I cross shopped all the trucks on the market and chose the Frontier based on value, reliability, and it had all the options I wanted. A lot of the other trucks I had to add options I didn’t want in order to get options I wanted because of how they are packaged, the options priced themselves out of my price range, or they didn’t have the option all together (looking at you Ranger and Tacoma).

Personally, if all the options you want are there and you’re not making sacrifices, I’d go for something with lower mileage. Reason being, I don’t trust previous owners on maintaining their vehicles to a T, so less miles to me means less miles of hard wear and tear from lack of maintenance.

Also, insurance is pretty cheap on these trucks. I pay $60 a month for full coverage with more than the legally required minimum amounts for coverage, and I’m not even 25 nor married which tends to bring premiums down.

 

Hi All,

My father and I are looking at "new" used 2019 frontiers today. Most of them are in the $20-24k with less than 15k on the clock. My father has made a habit of buying we many used cars that if he bought new or newish he probably would have ended up owning a third of the amount of vehicles in the last 20 years.

My question is this, is the obvious price difference between the frontier and the ranger,Tacoma etc worth it?

Or is the better option for spending the same money on an older higher mileage Tacoma or Colorado etc

The price difference is worth it and I suspect you can find a brand new 2019 Frontier SV for 24K. If you want a new reliable midsize V6 4x4 with heated seats, bluetooth, and back up rear camera (with radar) for under $30k, it is impossible to beat the Frontier.

I considered the Taco, but the seats were not comfortable, and I simply could not justify paying $8k more (TRD vs Pro4x).

I also considered the Colorado, which is a better looking truck, imo. After stalking their forum, I simply could not ignore the

 

Price difference and transmission problems they were having.

 

I just bought new and was seeing used 2019s with 18k mileage for $24k. I paid around that new before tax, title registration plus a couple of options. Got free synthetic oil changes for life also. I insisted on best out-the-door price from the internet sales manager in writing before setting foot in the dealership. In one hour they installed all weather mats, removed the dealer advertising, washed it and had it waiting up front for me. I also brought a printed copy of Carvana's offer on my previous truck and told them they could match it if they wanted. They did. I was out the door for $18,800.

 

Wow Awesome,
I always feel like buying new is such a pain in the ***. Maybe we'll try that route.

 

Wow Awesome,
I always feel like buying new is such a pain in the ***. Maybe we'll try that route.

Well, I had a horrible experience at another dealer. That's why I had the Carvana offer in hand. Found an article online on how to deal and it worked great.

 

After owning 5 bought new Frontiers, I can easily say they are great and reliable trucks.
Good luck in finding yours.

Clint

 

I've ridden in a couple of Tacos; I'm 6' 215lbs and there was no leg room in the front, seats were uncomfortable. Value for money, the Frontier wins hands down. May change when they bring the Gen3 to the USA though.

Another advantage with the Frontier, not many of those annoying 'features' like a horn that goes off when your seat belt is off, and you don't need to press the brake pedal to start the engine. I love these features. I love them gone.

 

Hi All,

My father and I are looking at "new" used 2019 frontiers today. Most of them are in the $20-24k with less than 15k on the clock. My father has made a habit of buying we many used cars that if he bought new or newish he probably would have ended up owning a third of the amount of vehicles in the last 20 years.

My question is this, is the obvious price difference between the frontier and the ranger,Tacoma etc worth it?

Or is the better option for spending the same money on an older higher mileage Tacoma or Colorado etc

check out cargurus i was able to look at close to a couple hundred frontiers till I added my new one about a month ago. I also checked out other makes but for the price you can not beat the frontier.

 

I shopped them all, I bought the 2019 Frontier, new (last May, so no great price breaks). I bought for long term reliability, and because the bugs have long been worked out, and because it was cheaper than the others, and because it has a far more reliable transmission, and because it fit my body (6', 200#), and because...

I feel I bought the best small truck available, and I don't regret the decision. I ONLY buy new, so few people operate and care for vehicles they way they should that the price penalty of new is worth the knowledge that it has not been abused.

 

I bought a new pro4x crew cab September 25 with leather sunroof every option for 30k out the door. Looked at ranger and Tacoma both were 8k to 10k more with same options. I had a 2003 ranger I owned for 12 years before the frontier. I had to go to 4 different dealers to get best price. The bigger the dealer the higher the price is what I found. Carmax had used 2019 pro4x's with 10 to 12k miles on them selling for 33k and 33.5k. Hendrick Nissan was 33.5k for same truck I paid 30k for. Used pro4x's at other dealers were only 2 to 2.5k less than what I paid for new. I cant believe that CarMax and Hendrick sell any cars. I guess some people don't shop for best price I'm cheap and poor and enjoy shopping around

 

I bought a 2019 CC SV (with the value package) back in August to replace my 17 year old Ranger. I was hoping the new Ranger would be something like the old one. Huge disappointment. Too big, back end jacked up high, and way too expensive. The Frontier has a few faults but on the whole it's a great deal.

In terms of faults, the headlights suck, there's no CD player or XM, no remote start without signing up for a Nissan service, and no heated mirrors. All the faults are easily fixed except the mirrors. Remote start -$300. Headlights $40-50. CD/XM - blue tooth/USB. Added a tonneau cover, running boards, weathertech floor liners and deflectors and still saved thousands over the Tacoma, Ranger and Colorado.

I love this truck - comfortable, quick, good looking, reliable, decent gas mileage (I get 16-20 depending on the type of driving). In my view, it was a no-brainer. Some complain about the gas mileage, but $10 grand in savings can buy a lot of gas.

 

That Frontiers are going on 16 years of the same design and accouterments with most of the bugs worked out is their strongest advantage in my opinion and the non-annoying seat belt alarum is priceless. My 2014 CC 4x4 was a CPO with 16X and had been a rental in Arizona with 6 months active duty. The 7 year 100K Nissan powertrain CPO warranty is still in effect and remains un-used of course. Thought about another CPO when I got back on the two-truck plan but with the end of the year price drops there wasn't that much difference. The Avis lot in San Antonio had a pile of P4X around 15K but they were only around $1.5K less and not Nissan CPOs. I have had no issue with the 2014 being a post-rental or with a 2006 G35 that had been a lease for a couple of years. Your experience may differ, as they say.

Owned 4 pre-Tacoma Toyotas (79,82,85 & 89) and Frontiers are the new Toyota in my scheme of things. Had a '03 RWD Ranger, which was mostly a Mazda anyway I think, and it was an ok commuting to the heliport truck, but there was a 98 SWB GMC 4x4 on hand for the dirty work. I've mostly had two trucks since 1989, with older one getting the saltwater boat ramp and beach duty until they melt away and the rotation begins anew. Padre Island pretty much dissolved that 82 Toyota in 3 years. Newer trucks are a great deal improved when it comes to corrosion resistance.

 

Here is what I can relate to you in terms of making a decision based on your initial post.
The Frontier is a TRUCK. Do you want to know the BAD....it has the worst headlights in the history of lighting the road in my opinion. Other than that....it is one Heck of a Truck.
What surprises me is how well the Vehicle dynamic control system works. You will not lose control. I really test this system in rain and slick roads ....on purpose.... and it is amazing! It puts my Subaru Outback to shame. Its 4wd system is robust and will do as well "or better in my opinion" as any Ranger or Toyota system. I have yet to get it stuck with the stock tires in many a field mud bogs on the farm.
Do you want to know what I hate... the headlights of-course along with the backup camera when the tail gate is down. Other than that....this is a real truck! If you are going to use it as a TRUCK and not a weekend pickup for antiques and paved or graveled side roads, then this is the one to get. The price diffirencial it too great to ignore. IF I were the person looking for a antique hauler, and it was a commuter and a weekend excursion to campgrounds and easily navigable dirt roads, get the Honda Ridgeline. In terms of comparison to the Toyota....there is no comparison....bang for the buck, the Frontier has the edge...(except for the headlights)!!!!! Against the Ranger....again the price comes into play. You cannot beat what you get for the price with the Frontier. Also, the Nissan 4.0 liter engine has been so proven and time tested (since 2005 in the Frontier) that it is a no brain'er. I have an old Ranger and love it. Its a great Truck. If you get the Ranger...Its Okay...you made a great decision, you may have over paid for it but if you keep it forever.... no issues. If you purchased a Frontier....again no issues, just the Fuc...ing headlights suck! However the Frontier was MUCH cheaper!

 

Here is what I can relate to you in terms of making a decision based on your initial post.
The Frontier is a TRUCK. Do you want to know the BAD....it has the worst headlights in the history of lighting the road in my opinion. Other than that....it is one Heck of a Truck.
What surprises me is how well the Vehicle dynamic control system works. You will not lose control. I really test this system in rain and slick roads ....on purpose.... and it is amazing! It puts my Subaru Outback to shame. Its 4wd system is robust and will do as well "or better in my opinion" as any Ranger or Toyota system. I have yet to get it stuck with the stock tires in many a field mud bogs on the farm.
Do you want to know what I hate... the headlights of-course along with the backup camera when the tail gate is down. Other than that....this is a real truck! If you are going to use it as a TRUCK and not a weekend pickup for antiques and paved or graveled side roads, then this is the one to get. The price diffirencial it too great to ignore. IF I were the person looking for a antique hauler, and it was a commuter and a weekend excursion to campgrounds and easily navigable dirt roads, get the Honda Ridgeline. In terms of comparison to the Toyota....there is no comparison....bang for the buck, the Frontier has the edge...(except for the headlights)!!!!! Against the Ranger....again the price comes into play. You cannot beat what you get for the price with the Frontier. Also, the Nissan 4.0 liter engine has been so proven and time tested (since 2005 in the Frontier) that it is a no brain'er. I have an old Ranger and love it. Its a great Truck. If you get the Ranger...Its Okay...you made a great decision, you may have over paid for it but if you keep it forever.... no issues. If you purchased a Frontier....again no issues, just the Fuc...ing headlights suck! However the Frontier was MUCH cheaper!

Pretty sure all trucks have the backup cam located up by Tailgate handle but this may help with camera issue

Back-up camera trick for hitch

Maybe all are aware but I wasn't when someone showed me this for when you are hitching up something - very cool/works great. angles that camera right on the hitch so you can back under pretty darn close without a lot of back and forth to the cab. FWIW HAPPY NEW YEAR! Dave

www.clubfrontier.org

 

Spending $60 or so for the Katana LED headlight bulbs will instantly fix the headlights (there is a thread dedicated to this conversion). The Frontier is a great truck.....drive it...drive the others and decide

 

Oh, almost forgot, the other items the Frontier should have as standard equipment, ...BUT DOES NOT.... at least on my 2018 SV with the Value Truck Package
1. Defrosting Side View Mirrors, (an option on the higher model option package)
2. A Foglight indicator on the dash when your fog lights are on, it does not!
3. Lack of Daytime running lights

I did install the Katana LED lights within a month of owning the truck and they are a vast improvement to the OEM. Well worth the investment!

 

2. A Foglight indicator on the dash when your fog lights are on, it does not!

I don't understand why this is needed. I run fog lights whenever my headlights are on because people still have trouble seeing a mid-sized truck coming for whatever reason. It'd just be another light staring me in the face.

DRL would be nice though. I can't tell you how many cars without DRL I've almost pulled out in front of on residential streets in bad weather because it looks like they're a parked car further down the block, then you look back and go (midwestern) ope, they're moving. That and all the idiots you see driving in pitch black darkness without headlights on.

 

Tacoma's are boring to drive. Ford's use a turbo - no thanks on that. Chevy's are ok I guess, but the frame rail pics I've seen online scared me away. Oh yeah, and all those are in reality $10k more for comparably equipped models. Frontiers are flat out fun to drive, great steering, fantastic motor - well worth any small gripes that can mostly be fixed aftermarket. Then again around here in Monterey Bay, if you aren't driving a Tacoma lifted two stories high you're not "cool". I don't care about being "cool" or not. I just love my Frontier. I bought new because I couldn't find any used 4x4 CC with VTP that didn't have stains on the seats. What is it with people spilling crap on the seats??

 

Hi All,

My father and I are looking at "new" used 2019 frontiers today. Most of them are in the $20-24k with less than 15k on the clock. My father has made a habit of buying we many used cars that if he bought new or newish he probably would have ended up owning a third of the amount of vehicles in the last 20 years.

My question is this, is the obvious price difference between the frontier and the ranger,Tacoma etc worth it?

Or is the better option for spending the same money on an older higher mileage Tacoma or Colorado etc

I’m not sure what you mean by “is the price difference between the Frontier and Tacoma worth it”. Frontier is the absolute, hands down best value in trucks anywhere. Tacoma’s are way overpriced compared to Frontiers and Frontiers are better quality.

 

And don’t forget, the 2019 Frontier fuel pump isn’t being recalled like the Tacoma’s.

 

Hi All,

My father and I are looking at "new" used 2019 frontiers today. Most of them are in the $20-24k with less than 15k on the clock. My father has made a habit of buying we many used cars that if he bought new or newish he probably would have ended up owning a third of the amount of vehicles in the last 20 years.

My question is this, is the obvious price difference between the frontier and the ranger,Tacoma etc worth it?

Or is the better option for spending the same money on an older higher mileage Tacoma or Colorado etc

When it was time to replace my 06 Tacoma I looked for a better value for my money. I bought a 2016 low mileage Frontier SV and remain delighted with my choice. No it doesn't have all the creature comforts that the newest competitors have, but I was buying a truck to be used as a truck (often with a slide-in/pop-up camper). I am totally satisfied.

 

If I can purchase a 2019 Frontier for about 20-24k with less then 20k miles, there is no way that I would pony up the money for a used higher milage/lower year Tacoma. Tacomas are awesome little trucks, but my Frontier can do anything that a Tacoma can. I have a 2016 model with 120k on it. Only problem I had on it was the P0448 engine light (charcoal canister needed replacing) at around 118k. No other complaints except for a little rattle in the dash. Very comfortable for long road trips. Tows strong and best of all, it was cheap. I'm the original owner and I want to drive the truck till I need a new one. I take care of my vehicles so I think this one will last me more than 10 years easily.

 

I'm no headlight expert, I've not replaced mine, and I've not read the replacement threads in-depth. But the stock headlights are rather underwhelming. I don't like being blinded by some of the latest headlights on road, but there are some cutting edge OEM lights that really project usable light on the surface for great distances, with good light to the sides, that are friendly to oncoming traffic. The Frontier is the opposite.

I run with my fogs all the time to add light in the near distance, and urban driving is not much of an issue. But in the motorcycle realm there is a saying of out-running your headlights- riding so fast that you don't have the light on your path long enough to see and react to the conditions. I'd put the poor quality/low quantity light output of the Frontier in that same arena. Out in the dark rural areas the low beams don't provide all the light I'd expect, making it easy to nearly out run my headlights at posted speeds (I still have good night vision at 51yo). The high beams are of even lower performance than the low beams on the highways. My lights put what light output they provide in the right direction, they just lack the distance and the lumens onto the pavement.

Rural driving at night is rare for me, so I'm not planning toward an upgrade, but over the Gen II life, Nissan could have designed better lighting (reflector lens and light source) to drop into the 15-year-old headlight mount easily enough, current owners could have bought the necessary bits as an upgrade and the factory would be putting a better product on the road.