Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

[Subliminal]

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.

My 20 yr old Dodge Diesel 3/4 ton got 17.142 MPG on my last tank. 100% around town.

So, in that aspect the larger truck with the diesel performs better than the gasoline equivalent 1/2 ton mentioned in your post.

Of course, Diesel is a little more expensive, the truck takes 4 gallons of oil at oil change and the tires are more expensive...basically, things are built to last longer, but when they need maintenance, it costs more...so I guess it's really just a trade off.

 

[KETELS]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I have had a lot of trucks over the years. I'm a truck NUUUUUT.
I have had GM,Nissan,ford and Dodge. The truck that had the least problems was GM. The most fun truck to drive is Nissan. I currently drive
a 2007 Nissan Titan. The best advice I can give is, Buy the one you like the best. They are all good vehicles.

 

[642mx]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

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!

Oh gosh... here we go again. You know your 30 times more likely to get struck by lightening than have UA acceleration from a Toyota?

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

Right...but that doesn't mean I'ma stand out in the middle of a field with a 10 foot metal pole in the middle of a lightning storm, either.

I'ma actually more concerned about their ridiculous 'fix' that they have to know isn't actually fixing anything (Ie., lying to the general public) than the actual problem. Everything can have a design flaw. Sure, domestic drive-by-wires have been using redundant TPS systems for years...Toyota will get it figured out...I just think they're pulling some sleezy crap...first the floor mat bologna, now this shim business.

I just try not to do business with people who won't own up to their own mistakes.

But this thread isn't about me, so I'll just throw that out as food for thought.

 

[q5ka]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I have a 2006 Dodge 2500 Diesel 4 door but grew up with Ford. The only reason I have the Dodge is for the engine. The ride is harsh compared to Ford, the interior is not as nice, the paint is super thin, the steering shackles had surface rust within the first 6 months of me owning it (its fine, just paint chipped/flaked off). I do get 20MPG in just about any driving conditions. Towing my boat, get about 17. Towing about 12k on a trailer, get about 15. I love the cummins, I just was not willing to have the 6L Ford when I needed a new 3/4 ton truck.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

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!

That seems a bit sensationalist to me. The advice is taken, but I don't think I view it in the same spirit you do.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

My 20 yr old Dodge Diesel 3/4 ton got 17.142 MPG on my last tank. 100% around town.

So, in that aspect the larger truck with the diesel performs better than the gasoline equivalent 1/2 ton mentioned in your post.

Of course, Diesel is a little more expensive, the truck takes 4 gallons of oil at oil change and the tires are more expensive...basically, things are built to last longer, but when they need maintenance, it costs more...so I guess it's really just a trade off.

My uncle got a Chevy 2500 with a diesel in it a few years ago for his farm fertilizer selling business. He'd drive all over the northeast with it and get 20-25 MPG and loved it. He took me out in it and stomped on the gas and got it up to around 110MPH in a hurry It was a great looking truck too.

I have the feeling that's more truck than I really need, however. I'd rather spend a bit more for comfort & room (more family-friendly) on something a bit lighter-duty that can still haul a nice-sided family boat (21-23ft would be great).

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

That seems a bit sensationalist to me. The advice is taken, but I don't think I view it in the same spirit you do.

It's true...I am probably overstating an issue...but I find the whole thing hilarious. There's this prevalent misconception that Japan is so much better at building cars than we are, and that American cars are just trouble ridden, and then a huge case comes out where the largest foreign automaker is trying to sweep a serious issue under the rug and people are just willing to overlook it...even when the company won't claim any real responsibility for the issues.

Every time I read another story about the issue I just get that mad scientist laugh bubbling up inside of me ...but yet, people are still out there, drinking that Kool-aid.

And meanwhile, I've been sticking to 15-20 yr old American cars, which no out of the ordinary issues to speak of.

When you look around out there on the streets, do you see any old foreign cars? Sure, the occasional mid-90s Accord is still out there, but that's pretty much it. But yet, you hear about this reliability all the time.

Just drives me nuts...so I have to speak up a little here and there.

Sorry to pollute your thread.

 

[zorak]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I think you sould go with the titan. Everyone i know that has one loves it. An alternative you might consider though, Is an 07 and up frontier.Mine 09 frontier is a little bigger inside than my wifes 04 xterra ( same engine as a frontier) which is based on the frontier platform and has a LOT more power .It's rated to tow 6300 lbs which may or may not work for you but i also get anywhere between 20-24 MPG. I plan on looking at a 20 foot travel trailer and will be pulling it with my Frontier. As for the made in america debate i will stay away from that one as my opinion will probably anger some.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

I think you sould go with the titan. Everyone i know that has one loves it. An alternative you might consider though, Is an 07 and up frontier.Mine 09 frontier is a little bigger inside than my wifes 04 xterra ( same engine as a frontier) which is based on the frontier platform and has a LOT more power .It's rated to tow 6300 lbs which may or may not work for you but i also get anywhere between 20-24 MPG. I plan on looking at a 20 foot travel trailer and will be pulling it with my Frontier. As for the made in america debate i will stay away from that one as my opinion will probably anger some.

That's a great point & one I'm considering as well. Also been looking at newer Tacomas which look really nice and are rated for 6500 lbs. In fact, after looking at some full sized 4-door trucks, they look like a lot to handle everyday. But I could go either way because the backseat room in a fullsize plus the flexibility to tow 10000 lbs or more is really appealing.

I do remember sitting in the 2007 Frontier's back seat and being really surprised at the room there. The bed was kind of pathetic compared to my Frontier's long bed.

 

[zorak]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

Yea i was on a budget so i went with the 4 door and the short bed but if you had the money you can order a frontier with 4 doors and a standard length bed. i have teenagers and they don't have any complaints about the back seats,just that there ain't enough 12 volt outlets to run all of their crapola.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

Yea i was on a budget so i went with the 4 door and the short bed but if you had the money you can order a frontier with 4 doors and a standard length bed. i have teenagers and they don't have any complaints about the back seats,just that there ain't enough 12 volt outlets to run all of their crapola.

Ah, good to hear that teens can handle the back seat. Definitely another point for the smaller truck.

 

[zorak]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

you know,i test drove an F150 and chevy full size trucks and although nice i had to pick something i would live with as i have to feed the beast every day.I have also been to the nissan plant several times and was impressed .I grew up as a chevy guy and even have a classic one in my garage but the prices on any chevy truck is truly staggering and although the sticker says 20 mpg everyone i know says they usually do much worse. A frontier will get only 13 or 14 mpg towing something heavy but thats only towing.

 

[edshoc0]

Re: Replacing a 03 Frontier 4x4

First, my personal preference is a GM, b/c as previously stated, they are the cars of trucks. I just like the car-like drive since my Suburban is my daily driver and my demands don't require much truck. My experience is coming from having a family of truck people and several years experience in the used car industry (I've driven and used them all.). Enough about me...

A. 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton
Because of price, you can pretty much forget the 3/4 ton models, and don't even consider a diesel. If you buy any of those in your price range, you are going to end up with a worn out truck. You need something generally more dependable.

B. Note on the Avalanche (which I actually love)....
Also, for you, I would stay away from the Avalanche 1500 (Suburban with a bed). They are designed for a nice passenger experience, and not the best for towing heavier tongue loads. I believe the Avalanche 2500 uses pick-up style leaf springs and wouldn't experience that. My Suburban 1500 feels at its limit with 350 lbs of tongue weight.

C. Gas engines
With any of the 1/2 ton models, I would strongly recommend bumping up to their larger engine option (5.4 on the Ford, 5.7 on the Toyota, 5.3 on the GMs, 5.7 on the Dodges, etc.). You will never kill the smaller engines or even the V6 models, but they are miserable to tow with in those scenarios where you want to goose it up a hill to get away from a swaying tractor trailer.

D. Choosing brands
I like GM for their drive quality as stated above. The only one of the 1/2 ton trucks that I don't like is the Nissan Titan. I felt like I was going to break it when I drove it. The Tundra is an excellent tower, but feels as bad as the GM over rough terrain. The Ford is the best for standing up to abuse--their 1/2 ton market is designed around commercial use. I don't know much about using the Dodge except I think their interiors are traditionally junky, and I have never found a Dodge dealer that I trusted. I wouldn't consider them unless I was looking for a diesel, which seems to be their market.

E. Test drive
Go test drive them all, immediately, and bring the whole family. You would be surprised the little things you might find that will completely rule out some options. The driver's seat might not feel comfortable, there may be no cup holders in the back seat, etc. You may have further research for figuring out your best tow vehicle, but a simple test drive could shorten the list quickly.

Happy towing...

PS. Forget gas mileage. This is not the hobby for worrying about such silly things.