[Bonita]

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]

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

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 :nerd:
Good Luck mate :wave:

 

[FishiinShawn]

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]

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

CM

 

[FishiinShawn]

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

CM

Why is a lifted truck not useful?

 

[Pescadote]

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]

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. :flowered:

CM

 

[skrimmy]

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]

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]

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 :cheers:

 

[Thumper]

:lurk:

 

[skrimmy]

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

 

[Corkie Monster]

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]

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]

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]

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.