[trucklessN2010]

Guys,
I've been looking for a truck now for about 6 months. Problem was I didnt know what I wanted. After watching a beautiful lifted 4x4 Frontier drive by me yesterday I now know what I want.
I'm know you guys can help me. I've got a budget of 15K and want to get one with low miles (or as low as I can afford) and an 04 or newer. I dont want a high lift, just maybe 4 or 5 inches. Here are my questions.

What kind of gas mileage am I looking at on one of these bad boys lifted ?
If I buy one without a lift, whats a lift going to cost me, installed and everything ?
What do I need to stay away from ? Tips ?

Thanks Guys !
I'll be back with more I'm sure.

 

[mike]

a Gen2 frontier is 2005 and up.

 

[trucklessN2010]

Mike, whats the difference ?
I've never owned one and trying to do my homework but google keeps pointing me back to this site and one other forum.
Thanks

 

[RBOWWOW]

I'd start life with a well appointed truck then add YOUR choice of lift...
Example for a truck: Cars for Sale: 2005 Nissan Frontier 4x4 Crew Cab V6 in Newport News, VA 23605: Truck Details - 264584175 - AutoTrader.com wheel drive&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=83705&advanced=y&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=16000&cardist=2125&standard=false
YOur right in there on price though...
good used ones in the 05, 06, 07 years for 15K, just depends on the package, body and miles.

 

[LuckyKevin]

Mike, whats the difference ?
I've never owned one and trying to do my homework but google keeps pointing me back to this site and one other forum.
Thanks

first generation:

second generation (2005 and up):

 

[Clint]

Second generation is larger which is more comfortable.
It has more horsepower and also better gas mileage believe it or not.
I've owned four Frontiers, 2000-2002-2008-2010, all crew cabs, 3 long beds.
All have been great and zero regrets
You will really enjoy yourself, provided you can pick out a gently used one.
Good luck in your search.

Clint

 

[trucklessN2010]

Thanks for the info guys !
More if you got it !

 

[Griff]

I would seriously get a stock one and go from there. It may not be the what you want as the finished product, but vehicles that have a bunch of mods carry a degree of risk not found on a stock used vehicle. If you do the mods you know who did the work and the quality of the work. Also, you can be reasonably sure that a stock truck has been used primarily for transportation. Trucks with off road mods...you really can't be sure how hard it has been used (or abused) unless you are mechanically savvy. Even then it can be easy to miss something. Just my .02.

 

[00 FRONTIER]

I would get as new as possible for your budget. If it were me I would probably avoid 05's and maybe 06's as they were the first few years of a brand new design. I dont care what auto manuf makes it, the first year or two always seem to have more bugs that have yet to be worked out. It may also be a good idea to have a trusty mechanic check out a truck before you buy as there are some issues with 05 and newer trucks that can be expensive.

The 98 - 04's (1st gen) are completely different trucks compared to 05's and newer (2nd gen). Aside from a Nissan emblem, nothing is shared. 1st gen has torsion bars for front suspension and the 2nd has coilovers. 1st gen is pretty weak, however the VG engines are pretty damn tough and reliable. They are also less complicated therefore seem to be a little more reliable. However this is my humble opinion so take it for what its worth.

If I were looking again I would search out a 2000 crew cab 4x4 as I have heard this was the last year the truck was built in Japan. This is a hard year to find as it is the first year of the crew cab and the last year of the flatter front end and more subtle flares.

Fuel economy pretty much sucks no matter what, but it is a truck so it is what it is. I am not going to tell you to get a civic, but dont expect much. For example I am lifted 2"s and run 32's and get around 16mpg's and do a lot of highway.

Search around on this forum as the information is endless. Your head will start spinning! Not baggin on Nissan's, but dont forget to look at Tacoma's too. I would stick with 1st gens for those and no one can argue that they are not tough trucks. Only downside is price. Frontiers are a bargain.

 

[LuckyKevin]

I have an '05.. works perfect