Hello. I stumbled accross this forum while trying to gather info on the Tacoma and Frontier. I'm in the market for a smaller sized truck and I'm torn on which of the 2 to buy. Has anybody out there owned both or have any experiences to share that might help me make a decision? I'm looking for a 4 cyl. 2WD in the $6,000 to $9,000 dollar range (with cash- no payments). I'm looking for good commute gas milage and light Home Depot hauling. Any useful info or things to consider would be much appreciated. Looks like most Tacoma owners are happy with their trucks. Thanks in advance!

I had a 99 Frontier XE extended cab with 2.4 engine prior to buying my Tacoma SR5 extended cab with 2.4 engine. It would be nice if one could combine the beast features of both. The engines seem to have about equal power, they are adequate but are not super strong. The Nissan got about 2 mpg better fuel mileage. It also had a turning radius about 5-6 feet shorter than the Tacoma. Quality control seems better on the Tacoma. The Tacoma also rides better but for me the steering wheel is too far away in the Tacoma. I never had any problems with the Frontier and it's AC worked better than the one in the Tacoma, Toyota tells me mine is ok. My Nissan came with alloy wheels and 65 profile tires, Tacoma has styled steel wheels and 75 profile tires. The Nissan handled better on twisty roads. The Tacoma rack and pinion steering should be better than the recirculating ball steering on the Nissan but for some reason Toyota decided to remove most of the road feel and they both steer about the same. Both trucks will do your Home Depot hauling with no problem. I towed Some MGB's on a tow dolley several thousand miles with the Nissan and it was up to the task, never tried towing anything with the Tacoma.

Toyota's seem to have a higher resale value than Nissan in most areas. If I were looking for a used truck I would look for the best truck I could find for the amount of money I wanted to spend. I think you would be satisfied with either truck. My 2 cents.

Clifton

Don't know if this is relevant with the older models I'm quoting, but I had an 86 Toyota extra-cab pickup while my older brother had an 87 Nissan pickup. Both 2 wheel drive 4 bangers.

Over time, it seemed the Toyota had less problems overall. When I sold it a few months ago for a 2000 V6 4x4 extra cab, I was still able to get $1400 out of it, which just tickled me to death.

Let me tell you some of the abuse I put it through. Wrecked it in 95, 96, and totaled it in the summer of 98. Bought it back from the insurance company for $500, fixed the damage for under $500 and made a nice little profit off the insurance company, because I did the work mostly myself.

I bought it in high school with 50,000 and it lasted me through seven years of college with almost NO problems. It had 224,000 when I sold it. I replaced the clutch on it three times, the alternator at 150,000 miles, the starter at 217,000. Other than that, just the regular maintenance items like brakes, oil changes, rotors, etc. Never replaced the timing belt on it, or had any engine work done. Oh, I did have to buy one thermostat also. Can't forget the $2.00 thermostat. Out of the 10 years I owned it, I know I didn't put $1000 into fixing all this over the years, clutches and alternator included. I swear, I should have had them make me a commercial.

I know my brother's had more problems than that and his never saw the abuse mine did, not even a wreck. He replaced the alternator at least once with less miles, the water pump which I never had to, starter at least once with less miles, and I don't remember what else.

Just from comparing the two while we had them, the Toyota was easily the most worry free. Not that the Nissan didn't hold up for him while he had it, but he had to replace more items than I did for certain, which ends up being cheaper over the long run. The Nissan got him through school also, but didn't have nearly the miles on it mine did when he sold it. Toyota makes a quality vehicle that I would buy again, which is evident from the 2000 I recently purchased.

Thanks for the input guys. I found 4 Tacoma Xcabs and 2 Frontier Xcabs in the area that meet my criteria. Between the 6 I'm sure I will drive home with one of them. I'll let you know how it goes...

Wow! I just got the deal of a lifetime. I just purchased a black 2001 Nissan Frontier Xtra cab 4 cyl 2.4 Liter Manual with bedliner and 63,000K miles for $6,200!! ($8,995 Bluebook) Minus the 2 front tires it is in perfect condition. I caught the lady right after she tried trading it in for a Blazer. They offered her $2,500 trade in. I could probably drive this around for 2-3 years and sell if for what I paid. I love the truck thus far. Thanks for your help.