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Originally Posted by knoq2wice
I'm planning on buying my first truck, and from what I've heard and read so far, the Nissan Frontier is exactly what I'm looking for. I have a question though I'm hoping you guys can help with.
I'm trying to decide between the 4 cylinder Frontier XE, and the V6 Frontier SE (4x2, AT, 2005 models). The people I've asked in person all recommend the V6 to me, though I'd like to find out if the 4 cylinder would be enough power for my needs.
The main use of the truck will be commuting to and from work during the day (40+ miles round trip) and evenings and weekends, it will carry my music gear to gigs (keyboards, guitars, amps, etc)... I suspect the gear, depending on what I bring along, will weigh 200-500 lbs max. I'm getting the 6 foot bed, as I need the length for my full-size keyboards.
What I "don't" forsee ever using the truck for is offroading, towing anything, racing, or loading up the bed with anything extremely heavy. Maybe with a future truck, but not now.
Since my job is pretty far away, and gas prices are high, I'm leaning away from the V6 and considering the 4 cylinder XE model.... but I want to find out if, given my expected usage of the truck, the 4 cylinder is still an ok choice? During regular street/freeway driving, and when the bed is moderately loaded, will the 4 cylinder do alright? Does it have enough oomph to navigate through traffic, or will it not have anything to give me when I need it?
Anyhow, thanks in advance for your help. This is about the final hang-up in my decision to go down and buy the truck  |
Test drive them both and see which you like better.
Some people have to have the power.
Most people nowadays seem to want a whole lot more power than they ever really need.
I know a few people who are looking to pull their large boats or horse trailers, but most people go with a big truck just for the power; for the ability to stomp on it if they want to pull into traffic quicker or get ahead of someone.
My 4-cyl and 5-spd are plenty for me.
I average at least 27 MPG (80% highway / 20% city).
I've hauled my brother's 12' two man boat & trailer; no problems.
I've hauled my son's upright piano in the bed; no problems.
I have no need to "drive it like I stole it" or drive it like Jeff Gordon.
I've never felt unsafe in traffic because of a lack of power.
Maybe I drive like a grandma (no offense grandmas), but to me the "lack of power" is worth the economy.
I'm not really in that much of a rush to get anywhere.
But, to each his/her own. Good Luck in your search and I hope I can welcome you as a new Frontier owner soon
