Seems like a good option for the things I want in a truck:

- 4x4
- Rear diff lock
- Cheaper than a Tacoma with those features
- On the smaller side

Anyone have any experience with it?

I'd go for something else if safety is a concern

Virtually unchanged since 2004, which is why they're so cheap

Cheaper is user dependent when comparing to a Tacoma.

Resale on a Tacoma is extreme. Ridiculous sometimes. Depending on how you plan to buy(new/used, finance/cash) and how long you'll realistically keep the truck have to be factored in. Tacoma can be cheaper in the long run

'03ag said:

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Cheaper is user dependent when comparing to a Tacoma.

Resale on a Tacoma is extreme. Ridiculous sometimes. Depending on how you plan to buy(new/used, finance/cash) and how long you'll realistically keep the truck have to be factored in. Tacoma can be cheaper in the long run

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I would buy used and pay cash and keep it for fifteen years probably.

Had one for a loaner recently that felt cheap, small, and didn't even get that good gas mileage (18mpg on highway).

My troubles would be over if Toyota just sold the Hilux in the US.

mrmill3218 said:

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Seems like a good option for the things I want in a truck:

- 4x4
- Rear diff lock
- Cheaper than a Tacoma with those features
- On the smaller side

Anyone have any experience with it?

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I bought one in 2010 and still daily drive it. It has 130,000 miles. It has pulled a trailer from Corpus Christi to Tucson and back in the summer heat. Hauled four adults comfortably to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Been in the mountains and lives outside in the salt air of the bay. Easy to navigate city centers and fits even into small parking areas. Only negative is that the crank position sensor went out last year and I had to replace it.

I bought the SE (midlevel) trim with the value package which included spray in bedliner and a few other features. I put a Pioneer AVH-4200NEX to address the crappy radio. I do wish it got better mileage. I get 18 city and 21 highway with the V6. I paid $24,000 cash for it so it has been nice having a capable truck with no payments for the better part of a decade.

Would I buy one today? Not sure. In 2010 it was that or the Tacoma and I found the Nissan to be better. There are a lot more options today for "small" pickups. I am in no hurry to replace the one I have.

Really appreciate the info!

I have a 2014 Pro 4x that I purchased in April of 2014. I now have 152,000 miles on it, and all I have done to it is change the oil, purchase new tires, and one set of wipers. Original brakes, shocks, and plugs. It has never had to go to the shop for any repair.

I was supposed to change the plugs at 100,000 miles, and even purchased them to do the job. I figured I would just wait until it started running a bit rough or seeing my gas mileage start decreasing, and I would change them out. So far, it still runs like a top.

The only thing I can think of that has broken is the seat heater on the drivers seat. It stopped getting hot about 40,000 miles ago. Other than that, it's been a great truck.

These are good trucks, generally well liked by owners for what they are.

What they aren't, are status symbols. I think people will miss these when the only options are actually next gen Rangers, Tacoma's, and Honda 'trucks' that cost $20K+ more (out the actual door). Be cautious on resale values if that matters as they sell a lot to fleets/rental co's.

Have you done much off-roading? Used the rear diff at all?

You can a pro 4x with manual for pretty damn cheap. Would rock.

All the ones I've seen have been automatic and surprisingly a little pricey.

I've only had it truly off road a handful of times. I've only used the locking diff a few times. It's always gotten me to my destination on road or off road.

I has hill decent and all the other off road bells and whistles. It seems very capable off road, but I've never tested its absolute limit. The times I've had it in the snow it's been very stable.

Got one as a rental in Santa Fe and Los Alamos last winter. It was 4x4 and it had no trouble with the snow and stuff up there. The interior was pretty spartan but that didn't bother me. I rather enjoyed driving it.

I bought one in 2005 - a 4x4 w/ a manual transmission. Was a good truck. I kept it until 2010 and never had any issues. I would've kept it longer, but I moved to China and didn't want to store it.

That being said, I can't believe they haven't redesigned it yet. Its vastly outdated now.

I have a buddy that would usually go through vehicles every 6-12 months. He's had an LR3, F150, Focus ST, Xterra, Baja, Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner, and 2 Frontiers (I'm sure there are other vehicles, these are just the ones I remember over the last 6-7 years). The last vehicle he bought was his second Frontier and that was probably 2-3 years ago. For whatever reason, he loves it.

I own a 2012 SV Crew Cab 2WD that I purchased new for $26K and some change. It has the utility track, spray-in bedliner, rear window defroster, and bluetooth. It's about to turn 105,000 miles and just got back from driving it to Colorado (from Texas). Fuel mileage with two people and luggage was anywhere from 20 - 26 mpg. The only issue I had with it was the window regulators, fixed under warranty. I did have to replace the crankshaft sensor, but other than regular maintenance, that's it. The original battery lasted 5 years. I did the plugs at 100K. I've owned a 2nd gen Tacoma and like the Frontier much better. The ergos are much better in the Frontier. I like the sparse interior and the rear seats that fold up allowing you to use the floor. I've hauled everything from motorcycles to topsoil to building supplies without any issues. I don't pull trailers very often but when I have, there was no issue. It's not fancy but It does everything I need or want and it's been solid so no reason to get anything different.

Bought one new in '07 (LE CC) and drove it for 165k miles and 10 years until some asshat pulled out in front of me. I loved the truck and it was trouble free until it hit 100k miles (outside of normal maintenance like brakes, tires, etc). Once it hit 100k, a few small things popped up (sensor failures) that were a couple hundred to fix at a shop...more annoying than anything. It ran as good when it t-boned the guy as it did when I drove it off the lot. Hell, the tow truck driver started it to back it out of the asshat's van. Ran rough, but ran. I wouldn't have any issue buying one again.

My only complaint would the the turning radius. It's awful. A full sized truck does better.

I went with the Frontier over the Tacoma because the Nissan dealership was willing to negotiate while the Toyota dealership wouldn't budge. I was happy with my choice.

Also, insurance gave me $12.5k for it when they totaled it. I bought it for like $25k drive out.