Considering today's (and projected) feul costs... would you still choose a Frontier?

Rich_W · May 4th, 2006, 08:01 AM

Hi... been lurking for a few weeks. I have my eye on an '06 Nismo KC (Avalanche, Audio, Bed, Extender, Tow Packages). I love the truck... been comparing carefully to Tacoma and Ridgeline.

I also just sold my '03 Chevy Z71 ExCab pickup... which had a few problems, averaged 14 mpg, and I had a buyer that paid me a phenominal price... so, I need to make a decision on a new pickup fast.

So, back to my question. Considering today's projected fuel prices... would you still buy a Fronteir? I really like the truck... the biggest factors for me are the seating position, quality of interior, general looks of the vehicle... and cost.

Are the fuel costs really the same as a full size?

The Taco, while perceived as a safe choice, is (a) more expensive for a comparable model, and (b) the seats are horrible. They are so low to the floor, and that really bothers me... especially coming out of a Full-Size chevy.

Slubgub · May 4th, 2006, 08:56 AM

I would still purchase this truck. But I am averaging around 17mpg on a fully stock 05 NISMO CC. Not going to see a huge increase from the 14 you are getting.

Gerald · May 4th, 2006, 09:00 AM

i have an '05 LE KC and get 18+ in my mostly city driving so at the present time I would still buy it again. However, if Boone Picken's prediction of $4 per gallon gasoline comes true I would have to rethink my decision. I might go for the XE KC if that happens.

OkieScot

Mulligan22 · May 4th, 2006, 09:10 AM

Since this is what you said matters "the biggest factors for me are the seating position, quality of interior, general looks of the vehicle... and cost." So fuel isn't your main concern.

Then go with those. A truck isn't a prius.. Any truck.

Rich_W · May 4th, 2006, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulligan22

Since this is what you said matters "the biggest factors for me are the seating position, quality of interior, general looks of the vehicle... and cost." So fuel isn't your main concern.

Then go with those. A truck isn't a prius.. Any truck.

I should have stated... the biggest factors, 'outside of fuel economy' are...

Also... in comparing the LE to the Nismo, is there any perceived economy differences?

brain · May 4th, 2006, 09:33 AM

I would have to say yes. I have an '05 LE CC, V6, automatic. However, I also only have an 8 mile drive to work. I get about 16.5 mpg in somewhat city-like driving. (Speed up to about 50-60 in a 45 zone, maybe have a 1/2 of a mile to 1.5 miles before hitting a red light.) I get between 18-19 on the highway, but that is also at about 75-80 mph. Probably get a little bit better milage if you stick a little closer to the speed limit, and another mpg or two from a bed cover. Also, keep in mind, I have a Crew Cab. You would get better milage from the King Cab. Especially if you are looking at the 4 cyl. and/or manual trany.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with the truck. However, you are on a Frontier forum. I think about 99% of the people here probably are.

Tough decision. Good luck!

mainerunr · May 4th, 2006, 12:05 PM

SE CC 6-spd.

16000 miles, 19.07 mpg average, last 5 tanks averaging 20.4mpg (my lift was installed midway though 5 tanks ago, stock size tires).

your mileage will vary depending on how hard you drive it. Really though, my rear end ratio is the worst for mileage but the 6-spd makes up for it, I'm seeing the same mileage as a lot of the LE guys (I also drive a lot of back roads). It seems from the bazillion posts about mileage, the Nismo has the highest chance of getting poor mileage.

Centurion · May 4th, 2006, 12:25 PM

Yes I'd do it again even given today's fuel costs. I get 18MPG and I'm very pleased with that because the performance is exemplary (my Ranger with the 4.0 only got 15MPG but its performance was limp-wristed so I am not going to complain because getting the Frontier was a win-win situation). I do, however, mostly use the Sentra as it gets 32MPG.

gixxerflier · May 4th, 2006, 12:53 PM

2006 SE KC 4x4 6 spd. Average for 5 tanks 20+ mpg. I don't see even 4k on the tach often, but it's kinda fun to blow off cars on the entrance ramp and I do about 50/50 hiway/town.
Thought about a Scion- 40+ mpg, but even with a full size work truck I really need a truck as a play vehicle. Dirtbikes, dogs, etc.

05 NISMO 4X4 · May 4th, 2006, 01:50 PM

I would have to say yes as well. I'm currently getting almost 19 mpg (18.8) and was only getting 16 in my F-150 and it was 2WD! I have a loaded NISMO 4X4 with Auto, so I'm please with my mileage! Would obviously like better, but let's be real...

Rich_W · May 4th, 2006, 02:57 PM

Thanks for all the replies fellas... I do appreciate you giving this noOb the time of day.

I just got back in from driving the Nismo and TRD Offroad back to back. Honestly, the Frontier drove better, better creature comforts, better seats, better interior design, more power... worse milage though, the power outlet in the Tacoma's bed is kinda handy, but still a gimmick.

But still, things that struck me was the thicker, smaller steering wheel, more 'normal' looking dash, more upright, chair-like seating position, nicer fabric, more aggressive styling... $1500 rebate VS. nada on the Taco... Supppsedly better resale on the Taco.

Comparably equipped, I'll be saving some $3000.

Honestly, most folks I speak with say get the Taco, because there is a reputation for reliability no question. You'd be surprised how many folks say "Frontier? whats that?"

I'm kinda sold on the Frontier... I guess I still have to mull it over with myself and become comfortable with the decision.

MrFancypants · May 4th, 2006, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich_W

I just got back in from driving the Nismo and TRD Offroad back to back. Honestly, the Frontier drove better, better creature comforts, better seats, better interior design, more power... worse milage though, the power outlet in the Tacoma's bed is kinda handy, but still a gimmick.

But still, things that struck me was the thicker, smaller steering wheel, more 'normal' looking dash, more upright, chair-like seating position, nicer fabric, more aggressive styling... $1500 rebate VS. nada on the Taco... Supppsedly better resale on the Taco.

Comparably equipped, I'll be saving some $3000.

Remember that the Frontier takes regular gas while the Taco requires premium... that means you'll be saving at least 20c/gal which will more than offset the small fuel mileage difference.

Like you pointed out, "comparably equipped" you will save $3000... over the life of the vehicle that will more than offset any possible difference in future resale value. Besides, nobody really knows what resale value will be 3+ years down the road. The Taco and the Frontier are both brand new platforms, so they both have the same reliability risks.

Ive been really pleased with my Frontier. No vehicle is faultless, but I can honestly admit that the pros far outweigh the cons.

- Greg -

Argo73 · May 4th, 2006, 03:29 PM

I get 17.5-18.5 mpg with my loaded CC NISMO 4X4 which is fine by me for the power that you get w/ this generation Frontier. After 8000 miles it feels great to drive and miss it everytime I drive in someone elses vehicle.

brain · May 4th, 2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich_W

You'd be surprised how many folks say "Frontier? whats that?"

I consider that to be another 'pro' in my book.

mainerunr · May 4th, 2006, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich_W

Thanks for all the replies fellas... I do appreciate you giving this noOb the time of day.

I just got back in from driving the Nismo and TRD Offroad back to back. Honestly, the Frontier drove better, better creature comforts, better seats, better interior design, more power... worse milage though, the power outlet in the Tacoma's bed is kinda handy, but still a gimmick.

But still, things that struck me was the thicker, smaller steering wheel, more 'normal' looking dash, more upright, chair-like seating position, nicer fabric, more aggressive styling... $1500 rebate VS. nada on the Taco... Supppsedly better resale on the Taco.

Comparably equipped, I'll be saving some $3000.

Honestly, most folks I speak with say get the Taco, because there is a reputation for reliability no question. You'd be surprised how many folks say "Frontier? whats that?"

I'm kinda sold on the Frontier... I guess I still have to mull it over with myself and become comfortable with the decision.

You're looking at EPA numbers, real world can vary widely and iirc, the EPA numbers are different by 1mpg. big woop.

Also, yeah, Toyota is known for reliability but they built that reputation in the 80's and have been living off it since, they're not any better than anyone else anymore. I seriously doubt there is a significant difference in reliability.