New Frontier or Tacoma?

[UNHCLL]

Recent applicable thread:

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175331

[Restoman]

It never ever makes since to buy new. Wake the F#$@^% up! Buy used or learn an expensive lesson. My wife bought new and I let her do it and like fools it cost us more money than I would care to admit.

[Holland]

You either pay for depreciation, or maintenance, so either way you will pay.

[mrsleeve]

Buddy I am going to say this one time.

I know you dont want to drive something that big...............


But really look into a 1/2ton really the real world fuel economy is not that much better on a mid size ( I have owned may of both full and compact trucks) and I get just as good if not better mileage in my big ass 3/4 ton as I ever did in any S10. Tacos are not that much better than the shit-10's in this respect.

You will find that you will be wishing (like you do now with the happy face) for a truck or something big enough to haul all this shit on 1 trip, or man I wish this thing would get outta its own way with the trailer on the back.

I will never own a mid size again

[Maluco]

damn, I am mad glad I ran into this thread. I believe you guys have talked me into buying a Tacoma!

[bad_azz_bmr]

I went through this same dilemma last year after owning a ram 1500 and a Nissan Titan, I ended up with a Ridgeline, put on some 20" XD rockstars with an aggressive tire a/t tire, it looks great now and gives twice the mileage the hemi of the Titan gave.

Great truck don't regret it one bit for what I use it for, spent endless hours looking at, researching and test driving frontiers and taco's and the build quality and mileage turned me off.

I'll try to dig up some pics on the ridgey tomorrow, and it's the only truck in the same category that holds a 4' wide sheet of plywood flat on the bed.

[kalib0y]

My younger bro has an 08 frontier and I have an 08 tacoma rugged trail.

He has 43,xxxmiles and I have 85,xxx miles. He has had 2 recalls and I have had none. My truck still drives like the day I bought it brand new. I love it becuase I know that she is the most reliable vehicle I own hands down.

Some pics of my tank:
The day I bought her:

After she caught the modbug:

[SoEm0]

Buddy I am going to say this one time.

I know you dont want to drive something that big...............


But really look into a 1/2ton really the real world fuel economy is not that much better on a mid size ( I have owned may of both full and compact trucks) and I get just as good if not better mileage in my big ass 3/4 ton as I ever did in any S10. Tacos are not that much better than the shit-10's in this respect.

You will find that you will be wishing (like you do now with the happy face) for a truck or something big enough to haul all this shit on 1 trip, or man I wish this thing would get outta its own way with the trailer on the back.

I will never own a mid size again

+1

I know its your choice, but I have owned several trucks. Hell if I get this job I am trying to get, I will buy another. I have several friends with Taco's and 2 people in my family own newer frontiers. The toyota is a good truck, however maintenance is a bit expensive. Nissan makes a great truck as well. However they are not very friendly on fuel costs. You would be surprised that a lot of the full sized trucks get better mpg and do more than the mid sized. There are always good deals to be had at the dealers. Two of my co workers have bought crew cab 4x4's in the last 2 months. Neither of them payed over 30k.

[iflytii]

Taco! I loved both of my Tacos but the need to pull my enclosed trailer steered me to my current 3/4 ton truck. I'd gladly take my Taco back for daily duties!

[NigelStu]

Both of those trucks are good. And very comparable in features and capabilities. Frontier wins in specs in a few areas, Taco in others.

The Ranger... well, anemic engine compared to the Taco and Frontier, lower tow rating and with the V6, barely better fuel economy than the Frontier. Which has better stated fuel economy for a 4x4 crew cab than the Taco.


Those trucks are great for most day-to-day activities. Easier to drive/park than a full-size truck. A bit better on fuel (unless you go diesel). Cheaper (payments, insurance, maintinance, etc). Capable off-roaders. And they can still haul most of what most people will carry on those few occasions per year when you fully load the truck. Hell, if you find yourself in a situation where you need a bigger truck - rent one. I basically did that for a whole year of racing once.



Get the size truck that fits your needs, is within your budget and you like. Upgrade later if you need to.


The whole philosphy of buying the biggest truck capable or the largest load you might carry during the life of the vehicle perplexes me. Based on that philosophy, everyone should own a F-650, or a semi. Or a Huey helicopter. Just in case they need to rescue a beached whale, relocate their double-wide mobil home, take their mom to the prom or carry the 20 tons of shit that has been spewing out of their mouths. In one trip.

[Bene]

over the past decade I've been somewhat of a connoisseur of mini trucks. here's what I know:

Tacomas: overall good, but the suspensions are way too soft for a truck. 4x4s are probably better in that department, but the only 4x4 taco I've driven was a '94.

Frontier: definitely would be my choice if you're stuck on Japanese. The VQ40 is a fantastic motor. Sturdy suspension that's not going to bottom out if you drive on the freeway with any kind of heavy load (like my dad's Taco).

GM: I've only driven an S10, and that thing was terrible. I doubt whatever the newer models are called are much better, they sure are ugly.

Dakota: no experience, I'm ok with that.

Ranger: In my experience, just as dependable and durable as the Japanese trucks. Similar ride and feel to the Nissan (good). IMO better looking than the Nissan and much better looking than the Toyota.

My point: You should at least consider or look at some Rangers. Used ones are probably more reasonably priced. Or if you want to stick with new, these days, the Ford dealers will probably be more eager to make a deal.

[z31maniac]

^Yeah, but I don't like the Rangers, and they are noticeably smaller than the Frontier/Tacoma.

I appreciate people offering their input, but I have a very specific set of needs/wants and I researched it down to these two offerings before I even posted the thread.

[mrsleeve]

I went through this same dilemma last year after owning a ram 1500 and a Nissan Titan, I ended up with a Ridgeline, put on some 20" XD rockstars with an aggressive tire a/t tire, it looks great now and gives twice the mileage the hemi of the Titan gave.

Great truck don't regret it one bit for what I use it for, spent endless hours looking at, researching and test driving frontiers and taco's and the build quality and mileage turned me off.

I'll try to dig up some pics on the ridgey tomorrow, and it's the only truck in the same category that holds a 4' wide sheet of plywood flat on the bed.

ridge Line IS NOT A TRUCK

Its a God dammed MIN VAN with an open air area at the back.

[Hey-U]

ridge Line IS NOT A TRUCK

Its a God dammed MIN VAN with an open air area at the back.

LOL, Agreed

[brutus87]

Tacoma.
I cant believe you made about this.
The choice is obvious.