I was thinking of buying a Frontier....NOW I BOUGHT ONE (PICS added)

[AZhitman]

I know I want one that's a few years old, a Crew Cab shortbed 2WD with an automatic...

Anything I should look out for? Any year that's better than the rest?

Thanks all!!!

[Big-Bird]

Stick the V6 if you plan on doing any hauling. The 4 banger isn't really up the towing/hauling task IMO.

The weakest thing about these trucks seems to be the center link in the steering, but this issue mainly revolves around it's 4x4 brethren. There are some people here who have explained they have A/C gremlins, or squeeks and creaks that can't be pinpointed, but for the most part the 2000-2004 Frontiers are rated fairly equally. Knock sensors, MAF sensors and O2 sensors are the most common electrical problems we seem to see being asked about in this place.

Also the 3.3L needs a timing belt replaced every 160,000km or 96000miles. Keep that in mind when you buy used. I know several Nissan Techs who recommend the water pump on a 3.3L be changed when the timing-belt is done because you're already in there anyway.

If you want fuel economy stick with the 4 banger in a 5 speed and maybe spring for a Cold Air Intake. ( Same with the 3.3L CAI all the way!)

[amorf]

I realize money talks, but I have to tell you that if you could find your way into an 05, you'll be much happier I think. The brakes are better, they look better (at least I reallly think so), and they're much faster -- plus you don't have to worry about the extra upkeep of the supercharger

[Big-Bird]

I don't think the Supercharger was offered in the 2WD platform. But I agree, the 05 is a nicer looking truck

[hsckris]

I owned and 01 and an 06 (still own this one). The 06 is far superior. That said, I loved my 01 and only got rid of it b/c my needs changed (basically I needed 4x4).

Personally I'd stay away from crew cab long beds. That is the longest looking compact truck I have ever seen. Otherwise, they are great trucks.

[Desert Rat]

All Crewcabs in the states are V6 only, so that ends the debate about the 4 banger vs. the 6.

On a 2wd, i'd agree that a 2005+ is the better truck, but I'd debate it on a 4x4 (why not get a 4x4 and start building it?). The 2004 and older 4x4's have significantly stronger drivetrain components from the H233B/R200A axle combo to the manually shifted TX-10A Tcase. (some 2003-2004 models got the smaller C200 rear that still has been more reliable than the new axles) The 2005+ have been very problematic in this area with LOTS of cracked open aluminum R180 fronts, and lots of lunched carriers in the Dana44 variant rear axle, as well as electronic failures in the Tcase. Nissan hasn't been good at warranting the replacments either, instead choosing to blame actually using the 4x4 capabilities of the truck as the culprit and sticking owners with thousands of dollars in replacement and repair.

Certainly the engine in the 2005+ is far superior, making much better HP and slightly better fuel economy to boot. That said, a cared for VG33E is easily a 300k mile engine and will run a long time under normal use. Just keep that timing belt replaced at the recommended intervals (every 105k per the manuals).

2000-2004 were the years for the D22 crew cab. 2000's had the older front clip with a metal bumper and a real grill that looked a little less like a Tonka truck. That early dashboard design carried over to the redesigned 2001's. 2002-2004 got an updated (and less attractive, IMO) interior. I have a '98 Frontier and a 2002 Xterra (Fronty's and X's share the same dash, etc.), and I much prefer the layout and gauge readaibilty of the '98.

2wd trucks can have the same rear ends as the 4x4's, as well as the same front suspension, minus the front axle and hubs. Lift kits are universal - what works on a 2wd CC works on a 4x4. The little 4 banger 2wds run a differnt front end setup and sit much lower on the springs.

As for the auto in AZ heat...the cooling system is just barely adequate in the 2000-2004s and I'd strongly recommend an aftermarket transmission cooler. If I had it to do over again, I'd have bought a manual in my Xterra.

[AZhitman]

Good info all!

I'm leannig towards the auto as 7 of my current 8 vehicles are manuals, and we need something that's easier to drive (this will probably wind up as my 16 year old son's DD).

I agree on the lnog bed - I have no need for a longer bed, but I always find myself needing to haul a set of wheels or tires or an engine across town.

This truck will see kid-shuttling duty as well as occasional light towing (old Datsuns on towbars or a small trailer)...

Now it's just a matter of finding a nice 02-04 at the right price.

[Desert Rat]

They're not hard to find here...they sold well in this area.

I still think you need a 4x4

[AZhitman]

How is the 2000 3.3 V6? Any good? Any issues?

Found a 2K model with everything I want for a great price....

[AZhitman]

Went and looked at it this morning, and it was too clean to pass up...

Jet-black 2000 Frontier Crew Cab 2WD short bed, with a bedliner, sliding rear window, in-dash DVD player, flip-down screen, 3" suspension lift and 31" tires on newer Frontier OEM (charcoal color) wheels.

Lots of miles, but one owner since new, and immaculate inside and out.

Got it for $1K less than Blue Book Private Party numbers...

I'll be doing a knock sensor replacement (checked codes) and possibly an alignment, but it's strong, smooth and clean.

I'll post pics when I pick it up Tuedsay.

[DriftReadyS13]

must be nice lol . wana loan me a car or two tillmy 240 gets done. hopefully sometime in the spring

[houdini]

congrats on the new truck!

the knock sensor is kind of a pain to reach and change. it requires some time to get to for sure. unless yours is supercharged, i hear the knock sensor really doesn't have too much of an impact on performance. mine has been throwing a code for some time and i have noticed no ill effects.

additionally, i do have a new knock sensor if your interested? kind of an expensive part from the dealer, but i am happy to work something out with you if you are interested.

[Desert Rat]

even though it's 2wd, with a SL and stock steering, you'll have considerably faster wear on the centerlink. Wiggle the right front tire side to side and look for upward movement of the centerlink from the idler arm.

I can replace these things in my sleep if its bad and you need a hand.

[Desert Rat]

I see you already bought the truck but I'll answer your question anyways.

The 3.3 is basically the same from its introduction in the '96 Pathfinders to its intro in '99 Frontiers and '00 Xterras. In '03 it got a 10hp boost, but seat of the pants impressions are essentially the same. 2004 was its final year of production.

[AZhitman]

Very cool - I smell a "Tech Day" coming up!

[jEzTeR]

Post up some pics!!!!

[Dano]

Can't wait to see it! Sounded great over the phone!

-Dan

[koukicody]

darn. i was hoping for a old school datsun pickup

[AZhitman]

Yeah, I'm still looking for the "perfect" old Datsun pickemup....

But this thing is cool as hell - I like it more and more, the more I look at it.

I'll get some pics up tomorrow.

[NM50]

AZ.Congrats.As long as its not supercharged it's a good truck.13 MPG and premium fuel sux.Most of the engine is identicle to the VG30 from 86 1/2.San upgrades like exhaust studs,fuel system and displacement.Have the local dealer check for recalls for updates on window regulators and fuel sending units.

[foamcup]

PICS!!

I'm real happy with my frontier. = )

[AZhitman]

AZ.Congrats.As long as its not supercharged it's a good truck.13 MPG and premium fuel sux.Most of the engine is identicle to the VG30 from 86 1/2.San upgrades like exhaust studs,fuel system and displacement.Have the local dealer check for recalls for updates on window regulators and fuel sending units.

Will do!

No window regulators on this one, it's got cranks..

THANKS!!!

[NM50]

Wow.I'm way too old to roll up my own windows manually.LOL.Again congrats on the truck.

[hsckris]

PICS!!

I'm real happy with my frontier. = )

[Florida240sx]

pics?

[audtatious]

One of my sisters had an '01 Crew and I loved that truck (she traded it in for a 06 Sentra SE-R). I would borrow it during snow storms to take the wife to work and it was a blast playing around with it in the snow.

[AZhitman]

OK, OK, a few quick pictarz:

[foamcup]

Nice truck

[Dano]

That is a good looking truck my friend!

-Dan

[ca18datsun510]

Will do!

No window regulators on this one, it's got cranks..

THANKS!!!

it still has regulators...

nice truck congrats.