New Frontier or Tacoma?

[z31maniac]

I'm ditching the Speed 3, being a homeowner I'm constantly running into times when I need a truck.

Being that I want a mid-size, 4x4, crew cab. I've got two options, and when it comes to used, around these parts it seems to be:
1. $10k and 200k miles
2. 50k miles and only a few grand less than new.

Add in crappier finance terms and no $3k cash back (like on the new Frontiers) and it seems like this might be the one time buying new over used actually makes sense.

For the record, I'm thinking the Frontier with the Pro-4X package, or a Tacoma with the TRD package.

I plan to go drive both in the next few days.

Thoughts?

[Kershaw]

10k for 200k miles?

wtffffffff

edit: checked clist. $10k, 90k miles. I4 though.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/ctd/2410665265.html

[Farbin Kaiber]

Not sure about 2011's but I like the ride of the Toyotas over the Nissans.

[be34st]

Tacoma

[emoshun]

Tacoma all day everyday.

My fiancé has an '03 quad cab longbed PreRunner V6, and it's a great truck.

[87e30]

I love the tacoma's. Based upon how well the 2000ish 4 runner / tacoma's age I would expect similar from the newer trucks.

The manuals feel like rally trucks, it's awesome. haha

[urbancynic]

I've had both. One Nissan Frontier and 2 Toyota Tacomas. All New.

The Nissan felt cheaper, broke faster (transmission quit in 1500 miles - no, it wasn't beat on). Fuel economy was absolutely shit.

Thats why I replaced it with an 05 Tacoma 4cyl Prerunner. Performace was better, fuel economy was in the high 20's even around town. It could haul more, albeit uphill performance wasn't the best. Nothing ever broke. Overall it was a much much better truck.

I later bought another Tacoma - this one was a 4.0l V6 Prerunner with autotragic, towing package, and TRD Off-Road package. This was a much better set up. It was fast, still fuel efficient (averaged 20-25 mpg both city and highway), powerful, and comfortable. It easily towed a 2000lb trailer with a 2000 lb car on it and a bed full of car parts doing 90+ down the highway in Texas and still averaged 19mpg. Basic servicing on it was cheap and easy to do. I had it for about 40k miles and I loved it. I'd love another someday.

If you plan to do any off-roading, get the TRD Off-Road package for the locking diff and also go for 4 wheel drive. Mine was only 2wd, but it still did things with that locking diff that my buddy's 5.8 Bronco 4wd had issues with.

Also be aware that unless they've changed them, the tires Toyota puts on the TRD Off-Road package trucks look beefy, but they are soft, so they get torn up pretty quick. Mine lasted about 20k before I replaced them with Nitto Terra-Grapplers.

[z31maniac]

10k for 200k miles?

wtffffffff

edit: checked clist. $10k, 90k miles. I4 though.
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/ctd/2410665265.html

Trucks hold their value well in this part of the country.

[urbancynic]

The 2.7l 4cyl they put in the Tacomas now is based on the old 22r motor. They refuse to die.

I'm sure the V6 has the same quality though.

[scabzzzz]

Ford Ecoboost.

Dont be a nancy Buddy.

[z31maniac]

^That takes us from $30k to well past $45k.

I couldn't handle driving something that big everday. And I don't want to just drop a grand on an old used truck (which as you guys can see by prices isn't really worth it unless you want a 25 year old, roached out Dodge).

I also don't want 3 cars (Speed, old truck, E30). I think just a truck and an E30 would be good.

[scabzzzz]

Yeah but.... ECO BOOST BRO! You can afford it!

:)

[Kershaw]

Trucks hold their value well in this part of the country.

then maybe you should fly to MD, buy the truck, and drive back?

[z31maniac]

then maybe you should fly to MD, buy the truck, and drive back?

I could, but that makes life a lot more PITA. I'd like to trade the Speed 3 in and save myself the hassle of people wanting to "test drive" it and such.

I'm going to run out to the Toyota dealer today and see if they have one with the TRD off-road package for me to test drive.

[Hey-U]

Tacoma is your best bet. I am on my third 4runner all 4cyl they are great. My brother has worked his 92 Toyota pick up to near death since 93, changing the oil once every couple of years or adding oil when it sounds like a diesel. He is over loading it constantly, last week he took 1,300 lbs of plywood on the rack above the cab/box and then loading the box with steel and wood. The springs were flattened for the trip, they took a few days to rebound. It is such a piece of sh*t now that is relegated as a loaner vehicle for friends and family with work duty in mind.... it won't die. Top Gear did a pretty good job of abusing a Toyota truck. I worked in a mine in the North Pole for a number of years and used Toyota pick ups and Land Cruisers, they wouldn't get turned off for 8 months of the year or they would freeze up. Down time for the Toyotas was substantially better than any other vehicle on the Island including the Unimogs. At the time it was pretty funny when the old boy mechanics (who all drove Ford and Chevy trucks) had to admit to this.