Tacoma vs Frontier

Hi,
I currently own an 01 Tacoma xcab 5 speed, 4 cal 4wd with 120K on it. I've never had to fix anything, just routine maintenance. My truck has been garaged so its very clean. Took it in for frame inspection and spray and all is good. My only gripe is that I'd like a slightly bigger truck
Test drove both Tacoma and Nissan crew long beds. Like them both. Frontiers priced a little lower and I really like the the SL package with leather seats. Also like the chrome bumpers as I'm kinda old school when it comes to that stuff. However I've been cruising the Frontier forum and have read about the horror stories with coolant/trans fluid cross contamination and noisy timing chain tensioners. Although I've talked to some people who bought new Frontiers and no regrets.
Rumor on the street is that although the 2nd gen Tacomas are awesome trucks they're not quite as good as the first gen in terms of build quality. Despite my frame being okay as of now, how much longer is it going to last? Know anyone who bought a Frontier?

 

If your Tacoma has 120k miles and it's been taken care of to any degree, you aren't even halfway through its lifespan. I'd keep it and save some dough.

 

The Nissan may cost less but in the long run it will cost more to repair and will lose resale value faster than you can blink. I had a Nissan xterra and in the 85k miles I had it, I replaced the radiator, radiator hoses, alternator, a/c compressor, and p/s pump. On the other hand my 06 Tacoma and 08 4runner(sold) have not needed any repairs within the same mileage or more. IMO stick with the Toyota.

 

Between family, friends, and coworkers, I have about a dozen buyers lined up. They told me just let em know. Both Nissan and Toyota dealers urge me to trade I'm not particularly fond of the painted front bumpers on the 2nd gen Tacomas. You almost need to apply paint protectant film or put a bra on it which would look silly. The only stone chips on my truck are right below the headlights. None on the rocker panels. Guess i shouldn't complain as everyone just lives with stone chips. One other thing I don't care much for is the mini backup camera display on the Tacoma vs the large display and backup sensors on the Frontier. Agree my truck is still good for a long time or at least till 3rd gen which I'm guessing will be 2015 or 2016.

 

Most of the time you get what you pay for. The Tacoma's cost more because they are better.

 

The Frontiers are nice trucks. Seats are more comfortable and like the fully boxed frame along with the track system in the bed. If you drove one, you'd be impressed. Still I feel like I'm venturing over to the dark side and yeah, I guess I might be rolling the dice if I were to buy one. Most Toyota dealers around here aren't easy to deal with except for the one I bought my truck from. He also sells Dodge and Ford. He's never jerked me around on annual state inspections either. If I buy Toyota, I'll probably go back there. Just wish they'd paint these things a little better. I read somewhere that Toyota is adding more capacity to build more 4.0 six cylinder engines because Tacomas are selling so well. I was at a car show earlier this year and a Ford salesman told me when Ford quit making the Ranger they thought people would just buy F100's. Some did but Toyota gained sales because there's still a demand for mid size trucks.

 

Nissan isn't comparable to Toyota, yet, anyway, IMO. Frontier might have flashier attraction (screen, interior, chrome) for you, but I'd pick reliability and value over electronics and interior any day.

All new cars will look awesome compared to what you drove to the dealership. But like all things, that big screen is just bigger - no telling if it's better in quality or long term use, and both are already out dated electronically before they hit the dealer. Leather is nice, but crappy leather isn't. I wouldn't expect leather seats in either a Tacoma or Frontier to be high quality so I would consider that they may wear poorly as well. I think you'd be better off getting high quality leather covers or getting a reupholster job, especially for the cost outlay - it's more effective for what you get. I'm with you on chrome bumpers, but Nissan's chrome bumpers seem to be pretty shoddy. Again, new car looks nice, 5 years from now not necessarily.

Lots of Frontier's where I live, and to be honest, most of them look shit beat already. Don't know if it's a Nissan thing or just highly coincidental, but the exteriors and interiors both seem to wear very prematurely. Not comparing to a Tacoma with that opinion, as I don't have one (6 weeks!). But I've known several guys with Frontier's and they were all taken care of, none of them reflected that on exteriors in particular. In North California, so not exactly harsh conditions. But get the truck that fits your needs, budget, and wants.

 

Ya, the Frontier's boxed frame sure is rigid alright

http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f15/wtf-bed-hitting-cab-50067/

http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/...t-attn-frontier-owners-bed-hitting-cab-10161/

 

Yeah, I hear you. Might just stay in my current truck and wait for 3rd gen. Better things are on the horizon such as direct injection and probably a 6 speed auto. I hope they keep the 2.7 4cyl, give it more horsepower and make it available in the 4WD crew. It's a great engine. Maybe I'll get rid of my 05 AWD Vibe instead and buy another Tacoma. You can never have too many Tacomas.

 

That's some pretty ugly stuff there. I think I'm starting to come to my senses. Thanks for sharing.

 

That f'ing sucks.