Need opinions... Possibly Trade Frontier for better MPG Vehicle.

[stevet47]

So, the price of gas is really killing me. With my lift and tires I am only getting about 15mpg mixed, which is leading me to consider selling my truck and buying something with better gas mileage.
The only problem is that I am a truck guy, so selling it is going to be hard, and finding something that I like with significantly better gas mileage is a challenge.

I am considering these 2 options... they are VERY different types of vehicles, but both meet different desires of mine.

I have 2 thought processes...
1) Honda Element...
Pros: Utilitarian, I can't wheel with it, but I can take it camping, sleep in the back, carry wood (better than a car), carry snowboards, get it dirty and wipe the interior clean (waterproof seats, rubber floors), 4wheel drive for the snow, cheaper than the Altima and can be found used.
Cons: Not exactly a "cool" car, not nearly as fun to drive as the Frontier.


2) Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5l...
I'd get the 2.5 because I am mod-crazy and if I got the 3.5L engine I would want to mod the heck out of it to make it as fast as possible therefore loosing gas mileage which is my whole reason for getting it; with the 2.5 I won't be tempted to do that.
Pros: Looks... the thing is just sexy, fun to drive (6spd trans.), better mpg than the Element, my first "sports car".
Cons: Zero cargo carrying capabilities, I don't need to carry large stuff very often, but when I do, this will bug me, more expensive than the Element, and not easy to find used, front wheel drive (neither as fun as rwd, and not as good in snow as awd or 4x4).


Has anyone owned either vehicles? Any insight or opinions?
I am going to test drive the Altima on Saturday while my truck is getting inspected.

[Inyourface1650]

I'm looking at an altima 2.5s. I have actually been driving one for the past week. When i get home, I will give you a little report on it.

Watch this space.



For the record, this is a 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5S with the automatic 4 speed transmission. This is the same platform as the new 07+ Altima, so I don't expect to much to change (except the 07+ have way less rear legroom, and the CVT) This will be the vehicle that replaces my truck *shrug*


Around Town
Ok, well its a helluva lot easier to park. Its obviously more useful, in the fact that it has 4 real seats. I actually used that fact last week. i was worrying how I was going to squish people in the back seat of the truck, and was like WAIT! I have the Altima!. I have been getting an average of 23.3mpg my last tank. I get 16 on the truck. It does have a huge trunk, and actually makes grocery shopping and stuff easier, cause I can actually put everything inside, instead of the bed. It seems to ride really well on the street, however my truck never bothered me on the ride department


Highway
Its very comfortable and smooth on the highway up to 80. However past 80, it seems wanting for power, as soon as you need to make a move (calling for more power) it downshifts. I'm used to accelerating in 6th on the highway. It seems to be getting around 25mpg on the freeway. The only thing I have noticed is people do not get out of the way nearly as quickly (Because you are in a car, not a big truck) Its running around 2750RPM at 80 MPH, and nearly 3k at 85MPH. If you think the fuel economy numbers are low, remember, I consider highway 80MPH+. My dad claims he can get 30 out of it, going slower.


Power.
*sigh* there isn't much. Actually, it will run the 1/4 as fast as my truck, but you have to work to get to it. I am also used to having a manual transmission with two more gears to call on in my truck. It does just fine around town, it really does. Its nice and smooth. You dont even notice it shifting. Highway on ramps are also fine, you just have to pay a little more attention then in the truck. The engine is a little buzzy/noising up at higher RPMs, which you will hit. I have found that keeping up with traffic off of stop lights requires about 3k on the tach, whereas in the truck I could keep up with traffic shifting at ~2200 RPM or so. I do live in a college town so keep that in mind.

Handing
It obviously handles pretty well, very confident on corners and stuff. I personally think it is sprung too soft however. There is alot of nose dive on braking and turning, and it understears like a mother. When I get this vehicle, new springs are definitely in order.


There are advantages to having a truck, which we all know, so I to think I will have to get a pickup for a trail rig. I need a truck to haul and tow things, which a wrangler or samuri just cant do. But that is definitely the ultimate, car for DD and truck for weekends.

[Shinjari]

i tested the altima 2.5 and it rocks. If you are not getting manual, it takes some getting used to the the 'smooth shifting'. you cant hear the rev/shift points....its an uneasy/weird feeling especially if you are used to manual cars/bikes.

I would probably say the coupe if you dont plan to see the dirt ever again....and the element if you do.

Did you consider the nissan rogue? its awd and has pretty decent mpg...22/27.

[07Frontier]

I have given this a little thought lately, as well, but my plan is to keep the truck, take it back to mostly stock (keep CAI, exhaust, etc) and get a trail rig that can get me to the trails and back. That way, I can keep my truck for the times when I need it (i.e. every weekend to and from HD, Lowes, etc) and build/beat the trail rig when I feel like it.

When my truck was stock, I was getting just over 20 mpg on the highway (which is what most of my miles are), which is good enough for me.

As for the Element, a co-worker's boyfriend had one and hated it. I will try to get the specifics but I do remember that he was very disappointed with it and got out of it within 6 months of buying it.

[UGA Frontier]

Shoot I hear ya. $50 for only 3/4's of a tank of gas. I'm trying to convince my wife in addition to the fronty I should have a cbr600, but my Dad had a bad wreck not long ago and she'll never go for it. Any suggestions?

[mudyfronty05]

Originally Posted by 07Frontier

I have given this a little thought lately, as well, but my plan is to keep the truck, take it back to mostly stock (keep CAI, exhaust, etc) and get a trail rig that can get me to the trails and back. That way, I can keep my truck for the times when I need it (i.e. every weekend to and from HD, Lowes, etc) and build/beat the trail rig when I feel like it.

When my truck was stock, I was getting just over 20 mpg on the highway (which is what most of my miles are), which is good enough for me.

This is the route I am going with mine. I won't be changing much but I am going to switch to a lighter "All Terrain" and I will be looking for a Wrangler to pull behind it. Plus I won't have to worry about breaking the DD anymore.

[07Frontier]

Originally Posted by mudyfronty05

Plus I won't have to worry about breaking the DD anymore.

That was the single biggest factor in my decision. With my lift, skids, and mud tires, I went to just over 15mpg on the highway, so that factored in but not nearly as much as me walking, hitching or bumming rides 25 miles one way to work

[cctmobiledetail]

Here's a good choice ! Big lift, awesome ground clearance, great rock crawler, good crossing rivers, cheap to feed !

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LOL

[Inyourface1650]

See above

Originally Posted by cctmobiledetail

Here's a good choice ! Big lift, awesome ground clearance, great rock crawler, good crossing rivers, cheap to feed !

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LOL

No air conditioning, slow top speed, and miserable range.

I would honestly get the manual, if you are looking at a 2.5S. As I said, the power band is not that great, and you need every horse you can get.

[cctmobiledetail]

another choice, great gas mileage, free airconditioning

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