Posted: Apr 28 2008 at 11:23am | IP Logged

Hello, I am at the still undecided stage and have narrowed it down with only two choices remaining. A 08 Frontier, Crew cab, Nismo 4x4, auto, short bed. Or Toyota Tacoma same equip. Hope I don’t get beat with a stick for bringing up the Tacoma on a Nissan forum LOL.

But I am looking for honest advice and info from those who own a Nissan. If it helps win any points I do currently drive a 2002 Nissan Frontier, V6, 2x4 Crew cab.

I can’t seem to make the Nissan official site work it continues to crash on my crappy computer here at work. But I can’t find a lot of info on what is included in the Nismo PKG. Also the LE vs. Nismo what is the difference just a few more creature comforts vs. off road ability?

Any known issues I should be aware of I saw a post about the U joints no big deal there just a swap out but any more serious flaws showing up?

BTW just wanted to say thanks in advance for any responses.

Posted: Apr 28 2008 at 1:55pm | IP Logged

I have a 2007 SE Crew cab 4X4 auto with short bed, Utilitrack, bed liner, mud flaps and take it off road for hunting.  I don't do rock climbing.  However, mine has been excellent and has taken me everywhere I want to go.  I threw on the thin Nissan skidplates (from Courtesy parts) to protect against flying sticks and stones.  Actually, I think the Nismo is a bit of overkill for me and I am glad i stuck to the SE.  I did no want a sunroof or roof rack that came on the LE and wnet to the SE as a result.  I run about 24-25 mpg hiway on hi-test gas and about 17 city this time of the year. I do my own maintenance such as oil changes.

I always owned Chevrolet full size pickups but wanted a smaller truck.  Looked at the Chevy Colorado (quick NO decision there), the Tacoma and the Frontier.  After driving the Frontier, I was sold.

Posted: Apr 28 2008 at 3:21pm | IP Logged

..

TXkenpo;

They are equally great trucks! Nissan seems to always give you more for the money.

Have a good one.. Don S..

Posted: Apr 28 2008 at 3:22pm | IP Logged

TXKenpo,

I have the 2007 LE CC shortbed.  I too drove every competitor out there before purchasing last August.   The Tacoma and the Frontier, (In my mind) are very close.  It comes down to slight differences like the driving position, the hood design and styling.  Quality is there in both products. 

In my opinion, all the Frontiers are basicily the same. (KC now)  The SE baseline is the XE with a V6 engine.  Both the SE and XE can be 'embelished' with packages that add power 'stuff' or improved sound systems.  Adding 4X4 normally adds all the bells & whistles that go with 4X4.  The NISMO adds name brand components that relate to off-roading and a nifty sticker on the side of the bed. (I thought the NISMO suspension was too stiff for my all pavement driving)  The LE gives you the running boards, roof rack and all the 'power stuff' standard. Also included are wider tires and the 'option' for a sunroof, leather seats and a better stereo. 

Here's my advice:  get the LE, but try to get it for the SE price.

Aloha,

Bob

Posted: Apr 28 2008 at 3:44pm | IP Logged

Thanks for all the great replies everyone.

I am looking for the stiff suspension not so much to go rock climbing and serious off road duty. But I live in a small town in TX and some of our roads are real bad so bad my poor 2002 2 wheel drive rattles all over. And I work in down town Dallas and many roads down here are just as bad or worse than my small town. And every now and then I sneak off the my local fishing hole and it’s pretty tough going 4x4 would be nice.

DaChief—

I see you are from the birth place of American Kenpo; by chance are you a Kenpoist?

Posted: Apr 30 2008 at 11:09am | IP Logged

hsckris wrote: Nismo basically only gives you shocks & skid plats & a nameplate on the rear. The shocks from the Nismo are better, butfrom what I hear they bolt right onto the SE if you really want them. The differential in the SE has had a significantly reduced failure rate versus the Nismo. As far as the Taco -- I bought my Frontier b/c Nissan sold it to me for about $4000-5000 less than a comparably equipped Tacoma.  That is something to keep in mind. Maintenance on these trucks is not cheap, Nissan calls for a ton of stuff every 30k (trans, trans case, diff front & rear, coolant fluid changes, fuel filter, belts -- I think thats it, but maybe not).

Well that’s not unrealistic as (sorry I may be a little off my game been out of the trade a few years now) But Trans, TC, Fuel Filter we always recommended at 20k so 30 is kind of pushing it. Are the Trans and transfer cases just drain and fill or does Nissan require a filter change on the transmission. Belts no big deal just replace when the serpentine belt develops small cracks or is that also required to be replaced at 30K to stay in warranty?  

Does Nissan have a problem with the rear Diff failing? Do they use a different set of gears in the LE VS Nismo? Also I know that would be a pain to have replaced but wouldn’t that fall under the DT warranty and wouldn’t that exceed the 3/36 standard? Sorry for so many questions just want to go in with both eyes open.