[vwracin2win]

about a year ago i had a 93 nissan hardbody 2wd king cab with the 3.0 V6 and 5spd. i sold it because it had alot of miles on it (300k +) still ran good but i thought i didnt need a mini truck and kept my 2 fullsized now im daily driving the full sized chevy and im tired of it i want another mini. i was looking at the 01-04 and it looks like the V6 spd comes few and far between. most common is the 4 cyl. how are these trucks? i plan on leaving the truck stock maybe lower it down a little if anything (usually i lift). do these little 4 bangers have enough power to move out of their own way (i would definately get the 5spd)? i have only driven a honda civic with a 1.5L and an S-10, and a ranger.
but any info or advice to look for while shopping is greatly appreciated.

 

[shakedownstreet]

the 2.4l is super reliable & efficient, but not exactly sprightly. it'll move adequately enough paired with a 5 spd though

 

[joefrontier2]

I drove an S10 4x4 and I would take a Nissan Frontier again and again.

If you are looking v6 Nissan your best models are 03 and 04. They are the best made with all the enhancements and fixes. Except for the Knock sensor and the AC thermal resistor.

 

[chadwilliam1]

I love my 03. Just seems like a very well built truck but it is slow as hell.

 

[Mathster]

V6 5 speeds are out there.
They are rare.
I cant say how well the 4cyl run, looking at the numbers, they are only something like 30 hp under my V6 auto.

 

[Alec]

im a lucky one with a v6 5peeed. They are around just look. I would def. get a v6. also please please please please please please DO NOT lower it

 

[vwracin2win]

i guess i ill have to just see if i can find one at a dealership and drive it. i was just thinking the 4cyl was a decently sized 4cyl so it would be able to move out of its own way and get decent mileage. as far as lowering it, probably wont happen most likely will stay stock i need something for cheaper tire cost i have a truck on 37's and one on 33's. so my tire budget hits hard.

 

[shakedownstreet]

lets just say sometimes when accelerating up to highway speeds i use 3rd gear & maybe even switch off the a/c until i'm up to speed

the advantage to the 4 cylinder is it's bulletproof. the v6 is a good motor, but its few known annoyances (replace timing belt, bad knock sensor) are non-existent on the 2.4 liter

 

[supr]

Check out AutiTrader & Craigs list, that is how I found mine. The 4 is more bullet proof and would be OK for 2WD. It gets 20 mpg minimum, up to maybe23-25. The best day aver on the 3.3 is 20 mpg, at least my 4x4. Changing the timing belt and all that other stuff at 105k will set you back $700-$1200.
None of these older trucks are very fast, 3.3 or no. But that is not why we buy them. They will last forever with care, so it seems.