Thoughts on Nissan Frontier

I've got a 2006 sport access cab, 67k. I have a baby coming at the end of July. My truck will also be paid off in July.

I'm looking to get into a crew cab- I've tried getting the car seat and gear into and out of my truck and it is not fun.

The problem is that I'm not interested in a non-TRD tacoma. And in my area, there's nothing out there. Add to that my cost threshold- I've been paying $230 a month- and the only ones out there I do find are about $30k. I have found a few nissans. A few PRO-4x and some SL models. I'm talking to a dealer about a 2012 Frontier SL. Leather heated seats, satellite radio, alloys, moonroof, roof rack, bed extender, v6, etc. and with 16k miles they want $25995 and it is certified. I cannot touch that for a tacoma. And I only put on 7-8000 miles a year, so this truck would only have 50k on it at the end of my loan. I'm being offered $14k on trade. My payment with no cash is about $249 for 60 months.

Any suggestions? Does anyone have actual experience with Nissan Frontiers? I know they have a boxed frame, more torque and horsepower and show as having better mileage.

 

Here's a TRD that's nicely optioned out and certified. That said, I didnt pay all that much more for my 15 this past October...

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/637241336/overview/#25

 

I had a 2014 Nissan Frontier SV Crew Cab for about a year. It was a really nice truck and in my honest opinion, a better initial value for the money than the Toyota. Solid truck with ample horsepower and torque. The resale sucks balls on them and hence the downfall on the purchase - I didn't lose my shirt on trading it out, but I certainly didn't make it rain either. Cant speak to the longevity like I could vouch for a Tacoma, but more and more frontiers are hitting 200K without much issue.

I put 30K on it in one year and it never once gave me a funny feeling or acted out of line. With all the driving I do for work and the amount of equipment I haul around, I got into a super crew F150 and haven't looked back. The frontier gave me 17-18 mpg combined driving which is decent for a V6. You cant go wrong with either a Tacoma or a Frontier in my eyes - other than the resale value and initial purchase price, they are neck and neck.

 

Agreed. They are pretty reliable trucks and they definitely cost less. I considered getting one as well but it was just a bit too small for me especially the back seat.

 

Keep looking don't waste your money on a Frontier. My wife's Honda Odyssey has more ground clearance.

 

Honestly, for as little as you drive and for the uses you state, I'd look at fullsize trucks. F150s and Rams usually have huge rebates and even the V6 models are very capable trucks.

If that's out of the question, I'd definitely consider a Frontier. Resale value isn't as good as a Taco, but they're pretty evenly matched everywhere else.

 

Can't really beat what he said.

 

Thanks- I would much rather have the utility of a truck than anything else. Also, space for parking/maneuvering is an issue- the Tacoma and Frontier fit my lifestyle/needs very well. I'm lucky that I live about 2-5 miles from everything and work is a 15 minute commute on a highway- hence the low miles per year. The wife has a car for any trips, but those "home-owner Home Depot/honey-do-list days" need a truck. I don't go off-roading, but I do tow a camper, haul crap for friends/family, and grab pallets for projects I like to do.

Thank you for the opinions- I'm happy to see a whole bunch of fanboys have not come in here to flame this thread.

I really do like my Tacoma (it's my second one), but it may be a bit too cramped for the near future.

 

I'm looking at 16k miles, and over $4000 less in cost, but add Leather, heated seats, and a moonroof, subtract the off-road stuff, tow hitch and the power outlet. Leather and moonroof are not necessary- they're just along for the ride, but I can add a hitch for $300 and have $3700 in my pocket and have 2 more years before I get it to the 29k miles the Tacoma has from the get-go.

 

If they were the same price- even with those differences in options, I think I'd be going for the Tacoma- if nothing else, the hood struts, floor mats, ventshades, tailgate helper and other stuff I've added would be moved over to it. And, with the Tacoma, I know what to expect from it.

 

Was it smaller than the Tacoma??

 

I've owned two Nissan's over the years (Maxima and Murrano) and was very disappointed in the quality of both.

 

What does your significant other drive? To be quite honest, if we go anywhere we usually take my wife's car. When both kids were infants my wife drove them around so they never really rode in my truck that often. The problem with a Tacoma double cab is even though you gain interior space you still need somewhere to put a stroller, bags, etc. I had a canopy on my truck as well but it wasn't the ideal scenario. Unless you think you will be hauling around the rugrat quite a bit I would stick with what you have for now.

 

Does anyone have experience with the Access Cab and a baby?

 

I have owned four Nissans--a '02 four-banger extended cab; 2 '04 crew cab, 2wd, v6 pickups (the first met its fate in a collision); and an '04 Xterra. All were excellent vehicles. I would definitely consider another if this Tacoma were to die.

 

All my friend drives are Frontier's.He has been extremely satisfied with the 3 he has driven and owned in his life.As for me its simple.I'm all about the Toyota Tacoma!

 

I never cared for the flat looking front end on the Frontiers.

 

They are thinner, smaller, uglier. And look at the wheel clearance in the wheel well. Like I said the Wife's Honda Odyssey has better ground clearance. Shit my Big Wheel from childhood was higher off the ground.

 

Fisher price > Nissan

 

Seriously how can you compare this piece of shit to a Tacoma in any way?