Nissans other than a elec window that quit rolling down. Both were faultless compared to an F150 I had.

 

Dont do it, Tacomoa's have all those problems plus a bunch more - just do some scrolling thru TW. Just sorta funning - do what your gut is telling you to and enjoy that .

 

@BLtheP yeah, I’m still trying to decide what to do, until a few weeks ago I loved my truck, I want to feel that way again either with the Frontier or something else.

 

I’ll try and help OP by narrowing choices to just two, as option No.1 is for the birds and out of the question.

On choosing door No.2 (Trade right now for a 2023 Tacoma) you would have a well proven reliable workhorse with plenty of aftermarket support and community. Nothing to see except a big smile on your face.

Now in door No. 3 (Wait for the 2024 redesign) you would have the latest and greatest to combat the expected future challenges coming our way. It is proven the TOYOTA way, and now waits on someone like you to guide the rest that are afraid of what the future may bring.

Bonus: You will most likely have a new 4th Gen dedicated forum section, with jealous 3rd G peers joshing you, so there’s that.

As for me, I’m exited about a more powerful 4 banger power-train, but the turbo not so much. It’s not that turbos are troublesome, it’s that when they go, it hurts. If a non turbo is offered, I might take it. No worries about bugs, I bought the 3rd gen and there was nothing to see there.

Good luck with your decision

 

I saw the recall, and that really sucks. It took them a second to get a fix too, and I’m hoping it’s long term those are sharp looking mid sized trucks IMO.

I think the frontier drives and shifts better, and while their trucks are generally reliable, you’ll find the same if not better reliability this way.

However, our Taco’s aren’t without their issues too. Clunky 6speed auto transmission, which is honestly not THAAAAT bad. Fuel economy isn’t great, and people love to steal our tailgates… but that’s not really a truck problem as much as it is a people problem lol.

Anyway, test drive one. Stop into a Toyota dealer. I think you’ll be glad you did.

 

Which “all those problems and a bunch more”?

 

Ya, apparently there is a recall on the new Tundra for its version. Apparently is kicking on when driving down the road in some cases

 

Those sarcasmick ones.....

 

Same here but I did the opposite. I traded in my 2012 Tacoma that had a terrible pre detonation condition that Toyota wouldn't acknowledge for a 2013 Frontier. They later did a reflash that I heard was the fix for the Tacoma. I swore I'd never buy another Toyota but the size, utility and resale pulled me back in and I have a 22 OffRd. Loving so far. Leaps and bounds better than my 2012. My frontier was a capable truck and got my kids thru many college winters in the northeast. Ran like a top with the 4.0 nissan. Great powertrain in the Nissan and I'm sure the new one is no different. As far as when and if you sell yours it will not be like a Tacoma.

 

Sorry, no such a thing, there is either "detonation" or "pre-ignition"; the first happens very late in the combustion cycle and depending upon the severity can be benign or damaging, the second happens prior to the spark event and will destroy an engine within a few revolutions. Safe to say your engine had "detonation".

 

I've had 4 Tacomas 3 3rd gens and a 1st, I loved the first gen but it was totaled, that being said I like the 3rd gen for its size the rear door is bigger and easier for people to get in and out of. Before I got my 21 I had my Hyundai in for service and that dealer also had Nissan and the sales guy I had, had to show me a new 21 frontier. I sat in the front was nice and comfortable but when I went to set in the back it reminded me of the 1st gen it had smaller door a longer seat and no room. Needless to say I didn't even take it for a drive. Both my adult kids neither married would have hated it.
We still take a small trip a couple times a year to see rellies. I would at least drive the Taco and compare all the options for your needs.

 

oh brother Nissan has been on a decline ever since 2005 when the peugeot guy came in. so their QC is super low. their Car don't last past a lease without needing a transmission. the old frontier had every problem sorted. and that truck came from the old nissan ways. with newer model comes newer kinks they have to iron out.
i can tell you i had a friend who bought a 2012 pathfinder, brand new and the paint was super thing and easily scratchable and cheap plastic inside. dont get me wrong plastic is fine but you know cheap plastic from decent plastic.

i say keep the car until the Bumper to Bumper warranty runs out see if the 2024 is announce, but imma let you know every new redesign is gonna come with problems. just like the New frontier. if you see the 2024 is something you will like go for it. if not go old reliable 3rd gen