Can I get your help finding a midsized truck?

[-]

Conn3er@reddit

Want what a tacoma used to be?

Dont want the tacoma tax?

Let me introduce you to the Nissan Frontier. SV models can be had for the top of your price range

[-]

Icininja@reddit

Correct answer. Ignore everything else except maybe an old ranger.

[-]

JollyGreenGigantor@reddit

Incredibly reliable powertrains. Best in class payload and towing capacity. Mid 20s mileage

[-]

Icininja@reddit

“Incredibily reliable powertrains” they use 10 speeds, and run 2.3’s and 2.7’s and 3.0’s. the 2.7 is very good, the best option, from what I’ve seen, experienced and heard so I’ll give you that.

The 10R however is garbage. To try and compare the modern ford ranger’s POWERTRAIN RELIABLITY to the old ranger’s is actually one of the worst opinions I think I’ve heard in years. You could’ve said lack of rust issues, better ride quality and NVH, better mpg, or better tow capacity. Nope, you picked the goddamn powertrain🤦‍♂️

[-]

therealjohnsmith@reddit

Slightly used is an even better deal imo. I have a gen 2 Frontier and it has been a great truck. 4wd leather crew cab everything but the tow package for 20k approx.

[-]

neverfakemaplesyrup@reddit

did Nissans really get that better? I always heard they're basically glass and rust

[-]

endlessnamelesskat@reddit

Nissan as a brand is slowly cleaning up their act. Their CVTs were utter dogshit but they fixed those in 2019. Unfortunately it left such a bad taste in people’s mouths that you’ll see people parroting bullshit about them every time it comes up on the internet.

The Frontier though was always fantastic, even during Nissan’s dark ages it was an amazing, solid truck. I won’t defend Nissan when they fuck up but I will always shill for the Frontier.

[-]

cans-of-swine@reddit

Nissan trucks were never bad.

[-]

sllewgh@reddit

Nissan has a deserved reputation for quality for a few specific reasons, like the Jatco CVT that blows up in under 100k miles, but those issues mostly don't apply to the Frontier.

[-]

DreamingDrommer@reddit

Not to mention the added benefit of not having the Nissan cvt

[-]

endlessnamelesskat@reddit

Nissan CVTs haven’t had problems in years, unless you get one pre 2019 they’re on par with other transmissions

[-]

NoxiousVagabond@reddit

Frontiers never used a cvt. Has either been manual or traditional automatic. The newest ones use a 9 speed auto.

[-]

DreamingDrommer@reddit

Thank goodness they don't.

[-]

Chaliemon6@reddit

This. I have gen 5 4Runner and something happens to her I’m getting a frontier

[-]

No_Abbreviations7721@reddit (OP)

I have a 97 4Runner she’s my baby, and will keep her forever.

[-]

HarveyMushman72@reddit

I have a '19 Frontier SV. It's a great truck. No frills and it gets the job done. '19 and '20 are the best years of the old body style.

[-]

f700es@reddit

/thread

[-]

straightuptexas@reddit

For his budget, definitely a good option.

[-]

KeekuBrigabroo@reddit

👆🔔🔔🔔

[-]

CompasslessPigeon@reddit

The maverick fits the bill here. Plus hybrid options are available and its the most reasonably priced truck on the market

[-]

Slow_S60_@reddit

Except the maverick is a crossover

[-]

Agile_Session_3660@reddit

Except no one cares except for idiots. It’ll tow 4000 pounds, has a decent bed, and four seats. All for less than $30k new. Most people will never use anything more out of a truck than what the maverick offers.

[-]

Slow_S60_@reddit

It’s a great vehicle but classifying it as a truck is misleading

[-]

CompasslessPigeon@reddit

I mean its not. Its a pickup truck on a crossover chassis. Completely capable of doing 99% of "truck stuff"

[-]

CoachOpen1977@reddit

Nissan Frontier, or a Honda Ridgeline if that checks your boxes being a unibody, with a smaller bed.

[-]

worstatit@reddit

Nissan Frontier is the only answer.

[-]

littman28@reddit

Seriously don’t overlook this truck. Good 6 cylinder naturally aspirated engine, reliable, affordable and good hp/torque.

[-]

worstatit@reddit

There is really no alternative in the "mid-size truck" category regarding price and longevity. A little thirsty, but that's a typical tradeoff for reliability and longevity.

[-]

Fragrant-Badger6608@reddit

Consideration alternative, how about a 2007 to 2010 Ford sport trac specifically one with the 4.6 L V8 engine. Great trucks easy to work on parts are plentiful and they will only go up in value overtime.

I currently own a 2008 sport trac 4.0 L with 220,000 miles original everything and I have a 91 Chevy Silverado z71.

If you’re looking for a real future collector, check out the 2010 sport trac adrenaline.

[-]

Ragnar-Wave9002@reddit

In college? Maybe not spend that much?

[-]

No_Abbreviations7721@reddit (OP)

I’ve saved up specifically for a truck and my grandma is matching me. I am getting paid to be at school with all my academic scholarships and plan on being a doctor. Once I get out of grad school I’ll be able to get whatever I want hopefully.

[-]

TrueWolf1416@reddit

If I were to rank the trucks you’re shopping for by pure reliability I would say 3rd Gen Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, 2.7 eco boost Ranger, Nissan Frontier, Hybrid Maverick. That’s where I’d draw the line. I’d ignore the rest but I’d rank them Jeep Gladiator, Colorado/Canyon, then surprisingly 4th Gen Tacoma is bottom of the barrel since it’s been having issues and relatively untested, and relatively expensive for what you pay for.

[-]

Live_Ingenuity_8117@reddit

I can do that. I'll shoot you some pics tomorrow. It's a 2005 access cab 4wd Limited. Stepside bed, with 68k miles. The nice thing about these 05 and 06 model years are they came with a more powerful V8 and the 5 speed automatic.

[-]

Efficient_Pie6@reddit

You can get a 2019-2020 Ranger XLT below 25k Mines great, haven’t had a single issue.

[-]

Live_Ingenuity_8117@reddit

You should buy my truck. It's a first gen tundra. It'd be perfect for you. Very low miles, in excellent condition. It's like everything a Tacoma wishes it could be.

[-]

No_Abbreviations7721@reddit (OP)

Send some pics and a price

[-]

Honest_Road17@reddit

Second Gen Rams are midsized compared to current models. I bet you could get a sweet deal on a Cummins right about now.

[-]

United-Programmer-19@reddit

I would think anyone with a 5.9 would be itching to get into a 6.7.... my 3rd fen is deleted and gets 28mpg on thw highway.... I wanr to delete my 2500 Denali but so far no emissions issues at 155k miles and it gets 22 mpg on a road trip. I sold my half ton gas goin to town truck because it really wasnt saving me anything

[-]

Resident-Cricket-710@reddit

if you cant find a tacoma for under 25k, expand the years youre willing to look at.

[-]

No_Abbreviations7721@reddit (OP)

Yeah but it’s also the mileage and I know they’re made to run forever but if it’s going to have over 150k and be older to get a newer under 70k ride I feel like that’s better in my situation.

[-]

Swamp_Hawk_420@reddit

someone recently offered my dad the same amount he paid new for his 2015 4.0 with 139k miles. the "Toyota tax" is insane, when my wife needed a car she wound up with a Lexus RX because it was cheaper than any Camry we could find with similar miles.

[-]

Superhereaux@reddit

I bought a brand new Tacoma because I couldn’t afford a used one.

[-]

No_Abbreviations7721@reddit (OP)

For real man it just doesn’t make sense in my mind

[-]

trivialdenial2@reddit

Exactly this. One does not know how meticulous the upkeep was. Toyota lasts well. That does mean one has to address all the stuff that does come up on all vehicles for replacement or repair in addition to usual care.

Nissan is an excellent choice.

[-]

Resident-Cricket-710@reddit

*shrug*

ive had 2 go over 300k, #3 is at 290k.

[-]

SnackstreetGirl@reddit

If you liked the Ranger, you’re already on a good track. Honestly, look at a Nissan Frontier or Chevy Colorado, they’re usually way cheaper than Tacomas but still solid. Frontiers especially are kind of the "budget Tacoma” with simple, reliable V6 setups, and people love them for that. Also worth checking slightly older Rangers or higher-mile Tacomas if you’re okay with it

[-]

Specialist-Size9368@reddit

Disagree. 17 Colorado new, traded in after a month. 18 lemoned it after the first 7500 miles. I have a ranger now and at 106k miles I am about to get rid of it because it is not holding up. I am most likely getting a frontier. I am thoroughly fed up with shitty american products.

[-]

RevolutionSalty8360@reddit

I was in the same boat, ended up with a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. Could not be happier.

[-]

fartkidwonder@reddit

You can get a brand new Ford Maverick for $25k.

[-]

Ray_the_tiki_guy@reddit

What do you plan on doing with it? Work truck, off road, everyday stuff?

[-]

No_Abbreviations7721@reddit (OP)

Just an everyday driver but needed for work while I’m home on break.

[-]

Ray_the_tiki_guy@reddit

I would check out a used Ridgeline. I know not a real truck but it can do truck thing, it drive like a car, and get pretty good gas mileage…for a truck.

[-]

69HEAD_HONCHO69@reddit

seconded. more truck than 90% of people need.

[-]

Miliean@reddit

Honestly, Maverick might be the winner for you, depends on what you actually need it for. The Nissan Frontier might also be a winner.

[-]

Wrr1020@reddit

Based on your use case a Ridgeline would be perfect. Drives better than any other midsize truck out there, largest interior space, reliable. It's hard to beat.

[-]

DogblackMichigan@reddit

My friend got a hybrid Ford Maverick out the door for 27,500.
New is way better than used.

[-]

Inner-Chemistry2576@reddit

Used two-generation Tacomas are very affordable. They may have higher mileage, but if properly maintained, they can easily run 300,000 to 400,000 miles plus!

[-]

OGDirtDude117@reddit

If you need it for hauling stuff or offroading then the 2014-2021 Frontier is basically a Tacoma without the Toyota tax. The automatics are infamous for having the radiator fail and cause the Trans Cooler fluid to mix in with the coolant and it looks like a Strawberry Milkshake. Parts were upgraded around 2011 but something to look for.

Mpg isnt the greatest, but they're very durable trucks.

If you don't do A LOT of towing, offroading, or mpg/ride quality is important since you are ON ROAD as a daily more then look into a Ford Maverick or Honda Ridgeline.

The Gen1 Ridelines are VERY capable daily trucks with an awesome bed storage setup. They have independent rear suspension so they do drive like a Honda Pilot (good thing) and it's a Honda V6 that is easy to service. Timing belt every 100k with the water pump. Parts are cheap usually, but do pay for the Bilstein shocks. Big upgrade!

Towing package for the Ridgeline is pretty much required and the rear diffs are known to go bad on cars that aren't serviced.

[-]

Ok-Lavishness-7904@reddit

First generation Tundra?

[-]

No_Abbreviations7721@reddit (OP)

I want a tundra really bad actually, but I’m going to wait til I’m out of grad school.

[-]