[rhoyneriver]

Hey clubfrontier, I am a new member thinking about purchasing an Equator. The reason I'm buying an Equator is because A) I ever so slightly prefer the look and B) since I don't mind shopping nationwide, I can get a lot more value out of the Suzuki.

Anyway! I am torn between a few different trucks. On one hand I can get a 2009 LWB CC 4WD with only 60k miles for around $12,500. Or I can get a 2012 RMZ-Pro SWB CC (with a topper already -- big plus for me) and it's a 1 owner in great shape but with 95k miles. It's $13,250 and a bit further away (21 hour drive home!).

So, since I can only post in this section, does anyone wanna weigh in on which they feel is a better deal? I think I MIGHT miss having the longer bed especially because I'd love the option to sleep back there, but OTOH I really love the way the SWB looks. Plus having the RMZ-Pro package would be nice -- I am pretty sure option #1 doesn't have that package (it was only on SWB?).

Also, does anyone know if the Suzuki trucks also had the transmission issues that 2005-? Frontiers had? If so, would it be a problem in the 2009 Equator but not the 2012? I am under the impression that 2005-2010 Frontiers had the issue but I have no idea about the Equator. I tried searching the forums but couldn't find any reference to it.


Thanks! PS feel free to offer some encouragement on buying a truck! I am still torn on whether or not I should keep my fun sporty car or make the jump to the truck (just sold my old beater truck today). In the future I'd love to own a sports car and a truck, but for now I have to pick one or the other.

 

[phatB]

I understand your situation. I had a car and a ranger too. Just bought a crew cab fronty today to replace them both. If you're like me, if you DON'T go for it, the indecision will drive you crazy until you do!
The equator is kind of cool since it has the "S" badge. Haven't seen many, theyre rare! If you find one I say DO IT! And update the thread with pics!

 

[rhoyneriver]

Haha, I actually just sold a Ranger too. It was a 2001 with only 123k miles, but I only drove it about 1000 miles in the 2 years I owned it. It was constant problems -- it had the 3.0 V6 not the trusty 4.0. I was hoping it would be a nice second vehicle for bad weather and also to take camping etc. but I just hated it so much I never drove it (when it was running).

I have 3 big dogs so a bigger 4-door truck with the option to put them in the bed (with a topper) is super appealing!

This is the one I'm looking at: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...pperListingsSearch=45736734#listing=191347475 it's a sexy truck! I am thinking the previous owner must have taken good care of it!

 

[phatB]

Mine ranger is an ex cab xlt 2003 with 148k, 4.0l. It's been a great truck, no issues and I've kept everything maintained. Everything works, even ac. I will be sad to sell her off but need a crew cab now (a family sure changes things!) Also it's only 4x2 which is annoying when it gets icy, which is currently. It really sucks on ice.

That suzuki is super cool. I'd go for it... If it were here i probably would have bought it since it's the top end trim.

 

[09eq]

Equator has same issues as Frontier - except it does have better headlights. Seems to me it comes down to whether you need/want a long box. Keep in mind it was a radiator issue, not fault of trans., so can easily replace radiator with aftermarket if concerned. I believe there were few if any reported and confirmed problems on this web site or x-terra site for '08 and later. I'm not really concerned about my '09 but do keep eye on it. Rear locker unique to RMZ but think I've used mine twice and probably didn't need it then - so - tough choice - good luck.

 

[shift_RUSH]

Things to consider:
If you can look at/test drive the closer one, go take a look.
How many miles/yr do you expect to drive? I ask due to the 35k difference in miles b/tw the two trucks.
Need to factor in cost of retrieving the 2nd truck due to distance. One-way plane ride and LONG trip home?

SMOD/radiator issue in Frontiers is '05-'10. Bypass or replace your radiator...OR keep rolling the dice EVERY day. New auto trans is BiG bucks comparatively.

Good luck in your pursuit!

 

[MidTennMtneer]

Look at it this way. Do you need the long bed? To me, that is the only advantage over the '12 besides the miles. I have 90k on mine now, still going strong. All depends on how it was taken care of.

You mentioned the RMZ package. Keep in mind it only included the larger tires (which are null and void since that truck as aftermarket wheels), the Bilstein 4600 shocks (which at 95k either have already been replaced or should be soon), and the electric rear locker. Which in all honesty, even in WV winters, I've never had to use it.

Also, it may be the weight of the camper top, not sure how much those things weigh, but it looks like a leveling kit may have been put on the front of that truck. If so, no biggie if it was done properly, but just something to keep in mind.

And that red wire in the engine bay going to the battery it looks like. Lights for the camper top maybe?

Either way, not an easy decision. I chose an Equator over the Frontier due to price (about 5k cheaper) and the warranty. Plus I'm the only one around with a lifted Equator, and have no doubt the only one nation wide with a Black Rhino light bar on her. You'll be able to make your truck super unique either way.

 

[rhoyneriver]

Look at it this way. Do you need the long bed? To me, that is the only advantage over the '12 besides the miles. I have 90k on mine now, still going strong. All depends on how it was taken care of.

You mentioned the RMZ package. Keep in mind it only included the larger tires (which are null and void since that truck as aftermarket wheels), the Bilstein 4600 shocks (which at 95k either have already been replaced or should be soon), and the electric rear locker. Which in all honesty, even in WV winters, I've never had to use it.

Also, it may be the weight of the camper top, not sure how much those things weigh, but it looks like a leveling kit may have been put on the front of that truck. If so, no biggie if it was done properly, but just something to keep in mind.

And that red wire in the engine bay going to the battery it looks like. Lights for the camper top maybe?

Either way, not an easy decision. I chose an Equator over the Frontier due to price (about 5k cheaper) and the warranty. Plus I'm the only one around with a lifted Equator, and have no doubt the only one nation wide with a Black Rhino light bar on her.

You'll be able to make your truck super unique either way.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I noticed the weird stance to the Equator as well, but figured that was the weight of the cap.

The RMZ didn't come with any under body armor or anything else? The locker would be nice but as you said, I don't think I'd use it very often.

 

[09eq]

RMZ has the skid plates but I consider them warning plates - time to turn around when you hit them because they will provide minimal protection. In '09 RMZ Sport included RF stereo, some additional electronics, sun-roof and few other features. Equator option packages were a little different than Frontier.

My topper weighs 150# - shouldn't change stance much.

 

[Sabretooth]

I like that S on the grill even though for most part it is a just re-badged Frontier I just think a lot of people would shy away most being ones that do not work on their own things an that is how I got my re-baged Kioti tractor a brand new bobcat for close to nothing I went in knowing its worth a lot less and down the road probably harder to sell just because it is what I call an orphan now. I like the Frontier for the lower 60k an the long-bed but it's just comes down to what your going to use it for also you gotta look that 60k could easily be worse than the Suzuki with the 95 just depends on how PO maintained it.
The stance yeah I like some rake also it's a pickup and it might only be because he did nothing in rear and like you said the cap might just need an add a leaf on the cheap but that could be something that's easily fixed. If its the RMZ it should have the pro 4x plates if there not there that's another easy fix they come up here and on CL a lot from people buying the aftermarket skids in fact that's exactly what I think I'm going to do with mine when my heftys come in. FWIW that's my 2cents

 

[shift_RUSH]

Worth mentioning that certain body panels/parts/pieces unique to the Equator might be challenging to find (new/used/etc).

Keep us posted as to which direction you end up going.

 

[rhoyneriver]

Thanks again for the advice/suggestions. I will definitely update y'all when I make my choice, although it may be a little while before I finally pull the trigger.

 

[1AAuto.com]

Thanks for joining, it's great to have you here

Tony