Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

[superbenk]

I currently have a 2003 Nissan Frontier XE 4x4 crew cab w/ the long bed. It's a pretty nice truck, but the family is starting to feel cramped in it (wife & 2 kids). We're also starting to think about a newer/bigger boat in our future (currently towing a 18' 1980 Century 190. The Frontier is rated to 5000 lbs, but anything bigger than 20' pushes that limit.

Anyhow, I've been thinking about full-sized trucks and wondering what everyone thinks is the best bang for the buck? My 2 biggest requirements is that it be a 4 door with some room in the back seat for the kids & that it be a pickup (I use my pickup bed quite a bit for home repair stuff too). I'd also like 4WD because a 2WD just stinks in the winter.

The ones that are currently at the top of my list are as follows (in relative order of preference at this point):

1. Nissan Titan
2. Toyota Tundra
3. Ford F150 (or F250 if I could afford it!)
4. Chevy Silverado 1500 (or, again, 2500 if I can afford it)

We'd like to look at cuddies in the 23' range in the next couple years, so we're looking for enough truck to handle something like that (I'm guessing 5000-7000 lbs). I'd probably want to spend somewhere in the range of $15k-20k & would definitely love something certified.

I look forward to whatever advice you all have, thanks!

 

[Blujay96]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I would go with the ford 150 or 250. The 150 has good space in the back, but the 250 has a real nice back seat.

 

[kriegersa]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I would go with the ford 150 or 250. The 150 has good space in the back, but the 250 has a real nice back seat.

+1

to be honest with you, the 2500 is a good truck same with the 250, however the 250 i think personally looks better

and compare the 150 fx4 with the 250 fx4 you'll notice the biggest difference in 2 area's

gas mileage
back seat room.

hope this helps

 

[superbenk]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

That Chevy line in the poll was supposed to include a 2500 too - I couldn't figure out how to edit the poll after I posted it.

My Frontier seems to get pretty crappy mileage anymore too. I tend to get 13-14MPG commuting now that our office is in a more urban area (lots of stop/go). So my everyday mileage isn't any better than my highway towing mileage.

What can I expect from a full-size truck? I always kind of got the feeling their mileage was just bad more consistently. Should I expect a lot worse than 13MPG? Whatever I get will also be my daily driver.

I do like the looks of the Fords more than the Chevys lately. I'm also happier with Ford as a company vs. Chevy lately too. They seem to be doing things smarter.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

Personally, if full size and mileage are your goals, I'd look at a used 3/4 ton diesel...any of the big three is probably good, although I'm partial to Cummins (Dodge).

My truck is 4x4, 3/4 ton, lifted, 33x12.5r16.5 tires, auto tranny and I drive exclusively around town and have been getting just at 17 MPG...and it's a 91 with 160k on the clock (and no major issues in those 20 years...knock on wood). Diesel costs a few cents more at the pump, but the engines are known to go a lot longer than their gas counterparts, and the towing/capacity ratings are pretty mind-boggling.

Out of the trucks you listed, I'd either go with Dodge or Ford. I've never been a Chevy truck fan (outside of the 68-72ish body style). They just don't seem as beefy to me...and I've driven quite a few of them...they're the cars of the truck world, IMO.

Nissan, I'd stay away from as I've had REALLY bad luck with that company before, and Toyota is just a joke right now, IMO.

Lots of opinion ups there, but that's what you're asking for, soooo...

 

[tlam1954]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I purchased a 2500 Chevrolet 6.6 in 2002. Crew, 4x4, 5 speed auto. I live on the Texas Gulf Coast, drove it to work everyday, deer hunting and almost every weekend to Toledo Bend. Towed a 25 gooseneck utility with 2360 Long Tractor, front end loader and backhoe. Owned a 21' Skeeter and 22' Champion. Sold it at 250,000 miles and the guy that bought it has 350K on it now. The only thing I replaced was fluids and filters. Tow avg 15 mpg, hiway 18.5. Bought the 07 Silverado with more hp and torque, along with the 6 speed auto. Currently have 100 K. Integrated brake controller is a must have. Tow avg is 16.5, hiway is 22.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I just bought a 2010 F-150 Super Crew V-8 2WD with the upgraded tow package. I went with Ford primarily because they didn't take any bailout money! Only have had it for a couple of months but it is a great truck, all the bells and whistles, lots of interior room, - front and back - and tows the boat (set up about 4,400 lbs) like it isn't even back there. Think it is rated up to 11,000 lbs so I will be set should 2 footitus set in! Previous tow vehicle was 2006 Ford Explorer V-8 tow package (rated to 5,000 lbs as I recall) and it did the job well too. My .02.

 

[kriegersa]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

That Chevy line in the poll was supposed to include a 2500 too - I couldn't figure out how to edit the poll after I posted it.

My Frontier seems to get pretty crappy mileage anymore too. I tend to get 13-14MPG commuting now that our office is in a more urban area (lots of stop/go). So my everyday mileage isn't any better than my highway towing mileage.

What can I expect from a full-size truck? I always kind of got the feeling their mileage was just bad more consistently. Should I expect a lot worse than 13MPG? Whatever I get will also be my daily driver.

I do like the looks of the Fords more than the Chevys lately. I'm also happier with Ford as a company vs. Chevy lately too. They seem to be doing things smarter.

see i have a small little s10 before chevy became Government Motors... but i love it, it gets worse gas mileage than a larger engine whick doesn't make sense but its still runs and its about to clock 95k.

Personally, if full size and mileage are your goals, I'd look at a used 3/4 ton diesel...any of the big three is probably good, although I'm partial to Cummins (Dodge).

My truck is 4x4, 3/4 ton, lifted, 33x12.5r16.5 tires, auto tranny and I drive exclusively around town and have been getting just at 17 MPG...and it's a 91 with 160k on the clock (and no major issues in those 20 years...knock on wood). Diesel costs a few cents more at the pump, but the engines are known to go a lot longer than their gas counterparts, and the towing/capacity ratings are pretty mind-boggling.

Out of the trucks you listed, I'd either go with Dodge or Ford. I've never been a Chevy truck fan (outside of the 68-72ish body style). They just don't seem as beefy to me...and I've driven quite a few of them...they're the cars of the truck world, IMO.

Nissan, I'd stay away from as I've had REALLY bad luck with that company before, and Toyota is just a joke right now, IMO.

Lots of opinion ups there, but that's what you're asking for, soooo...

now with Nissan my Grandpa tow's his 8th wheel behind it and he has a 03 or 04 titan king cab 4x4 and he's put quite a few miles on it (120k+) with no problems. so i guess with Nissan its a hit and miss. however i will say to me domestic trucks
a) look better
b) seem more powerful.

now with me i would rather be Cummin' than Powerstrokin' if you know what i mean just kidding

 

[superbenk]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I've definitely been *VERY* happy with my Frontier. It's a great size, has been extremely dependable & is pushing 100K miles without any problems at all. I'd just like something with more room & more towing capacity.

Those newer F250's sure do look nice

 

[kriegersa]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I've definitely been *VERY* happy with my Frontier. It's a great size, has been extremely dependable & is pushing 100K miles without any problems at all. I'd just like something with more room & more towing capacity.

Those newer F250's sure do look nice

here's some eye candy

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/trucks/112_0906_2009_ford_f250_super_duty_tow_test/photo_01.html

look though the pictures for even more

 

[superbenk]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

here's some eye candy View attachment 46566

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/trucks/112_0906_2009_ford_f250_super_duty_tow_test/photo_01.html

look though the pictures for even more

You're cruel!

 

[642mx]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I've either owned or drove every truck on the list... The Tundra wins hands down. 401 foot pounds of torque, 6 speed auto, 4:30 gears, auto LSD, 17 mpg, over 85% US content (highest of all the trucks listed). I love mine!

 

[kriegersa]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

You're cruel!

I know

I've either owned or drove every truck on the list... The Tundra wins hands down. 401 foot pounds of torque, 6 speed auto, 4:30 gears, auto LSD, 17 mpg, over 85% US content (highest of all the trucks listed). I love mine!

I do have to say, when they are equipped well they are a force to be reckoned with. hell, who is the main sponsor of Kevin Vandam...? Tundra. what major out doors store pushes the Tundra...? Bass Pro Shops.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

Chrysler's kind of in a bad way right now, so you could probably get a good deal on a Dodge Ram if you wanted one.

Personally, I think that a 1/2 truck is more than enough for most people. 3/4 tons are great if you have a big boat or pull cars or heavy equipment regularly, but in my personal experience, they are too compromised to drive every day, in my opinion.

I'd go with the Nissan, but it's a just a personal thing. I've read good things about all the trucks you listed. You already have a Nissan, you might be able to get a better trade-in deal if your current truck is in good shape.

 

[JimMH]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

Ford man through and through. I pull with a Expedition 5.4V8. I also have an F150 super crew 5.4V8 and pull with it. They both pull my 21ft boat with ease. The Toyota is a nice vehicle but have to stay with Ford. I can't drive chevy or Dodge as I'm oposed to the gov't bailing out business. We have a system for dealing with businesses in trouble and that is Bankruptcy not artificially manipulated by the Gov.

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

i have a nissan xterra that i have beat the crap out of and it still runs like a champ at 130k miles. im also looking to upgrade trucks pretty soon and have similar considerations the OP.

i have heard of some issues with the titans or i would be looking harder at them. but the tundra is hands down the nicest truck, powerful, comfortable, tough, and good looking. they are pricey though, which is a bummer. probably out of my price range.

out of the american trucks i prefer the dodge. i think a 1500 with a hemi pulls pretty damn well. my dad and my brother have them, they really seem to be good tough trucks.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I've got a 03' Avalanche with the 5.3 that gets 21 mpg hwy. I have an 09' K2500hd with the 6.0 and 6 speed that has never done better than 12.

 

[642mx]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

the tundra is hands down the nicest truck, powerful, comfortable, tough, and good looking. they are pricey though, which is a bummer. probably out of my price range.

Compare the window stickers... they are almost identical in price to the Dodge, Ford, Obamobiles, or Nissans.

I'm not sure about Tundra, but Toyota is offering some 0% financing on some models right now.

 

[drrpm]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I've owned a couple F-150's and they were good trucks. The F-150 supercrew has plenty of room in back, though I didn't really like the shortened bed. Mileage was OK at 13-14 in town and 20 on the highway. I had the 4.6 l V8 and it towed my 20 foot boat just fine. Unless you have a seriously big boat or some other heavy duty need, a 1/2 ton truck is fine. The heavy duty trucks don't perform as well for daily driving duty. I like Ford as a company better than the other choices. Though maybe you could get a deal on a Tundra with all the bad press Toyota has had recently.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

Compare the window stickers... they are almost identical in price to the Dodge, Ford, Obamobiles, or Nissans.

I'm not sure about Tundra, but Toyota is offering some 0% financing on some models right now.

So is GM...and the GM will only go forward when you push the gas pedal...not when it feels like it.

And then, if you buy the GM and it has issues, they'll fix it, instead of inserting a shim into the gas pedal when it's actually an electrical problem with the TPS and a lack of redundancy.

But, other than that, I'm sure Toyotas are fine.

DURP!