I have 10.5k miles on my truck right now. I bought it in December 2005.
I know that's very low mileage, but it seems like it's holding its value pretty well to me. Of course, what it says I can get on a Website for the truck and what I can get in the real world could be way different.
Has anyone else checked the numbers on their truck?
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Jerry
2004 Frontier, King Cab, XE, 4x1, 4-cyl, 5-spd My Frontier Page
When I test drove my 04 4cyl I thought that it felt sluggish compared to my 97 hardbody but with only 8 miles on it I knew it was going to need some break in time.
It really started to wake up once it had over a 1000 miles on it.
I also test drove a 05 4cyl and it was slower than my 04 and I know it weighs about 300 lbs more but im sure the 05 4cyl will be faster than my 04 with some miles put on it.
The 4.0 is awsome but the 4cyl are perfectly adaquate for these trucks.
I got the 4 cylnder XE (2005 model) this past Spring, and been closely monitoring the gas mileage. With just about even highway and city (commuting in L.A., even highway feels like city driving most of the time), I get on average 20 mpg's, with highest being 22 mpg a few months ago. Mostly, it'll stay around 19-20 mpg.
I think most others with the 2.5L are reporting the same, and the 4.0 6 seems to be only slightly less in mpg. So for gas mileage, I don't see too much of a difference.
i just bought an 05 xe for the same reason you do i do alot of driving and still wanted a truck i get on avg. around 22 mpg+ and that is driving way to fast everywhere i go, i have no problems cruising at 80-85 mph on the highway, it has plenty of power to drive around town. and if you have no plans of towing it would be fine for what you want. my brother also just picked up an 05 se with 4wd v6 etc. his truck is nice, but if you don't need v6 why buy one it is more $$ and get worse gas mileage. I have drivin both trucks and haven't noticed any difference except he has a little more power if i need it. also my insurance is cheaper then his too if that means anything as well, we are both single males, he's 22 i am 24 and have the same insurance company and i still pay a good bit less then him.
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
Only thing I have to add is if you plan to keep the truck for life you will likely do better with the 4cyl. and maintenance will be a lot less. In Nissans overall history the only engines that last as long as the 4 bangers was the old strait 6 cyl. but it takes dedication of maintenance, regardless what you choose, to keep them going forever. I personaly would love to see a new strait 6 for the truck! I have 2 of the old L engines waiting to go in something one day, one from a 240 and one from a maxima.
__________________ It's much easier to travel through a maze when you have a map!
Spat
Former Nissan Tech
14yrs ASE all but AT it's a bitXX!
New career - HandyMan/Electrician - Freedom at last!!
86.5 Nissan HB D21 234K Miles
94 Nissan Altima GXE ? Miles
97 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.8L 132K Miles
64 Chrysler 300-K 2-door Convertible 63K Miles
I'd say, having a 4cyl myself, the 4cyl Frontier would probably be perfectly sufficient for what you plan to do, however, I'd still go with the 4.0. It seems to me that a lot more thought and development went into this engine than its 2.5 counterpart. You'll probably have better reliability and definitely have more fun passing people up on the freeway. With that said, the 4-banger in my truck has been able to handle plenty of heavy loads (furniture, concrete, lumber, etc.), so I'd have to say that either truck would handle some music equipment with ease.
Don't exactly know about the reliability comparison between the 4.0 (V6) and the 4 banger... the 2.5L Q engine's can be seen throughout all the Nissan lineup, and seems to be proven for its strength and durability (for a 4 cylinder engine). I would venture that, if not neglected or abused of course, may be close to bulletproof and will last forever, even in a truck chasis.
For most cases the 4 cylinder will have plenty of power, like my 1998 Frontier 4 cyl, 5 speed. I'd bet it has 50% more HP and way more pickup than my 1988 Mazda B2200.
The 2.5 has plenty of power for the Fronty. If you plan on towing 4000 pounds then go for the v six. Otherwise you are just wasting money. I regularly get 25mpg with my 05 2.5 with 5 speed. I would not live with the 16mpg that most report from the v six. I don't care if it is fast. Big Deal.
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