Considering a '05 Nismo Frontier

[feloniousmonk]

As easy as the Versa is to live with, I'm getting rather bored with it. I spotted a used '05 Nismo with the right color at a local dealer (not Nissan) with 45k miles. They are asking just over 17.5k for it. According to NADA Guides it's worth 15k. Assuming I can get it for that along with the Versa as trade-in, I think I can make the financing numbers work. Downside is the truck is a 4wd, rather have a 2wd for lower cost of maintenance/ownership and I don't really need 4wd.

Those of you experienced with this model, how is the reliability and cost of ownership? drama free? My other option is to use my employee discount (I work on advertising for Nissan) and try to get a new '09 pro4x, but that can get pretty pricey since the MSRP is over 25k, even with NMAC's 1.9% the monthly can still be pretty high. Plus, it's rather hard to find one with the exact color and options. Anyway, would like to hear from owners and find out if it's an "affordable" truck to own. Thanks.

[feloniousmonk]

Anyone? Bueller?

[Rev_D21]

Dano has one, he'd be a good one to ask.

[Dano]

I've had mine for a month now, and I have no complaints. Yeah, the gas mileage isn't whippy, but what can you expect from a 4.0L V6? The power and torque is nice, not too far of a torque/ weight ratio i'm used to in the 240, so that's nice... it'll get up and move adequately when you ask it to. The creature comforts are nice, mine came with the sunroof package which also includes the roof rack. And, as a plus, the NISMO package is just flat out COOL in comparison to the other trim levels. First off, the interior is a charcoal grey, much darker than the light grey or 'sand' found in the SE and LE models. The seat fabric is different, the rear seat has an armrest (as do LE's), it comes with the electronic locking rear differential, foglights, NISMO-spec Bilsteins, NISMO wheels and BFG Rugged Trails instead of the SE/LE Long Trails. (though your truck may have had the tires replaced already...)

I love it, and that's all I can say about it, i've put about 1000 on mine so far, and it's got less than 30k on the clock total, so I have a ways to go before I can give a real account on maintainence and cost of ownership. But, I will tell you this... for a midsized truck, that thing is DAM hard to beat. Great looks, lots of room, solid chassis, and the NISMO name

If you don't mind taking a huge hit in gas mileage, then I say go for it!

[gammer_ghn]

baby its a mans world and NISSAN is god! My friend keeps on ripping on nissan trucks, but i cant wait till later on today when normal people are awake to show him a couple of stuff including this!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKw2hX6xShc

[Desert Rat]

Aside from front axle breakage from serious 4 wheeling, these trucks appear to be very reliable. If you're just an occasional user of 4wd, you should be fine. Definitely an upgrade from a Versa.

[feloniousmonk]

Thanks guys and Dano. Given the economy, I was on the fence but just found a couple deals that are even better/sweeter. Just depends on how bad the interest rates will be (not pretty I'm sure, but who knows). I should've never gotten the Versa. Every time I drive it, I feel like I'm driving someone else's car.

How's the Nismo around corners and stuff? I've owned a few SUVs, from one that could take corners in stride (Isuzu Vehicross), two that was so-so (Hard body Pathfinder and 96 Grand Cherokee), and one that just couldn't (83 Bronco - the O.J. kind).

[Desert Rat]

Thanks guys and Dano.

Dano, I guess you're not one of the guys

A truck isn't a sports car.

[feloniousmonk]

A truck isn't a sports car.

I expected that kind of quality response from some, but not from moderator. See my other car. You didn't read what I was asking. I am not comparing trucks to sports cars. I didn't ask if the Nismo is capable of handling corners like my 320hp 3100lb M with 50/50 weight balance; never once mentioned it. I was asking about the Nismo's handing relative to trucks. Even if it's not a sports car, surefooted handling is still important.
Modified by feloniousmonk at 7:20 PM 2/18/2009

[Dano]

Dano, I guess you're not one of the guys

Felonious, compared to other trucks and SUVs i've driven, it's very sure footed. It's still a pickup, and with the NISMO package, the tires have even more flex than a standard Frontier, but the truck drives beautifully through the twisties all things considered. You need to drive one, you'll want to drive it home.