Advice, Buying a Truck

[FlyMikeFly]

Hello all. This is totally non-aviation related, but I do value the opinions and input gained through this forum, so I decided to roll the dice. I am shopping for a new vehicle. I am considering first a Nissan Frontier, second a Toyota Tacoma. I am pretty sure I know what I want, but there are a few small details that are becoming sticking points. First, I intend to use this truck as a commuter, so I am looking at the 4-cyl, however, I don't want something that is so underpowered I feel like I can't keep up on the interstate, or have a good passing gear. The difference in gas mileage is about 3 or 4 mpg. Second, does anyone have any experience with either of these two trucks? If so, please give your opinion on them. I plan to use Carmax for my purchase. That's about it. Thanks in advance.

 

[robav8r]

I own a 2000 Toyota Tacoma - 2.7L, 4 cyl, 4WD, SR5. Absolutely LOVE IT !!! You can't go wrong with a Tacoma (IMO).

 

[BurghGuy]

I'd personally recommend a Tacoma. I had a '92 Toyota pickup 4cyl with over 150k miles that ran smooth enough, eventually traded for something newer, but my dad has a '98 4-cyl, 4wd commuter that still drives like it's brand new. It all depends on how well you take care of it. A well taken care of Nissan will outlive a poorly maintained Toyota any day.

You also sound like your not going to be using this truck for any major towing/worksite usage (4 cyl, commuter, etc.) If your looking for just plain weekend utility, both trucks will suit your need, I've heard nothing of either being underpowered on the interstate, although a V6 will get you more power, you seem more interested in the efficiency.

Go test drive them both, one right after another, and see which one is most comfortable to drive, since it will first and foremost be a commuter. (I'm assuming, of course, you commute to work more often than you carry say, camping gear, and that you won't be towing anything large since it's a 4cyl.) Take notes of the test drive if you need to.

 

[FlybyWired06]

Toyota over Nissan any day. This is especially true since you are looking used. However, I would be wary of Carmax. While they say they have the best deals, they are often limited and you might find yourself buying a Truck you never get to see, NOT A GOOD IDEA. While Carmax has been great for alot of people, they're still a dealer and still worried about pushing vehicles through inventory as quickly as possible.

I was in the same situation as you. Wanted a truck, not a car, and wanted something with power, but not a guzzler. Well, I was underwhelmed by the power of 4cyl and 6cyl trucks, not great for hauling and in the 4cyl you must avoid any situations which require quick acceleration (i.e. short on ramps, getting past slow cars on the highway, etc.). I actually ended up with a V-8 Ford F-150. Great truck, terrible gas milage (duh). Anyway, long story short, ended up trading the truck in for a V-6 Honda Accord Coupe due to the fact that I was not using the truck AS a truck very often (i.e. hauling junk, carting larger payloads around, etc.).

Morals of the Story: Don't limit yourself to Carmax. Check out autotrader.com to find cars/trucks close to you that you can actually test drive and possibly take to a mechanic to check for problems (highly recommended). Beware the 4cyl truck if looking for acceleration/hauling power. Toyota over Nissan. Finally, to be the "devil's advocate", if you're really worried about gas milage, get a 4cyl car, not a truck.

Best of luck, hope you find what you want!

p.s. I'm not hating on 4cyl trucks, these are just my own personal opinions. Alot of people have enjoyed 4cyl trucks. If you still want one, I believe robav8r's suggestion is one of the best 4cyl trucks out there, but hard to find...

 

[FlyMikeFly]

Thanks for the advice, really appreciate it.

 

[FLY_USMC]

I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, 2WD, TRD, about 21 MPG.

Pros: it's a Toyota, this things going to last forever, it's spacious, with the
2WD TRD package, it looks 4WD which is pretty cool, Toyota's hold their value very well, I drove it off the lot, drove it 2000 miles, and NADA says it's worth more than I paid for it.

Cons: Toyota is gay with 0% financing for Tundra's right now, they didn't have it for Tacoma's and I've never owned a non-0% interest vehicle, so this 5.9% stuff is eating me inside. If you're going for a pre-2005 model, I think they're ugly, just my honest opinion. They're pretty difficult to find used, I looked and the majority where either too far away or too close to what I could pick up a new one for.

I'd go for the Tacoma, I'd buy and 05 or 06 with low miles if you can, and hopefully the "used" part will help you out with the "$$" part since about the best you can get financing right now through Credit Unions is anywhere from 5.95-6.14%

 

[statesman]

My dad bought a 07 Tacoma with SR5. No 4WD or anything fancy. I have never wanted a truck. Period. Driving that truck around changed my mind. I would DEFINITELY recommend the Tacoma.

 

[Raptor2216]

Toyota's are nice but you get a lot more for your money out of a Nissan. I test drove the frontier a couple of years ago and I don't think there was anything horribly different about it than the tacoma. You should try them both out before you make make the decision.

 

[m3urthy]

Tacoma. Tacoma. Tacoma.

The Tacoma is based off of the Toyota Hi-lux pickup that is sold to the rest of the world.

Google Hilux and you'll see what I mean. That thing is rock solid.



Good luck! I'm actually in the market for a Tundra myself.

 

[HAL Pilot]

NSFW - Car dealer ad

 

[wiseguy04]

NSFW - Car dealer ad

"And it better not bounce or you're a dead m*******!"

Seriously, make sure you get the bumpersticker:
"Yes, this is my truck. No, I'm not helping you move."

 

[llnick2001]

NSFW - Car dealer ad

Best ad ever.

 

[k_smittay]

Own a toyota 4runner, it's not exactly a tacoma, but similar. Love it. Very reliable. 70,000 miles and never been in the shop except to tune it up.

 

[PCHomerun_4]

I have an 02 Toyota Tacoma. I highly recommend a Toyota over Nissan. Check out the Pre-Runners, my truck gets around 23 mpg on the highway. Tacomas are all-around good trucks. You will not be disappointed with a Toyota.

 

[k_smittay]

Toyota's are nice but you get a lot more for your money out of a Nissan. I test drove the frontier a couple of years ago and I don't think there was anything horribly different about it than the tacoma. You should try them both out before you make make the decision.

They all ride nice on a test drive. Its at 70K miles where the extra money you paid makes a difference.

How do you treat your vehicles? If you drive them into the ground and keep them, spend the money. If you like a new car every 3 years, save yourself the money.