Nissan or Toyota??

Corkie Monster · 12-04-2005, 07:40 PM

I will be looking for a new little pick up soon and was just wondering what your opinions are. The vehicles I'm looking at are the Nissan Frontier v-6 Nismo 4x4 or the Toyota Tacoma V-6 4x4. Looks like the Nissan has more power and is cheaper, any thoughts? The only thing I would be towing is my new matching Clackacraft :grin:

Thanks
CM

Zodiac-Fisherman · 12-04-2005, 07:42 PM

Tacoma 4sure!

Toyotas are ironclad.

My next car will be either a Tacoma or a WRX.

stilly bum · 12-04-2005, 08:43 PM

I have always been a Toyota fan. You won't find a more reliable truck. People have always complained about the seats in Toyota pickups but it never bothered me until I hurt my back. I can't stand driving mine any more and am shopping for a full size. If they weren't so spendy I'd get a Tundra. Tacomas aren't made for people over 6' tall. I guess to be fair I should say I haven't tried sitting in a new one.

Fish Mode · 12-04-2005, 09:03 PM

I'm a hard-core Toyota fan, so I'm pretty bias to ask about. Tacoma's better looking?

:grin:

But, if you have lots of computer time, I'm sure you're own perspective of things should be your lead reason not some stranger on the internet. So, if time is not such a big deal I'd recommend looking at the forums, checking out the pros the people in the forum express and the cons they express - usually the problems they ask about their truck.

Toyota Tacoma Forum

Nissan Frontier Forum

Check them out. Although the Frontier's commercials are cool looking, I ultimately love the Tacoma one where it shows the home video with the meter coming in and blowing back the camera and the Tacoma popping out over, hey there's a guy in the beginning of the commercial scatting, check THAT out! Shi-shi-shi-shi-shik

Good Luck, David

Rank Amateur · 12-04-2005, 10:55 PM

Haven't owned a Nissan. I couldn't be happier with my Toyota. I haven't had to do anything extra other than regular maintenance, nothing! 2000 tocoma, just about 100,000 miles.

KingFisher85 · 12-04-2005, 11:27 PM

Nothin beats a yota! :grin:

Mr. Fisherman · 12-05-2005, 03:45 AM

I had a Nissan Xterra before I bought my Titan. It was awsome and held up to my abuse very well. They are on the same fully boxed, fully welded ladder frame. I towed my 22' boat with the Xterra and pushed the 5000# tow rating, it handled it well. I wouldn't be afraid to buy another at all, in fact I recommend them. Check out the supercharged version. Drive them both, I think you will make the right decision. I know when it came to me buying the full size nothing was even close to the Titan and that included the highly touted Toyota. A test drive will tell you most of what you need to know, the sticker will say the rest.

Snug 2 · 12-05-2005, 05:55 AM

I am a proud Nissan Titan crew cab owner. Great truck. I have also owned a Ford Ranger, and Toyota PU. I have been pleased with all of them.

ajfishfinder · 12-05-2005, 07:25 AM

Nissan!!! I have almost 300,000 on mine and the only thing to break is the head gasket at 235,000. Still running the stock starter, alternator,---well heck everything is still stock. Believe me none of these miles were done by my grandma either.

20 years old and still going strong. Been offered 2-3 times what is worth. Wouldn't sell is for less than $5K because I simply couldn't trust anything else I could buy for $5k to replace it.

wootersen · 12-05-2005, 07:37 AM

My last 4 rigs have been Toyota's, and I DROOL whenever I see a brand new Tacoma. Especially with the hood scoop :tongue: :tongue: :tongue:

Buuuuuuttttt...can't deny the sticker price. Any 4 wheel drive Tacoma will be over $30,000 whereas the Nissan will run substantially cheaper. If money wasn't a factor I'd be all over the Toyota, but I know plenty of people that are very happy with there Nissans and you practically save enough money to buy a new clackacraft by going with Nissan. :grin: :grin:

fishlipper · 12-05-2005, 07:40 AM

I have a 93 nissan pathfinder, that I have had zero problems with other than regulare oil changes and maintenance. The only thing not routine I have had to replace was a $13 relay switch. Not bad for 130,000 miles. You really can't go wrong with either one, both made to last.

FastActionRodTip · 12-05-2005, 08:14 AM

I think the Tacomas received poor side impact crash ratings...something that has become more and more of a consideration for me these days

SlipKnot · 12-05-2005, 08:51 AM

You can't argue that Toyotas aren't awesome trucks. However, being a three time Nissan truck owner, I would argue that Nissan is 5% less reliable, 20% less cost.

I havn't looked at the stats on the motors in the new trucks. Nissan used to have quite a bit more torque which was really nice if you planned to haul or tow will your little truck. I've moved on to the larger, MUCH less reliable domestic brands.

The one area I think that Toyota kicks Nissan tail is in resale. If you plan to keep the truck a long time, buy Nissan.

skrimmy · 12-05-2005, 09:19 AM

NISSAN, it's EVERY BIT as bulletproof as the overpriced Toyota. You won't be changing the timing belt every 60K miles either, it uses a chain. Rated in one of the auto rags as one of the top 10 engines made.
I just bought the Xterra a couple months ago. I was considering the Frontier to replace my worn out Ranger. I went with the Xterra as it made more sense for me than the truck. It's rated to get 21MPG highway, but I've already gotten 23MPG with it. Pulls my heavy alumaweld drifter like it's not even back there.

It's the third Nissan vehicle I've owned and I had great luck with the others.

FishiinShawn · 12-05-2005, 09:31 AM

Quote:

NISSAN, it's EVERY BIT as bulletproof as the overpriced Toyota. You won't be changing the timing belt every 60K miles either, it uses a chain. Rated in one of the auto rags as one of the top 10 engines made.
I just bought the Xterra a couple months ago. I was considering the Frontier to replace my worn out Ranger. I went with the Xterra as it made more sense for me than the truck. It's rated to get 21MPG highway, but I've already gotten 23MPG with it. Pulls my heavy alumaweld drifter like it's not even back there.

It's the third Nissan vehicle I've owned and I had great luck with the others.

Consuner reports did a recent survey on NIssan Titan owners and found that the NIssan was the worst in reliability. I personally know two people that bought the lifted up Titans and have had nothing but problems. Also My brother in law has a non super charged x-terra and even though it is a V-6 he still complains how gutless it is. I couldnt be happier with my 05 F-150. Zero problems, handles like a car, and rides way better then the nissan. Power is awesome, I think you could power brake it for blocks

I alos off road mine alot in the sand dunes and it works great.

skrimmy · 12-05-2005, 09:41 AM

Well, I've read too of some issues with some of the Titan's. Mostly front brake related. But, the Titan wasn't the topic here. And too, the older Xterras were known to be somewhat lacking in power. But, in 05 they bumped it to 265HP, and trust me, it's NOT lacking in power. I hope your 05 F150 isn't an auto trans...if so, good luck with that. BTW, the Xterra was just named SUV of the year. :smile:

FishiinShawn · 12-05-2005, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Well, I've read too of some issues with some of the Titan's. Mostly front brake related. But, the Titan wasn't the topic here. And too, the older Xterras were known to be somewhat lacking in power. But, in 05 they bumped it to 265HP, and trust me, it's NOT lacking in power. I hope your 05 F150 isn't an auto trans...if so, good luck with that. BTW, the Xterra was just named SUV of the year. :smile:

I wouldn't call it an older xterra considering it is an 05...

Thumper · 12-05-2005, 10:14 AM

The name of the game for me is reliability.

I have operated a fleet of Nissans and Subarus, and I currently design courier fleets for clients. Out of 72 Nissans (mostly back in the 80s and 90s) and more than a dozen Subarus, the Nissans had the best overall reliability record.

We never replaced a Nissan in the fleet before 250,000 miles, and never lost a motor. Our family has also owned three Nissan pickups (93, 95, 97), and all are still going strong (265,000, 156,000 and 140,000). Try that with your domestic brands.

My Sooz currently drives a 2002 Pathfinder and loves it.

Anecdotal and dated info, to be sure. But I think that says something about Nissan's dedication to quality.

Another tremendous advantage of driving a Nissan is that there is a local Vancouver outfit that provides superb Nissan service at a fraction of the dealer costs for service. PM me if you want contact info.

sinker · 12-05-2005, 12:28 PM

I used to be a huge Toyota fan but now my wife drives a Nissan.

They only toy I have now is an 87 tercel beater for commuting. I think they developed an awesome reputation in the 80's but the quality has slipped since then.

They're still better than average but I like Nissan's quality and price over Toyotas name.

Flying Roast Beef · 12-05-2005, 12:39 PM

One thing for sure, the Toyotas hold their value much better. Just look in the paper you'll see.

Bonita · 12-05-2005, 01:36 PM

I worked for Nissan until a few years back...
There are models that are very reliable, and Nissan fans are undying (see the intro of the new Z models).
That said, they are extremely difficult and expensive to work on. If you are unfortunate enough to have problems, you can count on dropping a load of cash to get them repaired, and you�ll want to have those repairs made at the dealership with OEM parts unless you want more troubles down the road.
Yeah, there is a difference in price, but the difference in quality is definately worth it. Especially when it comes to re-sale value. Repairs are easier and cheaper on the Toyota as well. Nissan doesn�t have the high sticker price, but wait until you need a tune up!
Either way you go, my best piece of advice to new vehicle owners is to keep up on your scheduled maintenance, and have it done at the dealer or a dealer-authorized shop - that�s your best insurance for lasting reliability in any vehicle.
Enjoy your new truck!

Corkie Monster · 12-05-2005, 07:12 PM

Thanks for all the info everybody. After reading all your post I'm still confused on what to get

. I have about a year to decide, so plenty of time to research. We have a 06 Tacoma 4x4 TRD sport at the Costco I work at, looks like a sweet ride for 30k. Things I will look at are reliability, Crash test, Power, looks (2007's), and how roomy they are.

I'm looking at Tacoma's and Frontiers with a V-6, Extra Cab, Short bed, and must be 4 wheel drive.

Thanks
CM

Fish Mode · 12-05-2005, 09:53 PM

well, if you want looks. Just lift a new Tacoma and it'll look almost the same in comparison to the Tundra...I like Toyota :grin: Again, bias

Good Luck mate

FishiinShawn · 12-06-2005, 05:58 AM

I dont know anyone that isnt happy with there tacoma. I can't say the same about the nissan's. So I would say get a tacoma.

Corkie Monster · 12-06-2005, 05:59 AM

I will never lift a truck, I want my 4x4 to be usefull. :grin:

CM

FishiinShawn · 12-06-2005, 06:00 AM

Quote:

I will never lift a truck, I want my 4x4 to be usefull. :grin:

CM

Why is a lifted truck not useful?

Pescadote · 12-06-2005, 06:48 AM

I think that both are good trucks. I had an '87 4-Runner that I sold to a friend in Albany. The thing has close to 300K on it and is still going strong. That being said, I also had an '85 Nissan P/U that I drove to about 150,000 miles and it was still running very well when I sold it.

I bought my latest pickup in '04, a Tacoma quad cab. I also thought about a Nissan because the price was quite a bit cheaper. However, I am 6'4" and when I sat in the '04 Nissan it just seemed too cramped to me. My kids are also tall, so I was worried about the back seat room on the Frontier. They have since changed the bodies on both trucks, however, and I am curious to see if Nissan has improved the leg and head room.

So, I bit the bullet and bought a new Tacoma. It has been an awesome truck so far and I hope to be driving it for many years to come.

Pescadote

Corkie Monster · 12-06-2005, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Why is a lifted truck not useful?

Because I don't need a truck that may roll easier, and loose a bunch of power and lower gas mileage on larger tires. I don't plan to go off road unless I absolutely have too. I want the 4 wheel drive mainly for slick conditions, pulling my DB, etc. I'm not meaning to bash on lifted trucks, I just have no need for one.

CM

skrimmy · 12-06-2005, 08:48 AM

From Edmunds website review of the F150:

Feels sluggish even with larger V8, no available side airbags, not much interior storage space. A class leader when it comes to ride and handling, the F-150 is dragged down by its excessive weight and lack of key safety features.

From Motorweek regarding the F150 with the biggest most powerful engine you can get in it:
0-60 9.9 seconds
1/4 mile 81MPH

The Nissan does 7.7 seconds and 86MPH. So, the remark that someone's brother in law thinks the Nissan is "gutless", don't let him drive that F150 of yours!

From Edmunds website road test on "tough trucks" comparing the Tacoma and Frontier:

Tough Trucks, Tough Call
After two days of testing, and several cans of Raid, one thing was clear: These trucks are built to take serious punishment. After all we put them through, they all drove the 350 miles home like it was just another road trip.

We also discovered little difference between the street-tuned trucks and the off-road versions. Other than a little extra traction from the all-terrain tires and less fade from the Bilstein shocks, the TRD Sport and Frontier LE conquered the same terrain as their off-road counterparts.

This made choosing a winner difficult, but the Nissans take the win. If we were buying a truck that would spend its entire life in the dirt, one of the Tacomas might get the nod, but before you play in the mud on the weekend, you have to get through the week first. While equally as tough and capable off-road as the Tacomas, the Nissan Frontiers are simply more refined and more comfortable. Bottom line, had we been forced to endure another few days in the desert we would have wanted to be driving one of the Nissan Frontiers.

That all said, back to keeping the thread on topic of the original question, Both the Toyota and Nissan are fine products. You would not go wrong with either. I considered both and did REAL research when I bought mine. I'm sure glad I didn't seek a simple minded opinion of some knuckle dragger who's opinion is based purely upon what he personally drives.

As Thumper has stated, and based on long term first hand experience, the Nissan is definitely a reliable product over the long haul. But, so is the Toyota. My choice was based on my own need. The Nissan was cheaper and had more functionality that fit my own needs. I could have easily chosen the Toyota. I'm sure both their transmissions would last longer than the 115K I got out of my Ranger.

If I was in the market for a BIG truck I'd go Ford F350 all the way. I know several guys with them and they are one heck of a truck, even though the Dodge gets higher reviews.

greenbuttskunk · 12-06-2005, 09:10 AM

I've owned many nissans, Great truck for the money. much more affordable than the toyota. I own a tundra now and love it. If money is a real issue, I'd go nissan. Very dependable. If you can swing the extra dough, go toyota. A bit better resale value, probably tougher truck too.

FishiinShawn · 12-06-2005, 11:58 AM

Quote:

From Edmunds website review of the F150:

Feels sluggish even with larger V8, no available side airbags, not much interior storage space. A class leader when it comes to ride and handling, the F-150 is dragged down by its excessive weight and lack of key safety features.

From Motorweek regarding the F150 with the biggest most powerful engine you can get in it:
0-60 9.9 seconds
1/4 mile 81MPH

The Nissan does 7.7 seconds and 86MPH. So, the remark that someone's brother in law thinks the Nissan is "gutless", don't let him drive that F150 of yours!

From Edmunds website road test on "tough trucks" comparing the Tacoma and Frontier:

Tough Trucks, Tough Call
After two days of testing, and several cans of Raid, one thing was clear: These trucks are built to take serious punishment. After all we put them through, they all drove the 350 miles home like it was just another road trip.

We also discovered little difference between the street-tuned trucks and the off-road versions. Other than a little extra traction from the all-terrain tires and less fade from the Bilstein shocks, the TRD Sport and Frontier LE conquered the same terrain as their off-road counterparts.

This made choosing a winner difficult, but the Nissans take the win. If we were buying a truck that would spend its entire life in the dirt, one of the Tacomas might get the nod, but before you play in the mud on the weekend, you have to get through the week first. While equally as tough and capable off-road as the Tacomas, the Nissan Frontiers are simply more refined and more comfortable. Bottom line, had we been forced to endure another few days in the desert we would have wanted to be driving one of the Nissan Frontiers.

Both the Toyota and Nissan are fine products. You would not go wrong with either. I considered both and did REAL research when I bought mine.
As Thumper has stated, and based on long term first hand experience, the Nissan is definitely a reliable product over the long haul. But, so is the Toyota. My choice was based on my own need. The Nissan was cheaper and had more functionality that fit my own needs. I could have easily chosen the Toyota. I'm sure both their transmissions would last longer than the 115K I got out of my Ranger.

If I was in the market for a BIG truck I'd go Ford F350 all the way. I know several guys with them and they are one heck of a truck, even though the Dodge gets higher reviews.

PersonallY I don't believe they know what they are talking about half the time. As far as sluggish goes Ford changed the tune for there ECM's recently because they had tuned them for open highway towing. You can get your computer reflashed for free and it delievers a better shifting pattern. Even in the edmonds report they list the F-150 as a class leader in ride and handling. They also have the heaviest tow rating.

As far as my brother in law saying his nissan was gutless, well thats what he said. If you read the post carefully it is for an exterra not a pickup. The other two people I know with titans both have negative things to say about them. Also in a survey by consumer reports conducted on owners of the titan, it took first, in the least reliable full size catagory.

I'm happy your happy with it

Thumper · 12-06-2005, 12:30 PM

:lurk:

skrimmy · 12-06-2005, 02:00 PM

I'll PM ya later in the day when I've got a bit more time. :lurk:

Corkie Monster · 12-06-2005, 03:21 PM

I've been drifting more towards the Nissan, looks like I can get alot more pick up for the money, and yes, money will be an issue.

Thanks
CM

FishiinShawn · 12-07-2005, 06:25 AM

It has been brought to my attention that I may have made some of the Nissan owners feel belittled or dissmissed. I am sorry if I made anyone feel that way. I was in a bad mood yesterday and apprently that made it's way into my posts. I want to quantify what I said. The things I talked about we are all said to me directly from only 3 nissan owners. One was an exterra owner the other two were Titan owners. The titan owners were the only ones with mechanical complaints. The exterra owner was not a mechanical complaint.

Corkie Monster I am sorry your thread got hi-jacked. Just so you know I have not heard of any mechanically related complaints about the fronteer or the tacoma. I am sure either would make a great rig for you. As with any new rig I would look into who has the best financing options and the best rebates. With it being the end of the year and all I wouldn't be surprised to see big rebates coming out.

On a side note have you considered a Dodge Dakota? I had one for about 4 years and never had a problem with it. I think it is dodge that is having the free gas for a year promotion as well....

baltz526 · 12-07-2005, 07:04 AM

if i was looking for a 4x4, there are some things i would look at. ground clearance,skidplates,towing capacity, are locking differentials available as an option,front and rear, wheel wells, can you use chains on all four wheels, with the tires you want to run. both nissan and toyota are good trucks, any problems you have with either brand will be a parts issue, luck of the draw.with the correct maintainence both will last over 250,000 miles.

Mr. Fisherman · 12-07-2005, 07:07 AM

I have had 2 TSBs with my Titan. Both were taken care of and have been no further trouble. Actually they were not trouble in the first place and it did not cost me a dime for the repairs.
I have never been happier with a vehicle, ever. I love my truck. Towing with it is a dream.