~2008 Mid-size Trucks. Frontier or Tacoma?

[GoCougs]

Tow rating doesn't necessarily go hand in hand with horsepower.  It comes down to the transmission (cooling capacity), differential (again, cooling), brakes, and how much weight the tow hitch can safely support (a function of spring rates and if it has any anti-sway features, not to mention just the strength of the structure).

I meant acceleration while towing, not tow rating actually.

[The Pirate]

I'm a big Tacoma fan (though I actually prefer the previous gen for size, styling and a real lever for the transfer case).  Still like the new one a lot though.

I'm going to be in a similar situation in a couple years, and as much as I love the Tacoma, it has stupid high resale.  I'd prefer one, but as others have said, it'd probably come down to availability (V6, extended cab, 4x4 and manual tranny for me) and the best deal.

Both are good trucks.

[Rupert]

I'm a big Tacoma fan (though I actually prefer the previous gen for size, styling and a real lever for the transfer case).  Still like the new one a lot though.

I'm going to be in a similar situation in a couple years, and as much as I love the Tacoma, it has stupid high resale.  I'd prefer one, but as others have said, it'd probably come down to availability (V6, extended cab, 4x4 and manual tranny for me) and the best deal.

Both are good trucks.

Which is why I currently, have in the past, and will for the foreseeable future drive a Ford.

[The Pirate]

Which is why I currently, have in the past, and will for the foreseeable future drive a Ford.

I like the Ranger a lot, but have you driven a Tacoma?  It's a huge difference.  Better ride, better engine (quicker and more fuel efficient), and not quite as coarse in general.  I'm not a dash stroker, but those things are nice for a long highway slog.  Typical lifeless Toyota steering, but a pretty nice clutch and transmission (You know that Ranger/Explorer tranny as well as I do, and it's nothing to get excited about).

But you're right, the Ranger is a good truck, and I'll more than likely end up buying my dad's B4000 from him when he gets rid of it.

[Rupert]

Yeah, I know the Tacomas/4Runners. Ya know, I honestly don't care about amenities and such, so long as there is cruise, AC, and a stereo. It's the superior off-road ability of the Toyotas that I like, as well as the durability. I figure that I have a second car for the nice clutch and all that.

If I didn't care about the money, I would absolutely get a last gen Tacoma over anything else in the small truck segment, but even the off road ability isn't worth that much.

[S204STi]

Yeah, the Ranger manages to be a huge value.

[GoCougs]

I paid $14k for my Tacoma and 10 years and 166k miles later later sold it for $6500 - such a depreciation curve is virtually unheard of.

The operative point is, good resale for the buyer is poor resale for the seller. Sure the Tacoma will cost a lot more to buy but the depreciation curve will be a heckuva lot flatter than a Ranger.

Overall (i.e., difference between buy and sell) I'd bet the Tacoma would be less expensive to own; even more likely considering the Tacoma is a stouter more reliable vehicle.

[Rupert]

Overall (i.e., difference between buy and sell) I'd bet the Tacoma would be less expensive to own; even more likely considering the Tacoma is a stouter more reliable vehicle.

I can agree with everything but this, at least up to about 150 kmiles. The Ranger especially, but also the old S10, were well engineered to begin with, and were around for plenty of time for any kinks to be worked out. I can't speak for the new Taco or Colorado, etc.

[Pancor]

Aaaaarrrg!   I knew it would be a bit of work, but didn't think it would be impossible to find a crew-cab with a manual transmission!  Looks like the Ranger is sticking around a while longer...

[thewizard16]

Sorry to hear your truck search is postponed, I would have though there were at least some crew cabs with a manual option.
I've driven the current generation Tacoma bit and really liked it. I like the previous generation's styling better, but it's a nice truck and seemed very capable in the snow/ice, but I can't make any judgement about it's towing prowess. I know nothing personally about the Frontier beyond thinking it's a pretty handsome truck, so I can't offer any worthwhile input there at all.

[MaxPower]

Aaaaarrrg!   I knew it would be a bit of work, but didn't think it would be impossible to find a crew-cab with a manual transmission!  Looks like the Ranger is sticking around a while longer...

I know that Toyota didn't even make the 2001-2004 Tacoma crew cab with manual.  Probably continued the trend to the next gen, but I'm not sure.

[The Pirate]

I know that Toyota didn't even make the 2001-2004 Tacoma crew cab with manual.  Probably continued the trend to the next gen, but I'm not sure.

No, crew cab is available with the manual tranny in this generation.

[Raza]

Frontier.  It looks better.

[565]

Or it could be gearing.

Or it could be the fact that the Frontier weighs 400 pounds more than the Tacoma.  The power to weight ratio numbers are actually in favor of the Tacoma (16.7 to 17.0), so the Tacoma should be faster on paper anyway.  It has nothing to do with the VQ not living up to peak HP.

All that weight in the Frontier goes to making a it much studdier and stiffer truck, being based off the Alpha platform of the full size Titan.   Most people don't expect trucks being fun to drive, but the stiff chassis of the Frontier and decent chassis makes it decent.  As this is a car enthusiast forum, a little extra fun to drive is never a bad thing.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/05q2/2005_chevy_colorado_vs._2005_dodge_dakota_2006_honda_ridgeline_2005_nissan_frontier_2005_toyota_tacoma-comparison_tests


For the Toyota

"So what's the Tacoma doing in third place? Two things sank this truck: the low seating position and the flaccid chassis

What really set back the Tacoma was its imprecise, wallowing suspenders and numb steering. It heels over in turns, plows like a Deere, and bobs up and down long after you've passed road undulations. It was so unnerving that one driver scowled, "I tired to hustle through some turns, but the Toyota would have none of it. Not one ounce of fun-to-drive here."


For the Nissan.

"But the logbook was filled with comments like "best steering of the bunch" and "the body sets in a corner and there's no excess motion." For a truck, the Frontier was remarkably frisky.

During a run down a curvy mountain road, the Frontier was composed, communicative, and even a little fun ? a driving condition that was in short supply with this gang. And on the upward crawl to Barker Ranch, the Frontier drew nothing but praise for its sure-footedness."

[Pancor]

Got it!  Thats the dealer's shitty pic though.   It's older than I wanted ('05) and a lousy automatic, but I got a smokin' deal, and hey, it's a Nismo!





Towing the Ranger home.  The Frontier has fairly impressive towing capabilities for a mid-size truck!

[CJ]

Looks nice!

[Tave]

Badass!

[thewizard16]

Sharp looking truck, congrats!

[SVT666]

Nice.  I'm not a big fan of manuals in trucks anyway.  They usually suck.

[68_427]

The truck looks great!  Congratulations.

[the Teuton]

Congrats! Everyone's getting cool new cars these days.

[Cookie Monster]

Automatic?!

Oh well, congrats though! Looks really nice.

[Raza]

Hey, congratulations!  I'm glad you took my advice. 

[MX793]

Did they have the 4.0L VQ in the '05 or did that motor come later?

[68_427]

Did they have the 4.0L VQ in the '05 or did that motor come later?

It was standard in '05.

[Rupert]

That's huge, compared to the Ranger!