thinking of getting an 05+ frontier... info please

[maleman876]

hello all.

right now i have a 2002 silverado 5.3L 2wd. im looking at downsizing, for gas and gaining 4x4. i get 15city/17hwy now. i know the frontier wont get THAT much better, but every little bit helps. and i really miss having 4x4.

toyota tends to be too expensive, i have always hated dodge, and the colorado is meh... leaves me with the frontier.

i have never owned anything besides GM so its a weird thought to be buying foreign, especially a foreign truck! although everything ive read and talking to some mechanics i know confirms that are just as tough and even more reliable than their american counterparts.

looking at a 4x4 crew cab v6, and i have a couple questions...

does the 6 speed get better mileage than the auto? i will get one if they do but theyre harder to find...

do the 4x4 models have limited slip diffs? or is it completely open without the locker?

can i fit a motorcycle in the back with the short bed?

any major changes between 05-08? i want to get a used one for around $15k if possible, but dont want to miss out on any major features/fixes made in the meantime if i need to get newer.

thanks in advance

[RagnaRok]

They are pretty much Identical in features and specs from 05 - 08. I don't know about the 6 speed but I have the auto v6 4x4 and I am getting 18+ MPG (keep it below 3k RPM's). You might be able to get your bike in the short bed (think it's 5.5 ft long) if you leave the tailgate down, I would defintely check the diminsions to make sure it fits.

You might find you would be better off with the long bed (6.5 ft).

As for the slip diff, I believe with our 4x4's we have brake slip differentials. If one wheel slips then the brakes are applied to the wheel and torque transferred to the other wheel. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Hope this helps.

[EB_05_NISMO]

Originally Posted by maleman876

does the 6 speed get better mileage than the auto? i will get one if they do but theyre harder to find...

I don't really know but it I would think at most maybe a mpg better if you drive it very conservatively.

Originally Posted by maleman876

do the 4x4 models have limited slip diffs? or is it completely open without the locker?

No, Some come with a computer controlled system called ABLS which uses the abs system/sensors to detect a slipping wheel and apply the brakes to it so that power transfers to the other wheel.

Originally Posted by maleman876

can i fit a motorcycle in the back with the short bed?

With the tailgate down you should be able to. One issue we have is semi weak tailgate hinges that can bend. It seems to mostly happen to people that haul ATV's in their beds.

Originally Posted by maleman876

any major changes between 05-08? i want to get a used one for around $15k if possible, but dont want to miss out on any major features/fixes made in the meantime if i need to get newer.

Nothing major body or interior wise. There were some package changes and technology upgrades (bluetooth/nav options, etc). I know the ECU in the 2008's are different and that they require the nissan consult 3 diagnostic computer at the dealers (the older trucks use the consult 2). Some package changes and technology (bluetooth/nav options) upgrades.

[bungyfish]

I've got an 05, CC 4x4, short bed, auto.
I averaged a bit over 16mpg last tank, but I do have slightly bigger than stock BFG AT's.
I have had dirt bikes and sport bikes in the back of my truck. No problems w/ the tailgate hinges or anything, but you will obviously have to leave the gate down. I'd recommend looking for one w/ the utili-trak system in the bed so you can slide the tie down brackets where they work best for you.
My previous truck was a 99 Chevy Z71 extended cab. I don't regret bailing on it and getting my Frontier a bit. I plan to keep the Frontier for a long time. It's my 3rd Nissan, the 4th is my wifes van. The only problems I have had on the first 2 were the exhaust manifolds, but thats a pretty easy fix.
Happy shopping.

[Mike202]

right now i have a 2002 silverado 5.3L 2wd. im looking at downsizing, for gas and gaining 4x4. i get 15city/17hwy now. i know the frontier wont get THAT much better, but every little bit helps. and i really miss having 4x4.

According to Fuel Economy.gov, the numbers are 16/19 MPG for the 4x4 manual, and 15/19 MPG for the 4x4 auto. I have an 08 Nismo 4x4, auto, and I get ~ 17 MPG, and that's about 60-70% highway.

BTW, here is a list of previous mileage discussions

[maleman876]

Originally Posted by EB_05_NISMO

I don't really know but it I would think at most maybe a mpg better if you drive it very conservatively.



No, Some come with a computer controlled system called ABLS which uses the abs system/sensors to detect a slipping wheel and apply the brakes to it so that power transfers to the other wheel.



With the tailgate down you should be able to. One issue we have is semi weak tailgate hinges that can bend. It seems to mostly happen to people that haul ATV's in their beds.



Nothing major body or interior wise. There were some package changes and technology upgrades (bluetooth/nav options, etc). I know the ECU in the 2008's are different and that they require the nissan consult 3 diagnostic computer at the dealers (the older trucks use the consult 2). Some package changes and technology (bluetooth/nav options) upgrades.

is there an easy way to tell which ones have ABLS? or should i just find one with a locker period? i dont want to be left with an open rear...

i prefer a manual, but if mileage is only a teensy bit better it wont be a deal breaker.

i figured id have to leave the gate down.

i was wondering more along the line of powertrain changes or major fixes of that sort.

Originally Posted by bungyfish

I've got an 05, CC 4x4, short bed, auto.
I averaged a bit over 16mpg last tank, but I do have slightly bigger than stock BFG AT's.
I have had dirt bikes and sport bikes in the back of my truck. No problems w/ the tailgate hinges or anything, but you will obviously have to leave the gate down. I'd recommend looking for one w/ the utili-trak system in the bed so you can slide the tie down brackets where they work best for you.
My previous truck was a 99 Chevy Z71 extended cab. I don't regret bailing on it and getting my Frontier a bit. I plan to keep the Frontier for a long time. It's my 3rd Nissan, the 4th is my wifes van. The only problems I have had on the first 2 were the exhaust manifolds, but thats a pretty easy fix.
Happy shopping.

is the utilitrak strong enough to crank down a bike to? my buddy has the track system in his tacoma but i wouldnt trust tying a bike to it... flexed too much.

ive got a good sized shop and lots of tools and dont mind wrenching. as long as its nothing catastrophic i can fix it myself.

thanks for the replies

also i was wondering if NISMO was worth it over the LE? shocks, tires, and skidplates are the differences, right?

[WhistlerWzrd]

The Wzrd gets 17 mpg City, 20 Highway in his '05 KC 4X4 6 spd NISMO.
Mrs. Wzrd gets 20 City, 22 Highway in her '08 Rogue.
The Manual Trans is better on Gas, and more fun to drive.
The Utilitracs will handle a Motorcycle, just don't use only one tie down point..
The NISMO'S have a locker, and there is a mod to use it at higher speeds.

[Jess]

The track system in the bed is plenty strong enough to tie your dirt bikes down. I haven't seen any thing that would make me feel the track would give way when cinching my bikes down.

[Inyourface1650]

Taco track system is plastic, ours is aluminum, much stronger.

[maleman876]

Originally Posted by Inyourface1650

Taco track system is plastic, ours is aluminum, much stronger.

then that explains it, good to know.