Midsize Truck?

**philipbarrett** · 10-21-2012, 01:05 PM

Any recommendations or experiences to share on the quality/reliability of the mid-size truck offerings? By mid-size I'm thinking of the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma type size.

Thanks in advance...

CleatusJ · 10-21-2012, 01:39 PM

Check this out.

http://special-reports.pickuptrucks....t-results.html

poser · 10-21-2012, 01:54 PM

I had a 2003 Tacoma prerunner v6 and LOVED it. It was such a good truck.
I now drive a Tundra and it has been flawless. When I bought the Tundra I was actually looking for a Tacoma but couldn't get them to budge on the price. But them again, they don't have to, Tacomas sell themselves.

My vote goes to Tacoma.

**Gilk51** · 10-21-2012, 03:09 PM

I have a 2011 Tacoma PreRunner TRD and would heartily recommend it. It is just 2WD but works great for my uses.

V-lust · 10-21-2012, 03:28 PM

Over the years I have had a couple of 4wd toyotas with the v6 and a couple of 2wd 4runners and they have all been super reliable. AC systems never gave problems ( definante priority in Texas). Great little trucks!

**The Bruce** · 10-21-2012, 04:37 PM

I have an '04 Dakota 4x4, 4.7L v8 and love it! Just today I had to replace the original battery. That's right, it lasted 8 1/2 years. Date code said Feb 4. Of course I only have 62,000 miles on it. I ride my bikes

tim_cannon · 10-21-2012, 05:18 PM

I have a '99 Frontier with 157k and no end in sight. I spend about $1000 per year in maintenance and have no complaints. I would recommend any Nissan.

TwoSmokeDS · 10-21-2012, 05:18 PM

When you go see the King Cab Frontier, open the suicide back door and try to climb into the jump seats. You will probably smash your fore head into a metal striker bar (for the door latch), like I did. And have a red bruise on forehead. Who would engineer a blunt piece of metal right next to people's head! The biggest engineering debacle of all time!

Previous generation Tacoma was plagued by rusty frame. Not sure if they fixed the problem on current generation.

Are you looking for a truck to haul your BMW?

endoman · 10-21-2012, 09:13 PM

I have a 2010 Tacoma PreRunner 2WD 4 door. It's a little high for easy loading, but now all trucks are higher. The gas mpg is good around town, but a full size truck can get better MPG on the highway.

I have had no reliability issues with mine and now at ~40K miles.

dasminkar · 10-21-2012, 10:23 PM

2008 Frontier Crew Cab V-6 2wd here. Just turned 54,000 miles and have had zero issues. I plan to get another 50K+ out of it before I move on to my next vehicle. 2007 Bandit will fit in the bed with the tailgate down!!!!

Vinny · 10-21-2012, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philipbarrett

Any recommendations or experiences to share on the quality/reliability of the mid-size truck offerings? By mid-size I'm thinking of the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma type size.

Thanks in advance...

Dodge Dakota w/ 4.7 L V8. Quad cab has 5.5 ft bed. 15-22mpg (depends on your right foot)

MSl77384 · 10-22-2012, 08:09 AM

2008 Tacoma Prerunner; Access cab, 2.7 Ltr. 4 Cylinder, 5 Speed Manual.
Coming up on 62 thousand miles with nothing more than a set of tires and regular maintenance.
My 99 R1100S will fit in the bed with the tailgate down and I average 23 - 24 MPG on my daily commute with the cruise control set at 60.

**TWTourist** · 10-22-2012, 08:15 AM

I own both Toyotas a Tacoma and Tundra. Both have been 100% reliable. If you are looking for a truck for around town/light hauling go with the Tacoma. But if you need the power to haul heavier loads/more comfort go with the Tundra. Gas mileage is too close to make a difference in my book.

poser · 10-22-2012, 08:35 AM

Yeah I can't say enough good about my Tundra. Its a 2008 and just over 65k miles and the only thing that its been on the shop for is tires and oil changes.
Tires may be my only complaint, I seem to be going thru them faster than normal

I tow a heavy trailer (7k - 8k lb) regularly, and I love the gas pedal a little too much

MaxxTraxx · 10-22-2012, 08:44 AM

I recently bought a 97 4x4, 4.0L v6, 5spd super cab Ranger and I love it. That being said, it was my second choice after a Tacoma 4x4. I just couldn't find a taco in a decent price range. They are really expensive.

My dad just got a 12 taco prerunner 4cyl and he loves it. it gets fantastic fuel mileage around town, but keep in mind the tacos grew in 03/04 so the 4cyl are a little under power for the truck size. My Ranger has done everything I asked of it with no issues, repairs and parts are inexpensive since the truck has been around forever and you can get a nice one for a decent price. My Shadow750 fits in the bed with the tailgate down and I know a Ranger will haul 3 dirt bikes.

**philipbarrett** · 10-22-2012, 09:45 AM

Thanks everyone - they sure are proud of those used Tacomas although from what I'm reading here, with good reason.

Hemibee · 10-22-2012, 10:22 PM

I've owned my first and last taco. I could not keep rear seals in the piece of junk. The dealer said I must be doing something wrong because their trucks are bullet proof. Well I may have been doing something wrong, treated it like all my other vehicles that have never had that problem.

I know others have had good luck with theirs and I've seen others with the same problem I had and they too heard the same story from taco. As far as I'm concerned they produce junk and ill never have another one.

Posting with Tapatalk for iPhone.

poser · 10-22-2012, 10:35 PM

That's a bummer

We're on our 4th Toyota and the only thing replaced on any of them was the water pump on our old corrola at 5+ years old and 80k+ miles.

ekms377 · 10-23-2012, 07:19 AM

We just traded in our Tundra and got a Tacoma. Better gas mileage and smaller.
The crew max Tundra 5.7 is the way to go. TONS of room and plenty of power.
Still getting used to the Tacoma. I'm getting 18mpg thus far.

Now, a good mid-size truck would be the older Tundras........

IndyRC · 10-23-2012, 08:57 AM

We have three Tacos in the family and they are great. I love my 6sp 4x4 access cab. I use it to haul bikes and misc stuff and pull a camper.

10-21-2012, 01:05 PM	#1
philipbarrett Forum Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,644	Midsize Truck? Any recommendations or experiences to share on the quality/reliability of the mid-size truck offerings? By mid-size I'm thinking of the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma type size. Thanks in advance... __________________ Horizontally Opposed to Everything 2002 BMW R1150RS (the best boxer ever) 1972 BMW R60/5 2008 KLR 650 (sadly missed)

10-21-2012, 01:39 PM	#2
CleatusJ Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: granbury,tx Posts: 225	Re: Midsize Truck? Check this out. http://special-reports.pickuptrucks....t-results.html

10-21-2012, 01:54 PM	#3
poser Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: old katy Posts: 9,576	I had a 2003 Tacoma prerunner v6 and LOVED it. It was such a good truck. I now drive a Tundra and it has been flawless. When I bought the Tundra I was actually looking for a Tacoma but couldn't get them to budge on the price. But them again, they don't have to, Tacomas sell themselves. My vote goes to Tacoma. __________________ Jason Katy, TX (in "old katy" some say there's a difference) http://thebohacpage.smugmug.com/ "If it was illegal, there'd be a sign telling us NOT to do it." "I can't always tell if he [Jason] is joking, or if his judgment really is that bad." - my father-in-law 2006 KTM 250 SX-F 2008 Polaris Scrambler 500 4x4 2004 Yamaha yz250f - in boxes (some assembly required ) I've got a soft spot/addiction for basket cases, projects, and lost causes.

10-21-2012, 03:09 PM	#4
Gilk51 Pie Man v2.0 (retired) Forum Supporter Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Arlington, Texas Posts: 19,990	Re: Midsize Truck? I have a 2011 Tacoma PreRunner TRD and would heartily recommend it. It is just 2WD but works great for my uses. __________________ .......Chuck blue '04 Suzuki DL650 Wii-Strom, VSRI 1586 black cherry '07 Yamaha FJR1300

10-21-2012, 03:28 PM	#5
V-lust Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Boonsville, Tx Posts: 168	Re: Midsize Truck? Over the years I have had a couple of 4wd toyotas with the v6 and a couple of 2wd 4runners and they have all been super reliable. AC systems never gave problems ( definante priority in Texas). Great little trucks!

10-21-2012, 04:37 PM	#6
The Bruce Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX Posts: 7,341	Re: Midsize Truck? I have an '04 Dakota 4x4, 4.7L v8 and love it! Just today I had to replace the original battery. That's right, it lasted 8 1/2 years. Date code said Feb 4. Of course I only have 62,000 miles on it. I ride my bikes __________________ .... repeat 2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch

10-21-2012, 05:18 PM	#7
tim_cannon Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Mansfield Posts: 119	Re: Midsize Truck? I have a '99 Frontier with 157k and no end in sight. I spend about $1000 per year in maintenance and have no complaints. I would recommend any Nissan. __________________ Tim Mansfield '05 Concours

10-21-2012, 05:18 PM	#8
TwoSmokeDS Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clear Lake Posts: 2,116	Re: Midsize Truck? When you go see the King Cab Frontier, open the suicide back door and try to climb into the jump seats. You will probably smash your fore head into a metal striker bar (for the door latch), like I did. And have a red bruise on forehead. Who would engineer a blunt piece of metal right next to people's head! The biggest engineering debacle of all time! Previous generation Tacoma was plagued by rusty frame. Not sure if they fixed the problem on current generation. Are you looking for a truck to haul your BMW?

10-21-2012, 09:13 PM	#9
endoman Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Carrollton, Tx Posts: 84	Re: Midsize Truck? I have a 2010 Tacoma PreRunner 2WD 4 door. It's a little high for easy loading, but now all trucks are higher. The gas mpg is good around town, but a full size truck can get better MPG on the highway. I have had no reliability issues with mine and now at ~40K miles.

10-21-2012, 10:23 PM	#10
dasminkar Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 177	Re: Midsize Truck? 2008 Frontier Crew Cab V-6 2wd here. Just turned 54,000 miles and have had zero issues. I plan to get another 50K+ out of it before I move on to my next vehicle. 2007 Bandit will fit in the bed with the tailgate down!!!! __________________ Durham, NC 2007 Bandit 1250S

10-22-2012, 08:09 AM	#12
MSl77384 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Conroe Posts: 63	Re: Midsize Truck? 2008 Tacoma Prerunner; Access cab, 2.7 Ltr. 4 Cylinder, 5 Speed Manual. Coming up on 62 thousand miles with nothing more than a set of tires and regular maintenance. My 99 R1100S will fit in the bed with the tailgate down and I average 23 - 24 MPG on my daily commute with the cruise control set at 60.

10-22-2012, 08:15 AM	#13
TWTourist Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,514	Re: Midsize Truck? I own both Toyotas a Tacoma and Tundra. Both have been 100% reliable. If you are looking for a truck for around town/light hauling go with the Tacoma. But if you need the power to haul heavier loads/more comfort go with the Tundra. Gas mileage is too close to make a difference in my book. __________________ TWTourist AKA:FJR Bandit RWP TX 36 IBA# 49404 '12 Wee-Strom Adventure '12 R1200RT

10-22-2012, 08:35 AM	#14
poser Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: old katy Posts: 9,576	Yeah I can't say enough good about my Tundra. Its a 2008 and just over 65k miles and the only thing that its been on the shop for is tires and oil changes. Tires may be my only complaint, I seem to be going thru them faster than normal I tow a heavy trailer (7k - 8k lb) regularly, and I love the gas pedal a little too much __________________ Jason Katy, TX (in "old katy" some say there's a difference) http://thebohacpage.smugmug.com/ "If it was illegal, there'd be a sign telling us NOT to do it." "I can't always tell if he [Jason] is joking, or if his judgment really is that bad." - my father-in-law 2006 KTM 250 SX-F 2008 Polaris Scrambler 500 4x4 2004 Yamaha yz250f - in boxes (some assembly required ) I've got a soft spot/addiction for basket cases, projects, and lost causes.

10-22-2012, 08:44 AM	#15
MaxxTraxx Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sachse, Tx Posts: 986	Re: Midsize Truck? I recently bought a 97 4x4, 4.0L v6, 5spd super cab Ranger and I love it. That being said, it was my second choice after a Tacoma 4x4. I just couldn't find a taco in a decent price range. They are really expensive. My dad just got a 12 taco prerunner 4cyl and he loves it. it gets fantastic fuel mileage around town, but keep in mind the tacos grew in 03/04 so the 4cyl are a little under power for the truck size. My Ranger has done everything I asked of it with no issues, repairs and parts are inexpensive since the truck has been around forever and you can get a nice one for a decent price. My Shadow750 fits in the bed with the tailgate down and I know a Ranger will haul 3 dirt bikes. __________________ Bryan If you really want to know what's going on, watch what's happening at least five cars ahead CMA Saints On Steel 1985 Honda XL350R Back in the dirt!! 2003 Honda Shadow 750 ACE daily rider 2006 suzuki DRZ400 gone.

10-22-2012, 09:45 AM	#16
philipbarrett Forum Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,644	Re: Midsize Truck? Thanks everyone - they sure are proud of those used Tacomas although from what I'm reading here, with good reason. __________________ Horizontally Opposed to Everything 2002 BMW R1150RS (the best boxer ever) 1972 BMW R60/5 2008 KLR 650 (sadly missed)

10-22-2012, 10:22 PM	#17
Hemibee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Panorama Village Posts: 10,073	I've owned my first and last taco. I could not keep rear seals in the piece of junk. The dealer said I must be doing something wrong because their trucks are bullet proof. Well I may have been doing something wrong, treated it like all my other vehicles that have never had that problem. I know others have had good luck with theirs and I've seen others with the same problem I had and they too heard the same story from taco. As far as I'm concerned they produce junk and ill never have another one. Posting with Tapatalk for iPhone. __________________ Tony *You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me.* 2004 KTM 450 EXC 2001 Triumph Tiger - "Black Betty" Texas Courthouses Photographed *"Male menopause is a lot more fun than female menopause. With female menopause you gain weight and get hot flashes. Male menopause - you get to date young girls and drive motorcycles."* John Wayne

10-22-2012, 10:35 PM	#18
poser Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: old katy Posts: 9,576	That's a bummer We're on our 4th Toyota and the only thing replaced on any of them was the water pump on our old corrola at 5+ years old and 80k+ miles. __________________ Jason Katy, TX (in "old katy" some say there's a difference) http://thebohacpage.smugmug.com/ "If it was illegal, there'd be a sign telling us NOT to do it." "I can't always tell if he [Jason] is joking, or if his judgment really is that bad." - my father-in-law 2006 KTM 250 SX-F 2008 Polaris Scrambler 500 4x4 2004 Yamaha yz250f - in boxes (some assembly required ) I've got a soft spot/addiction for basket cases, projects, and lost causes.

10-23-2012, 07:19 AM	#19
ekms377 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Keller,TX Posts: 2,449	Re: Midsize Truck? We just traded in our Tundra and got a Tacoma. Better gas mileage and smaller. The crew max Tundra 5.7 is the way to go. TONS of room and plenty of power. Still getting used to the Tacoma. I'm getting 18mpg thus far. Now, a good mid-size truck would be the older Tundras........ __________________ Eric Keller,TX 2009 KTM 300XC "So many bikes.....so little time."

10-23-2012, 08:57 AM	#20
IndyRC Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Huffman Posts: 101	Re: Midsize Truck? We have three Tacos in the family and they are great. I love my 6sp 4x4 access cab. I use it to haul bikes and misc stuff and pull a camper. __________________ 03 RC51 91 DR650S

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