Move from 2001 Tacoma to 2011 Frontier
Scott,
Like you, I had cash and time to make this decision. The only reason I was looking to get a new truck was to upgrade from 4 cylinders to V6. At first, the decision was obviously Tacoma because I love my 2001; however, after a bunch of research, I was willing to add the Frontier as an option. My initial criteria was a used rig (4WD, V6, extended cab) under $20K with less than 30K miles--not to be had so I started thinking new.
On paper (see previous note from 4RExpo listing some comparisons), the Nissan stacks up far better than a Tacoma. 4RExpo did not include load and towing capacities, or braking, which have higher ratings on the Frontier and were a primary concern for me along with horsepower.
In the end, my decision came down to money and vanity and I bought the Frontier. The vanity point, to me, is that the Tacoma just looks a lot cooler and friends drive them as well. So I found myself trying to ignore the Frontier's greater horse power, towing & hauling capacity, arguably stronger frame, 44 Dana rear end, disc brakes all the way around (Tacoma only has front DBs), etc just because the Tacoma looked cooler. (The Frontier's bed, factory spray in liner, and utili-track system are superior as well. Plus I prefer the Frontier's extended cab layout for maximum storage and the front passenger seat folding into a table--very handy for ad hoc lunch table, work bench, operating table, rifle bench rest, etc.)
Once I got over appearance, it became questions of use and money. My whole drive for a different small truck was more engine, towing, and load capacity, so the Frontier won those points. Last was money, with my employer and factory rebates, the Frontier ended up being $7000 less than an identically trimmed out Tacoma--plus added Bluetooth, which I use and dig a lot more than I ever thought. $7K is a lot of build money, and the Frontier is a better "work" truck via specs. Less pretty but ultimately more truck where it counts for my needs. Vanity aside, the two items I prefer on the Tacoma are its higher frame height straight from the factory and the ample room for a second battery under the hood.
The Frontier is the beginning of my dream expedition RV, which will include a Ute bed, a Four Wheel Pop Up Finch camper, storage boxes under the camper wings, a 6.5' pull out storage tray under the bed, auxiliary gas and water tanks, modified exhaust, a suspension lift, heavy duty front and rear bumpers, winch, auxiliary battery, recovery gear, and more...why load capacity is important to me. The new Ute bed makes the Frontier look pretty bad-*** too. I'll post some pictures and notes on a build thread when I get time.
Aside: People might think "why not a Titan?”, I drive on a lot of unmaintained fire roads, creek beds, and other tight places--smaller is better for my needs. These mid-size trucks are almost too big, but the Ute bed becomes the biggest appendage on the older small trucks. The newer Tacoma and Frontier are the same width as the flat bed, so no excessive overhang exists on sides compared to these beds mounted on first generation trucks.
Good luck with your decision. I think you will enjoy either truck and might render a decision easier if you really define what is most important to you. Once I defined my priorities and got over my thoughts on appearance, this became a simple decision. I only have around 600 miles on the Frontier but am enjoying it immensely.
