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Hey all, I don't post too much in this forum but I was wondering if you all could help me on answering some questions about trucks. See well after driving this one guy's brand new Nissan Titan, having to move a 65" Big screen, various other hauling (i.e. large boxes, tool boxes, camping gear) and future plans, I've decidied that I may want to look into getting a new truck. I have never owned a truck before and I am pretty unknowledgeable about the specs on trucks like hauling and towing.

I'm gonna be pretty reasonable at looking for something in my price range and saw that I could probably only afford a mid-size truck. After looking at reviews of value and quality, I've narowed it down to either a Toyota Tacoma or a Nissan Frontier. The Tacomas are a bit pricey and I could probably afford the Frontier more, but I really like the Tacomas. I'm looking at used 02 or 03 model and found one that is perfect, PreRunner, 4 door crewcab, silver, $19K, 8K miles...but there's one problem...it's a 4-banger. 150 HP and 177 ft./lb.s torque. I'm pretty leary about buying a 4-cyclinder truck because of the amount of work i might be putting it through, but I may be towing a trailer occansionally, I'm just worried about beating up a lil 4 cyclinder, but the truck itself is pretty big.

Anyway sorry to ramble on like this but please inform me with knowledge about the capabilities of mid-size trucks if any of you have any or know of people who do.

Thanks!

 
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Hmm.. Well with that spec.. don't plan to using it to haul large trailer or heavy loads. Not too much of a truck fan, but I drive one for work though. If your planning to haul stuff in the future. Get at least a V6 engine. It should have enough horse power and torque to haul most equipments around.

Check this site out. www.new-cars.com for reviews on trucks and cars.

 
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i'd think you'd want at least a V6 with a lot of torque. A V6 in a trunk might be a little small as well.

If i were looking to buy a truck, it'd be a V8 with uber-amounts of torque.

 
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im quite partial to the dakota, the 4.7 v-8 with a 5speed would be awesome for you, those 4 banger toyotas are really nice too my buddy has one with a five speed good luck with your purchase anymore specific questions go ahead and ask ill respond

 
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My uncle has a 4 banger tacome w/ auto tranny, and its way too weak for a truck. He only uses it to drive around, but if you want to tow something, that thing just won't cut it.

 
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my cousin got a black 4 door 2004 tacoma sr5 w/ TRD package. he had it for about 1.5 months and less than 1000 miles. about 2 weeks ago he rolled it 3 times when he hit a curb making a left hand turn

so be carefull if u get a truck. high center of gravity and tank like characteristics gives u a false sense of security.

anyways back to the question. sounds like u need a truck no bigger than a v6. so if u want power and hauling capability i say go AMERICAN. ex ford f150. if u need just a everyday drivable, once in a while furniture carrier, or weekend outdoor vehical, go with an import v6 truck.

may i suggest a nissan frontier? thoes are nice and have a smooth engine. in my opinion they look better than the tacoma. go to the dealership and test drive them.

good luck

good luck on the search.

 
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Personally, I love the Tacomas, especially with the TRD Off Road Package. They look soooo nice! If you are worried about hauling stuff around, try to get a V6 model, but i have also heard that the I-4 engine's in the Tacos' weren't all that bad. Best thing you can do is go out and test drive them.

 
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yea i say go test drive them you might fall inlove with something other than what you would have originally also read the reviews of them in like car and driver

since you say mid size these are the trucks i would try out

chevy: new colorado skip the underpowered s-10's they wont make you happy at all
dodge: 4.7 5speed dakota club cab sport, stay away from the dodge v-6 the dakota is the biggest midsize and needs the extra power of the 4.7 (the 2005 with bolder looks is soon and a higher output 4.7 and six speed manual options)
ford: forget about the ranger they to are really underpowered look for a cheap f150 which hauls about the same as the dakota or maybe a explorer sport track
GMC canyon same as colorado with gmc badging
Nissan: frontier like what was previously mentioned
Toyota: tacoma like what was previously mentioned my friends SR-5 I-4 4wd is really a fun truck to drive

im sure there are others but i think i covered most now take a weekend and find the one that fits you the best

 
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chevy colorado imp:

 
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Frontier all the way. Don't forget about the quality of the Nissan product. The Frontier's take a huge beating and keep on ticking and they are nice. If I was to get a truck I think that's what I would get. The 4-cyl's are good for a 4, and still have enough power to move stuff.

The best truck (with little money) that I've seen was an old Nissan Hardbody with and SR20 swap done. Hauled many things but also hauled ***.

 
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nissan titan was the #1 truck for this year by C/D magazine
beat the:
ford f150
dodge ram
tacoma
and gmc

 
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if you were to buy a Tocoma and a Frontier.......

i go with the Frontier....

SuperCharged V6

The SuperCharged 3.3-liter SOHC 1 2-valve V6 engine delivers a whopping 210 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque (231 lb-ft with manual transmission). What does that give you? An immediate boost that's on tap any time, at any altitude. And because the supercharger was developed just for this V6 and factory-installed, it's backed by the 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage.* SuperCharged Frontiers (not including SVE models) also boast 17-inch wheels and tires. Are you ready?

 
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accourding to car and driver though the 4.7 dakota crew cab is cheaper base model, quicker, handles better on the skid pad and gets better gas milage then the frontier, im sorry i just like have you all look at facts