Moving up from a Frontier.

[Clutch]

That's not a bad idea, either; BUT if this guy's going to be driving 30k miles per year, that's quite a toll on MPG. I'd imagine he'd be down at least 30-40% even with a small trailer. But if he only needs it for a couple of trips, may be a good option. (although--Frontier's are rated worse for MPG (21MPG highway for 4WD) than full-size trucks...)

Gotcha...I do about 24K/year..think I only tow my trailer "maybe" 5-7K of those. yeah, wouldn't want to full time it, wasn't sure if jreilly2120 needed the extra space only part of the time.

Mang, with the mpg fullsizes are getting, midsizes don't make much sense anymore.

Yeah. My fronty gets 16-17 highway without traffic or wind, with a light load. 13-15 city. Stock sized tires, 4' lift. I do love the van idea but I'm in areas with sketchy enough to need 4wd, and I'm not sure I could stomach driving a van every day (outside of work).

I have had a work van (NV2500) for an extended period and it was awesome. Tons of space and super reliable. I'd recommend it to anyone who doesn't need 4wd. Gets 16-18 mixed, fairly aggressive driving

Damn 4 feet of lift!? no wonder you get such poor milage!

Don't know if I could do a van daily either, we had Econolines for service vans, and I hated driving those. Had a VW Westy and loved that...go figure. Do just enough gnarly stuff...that I would be miserable in a 2WD van. Would love a VW Syncro, but I am not paying Syncro prices...they have become out of line!

 

[p nut]

Guess another reason not to go with the Ecodiesel!

https://www.epa.gov/fca/learn-about-fca-violations

 

[js9234]

Not really. It would more than likely just be a flash update. They are getting incredible mileage and easy to tune. I personally wouldn't buy one but they are great trucks. And the "investigation" is being led by CARB. I put zero faith in pretty much anything involving California.

Guess another reason not to go with the Ecodiesel!

https://www.epa.gov/fca/learn-about-fca-violations

 

[p nut]

... Would love a VW Syncro, but I am not paying Syncro prices...they have become out of line!

Those Westy/Syncro van prices are ridiculous. Way more so than Tacoma's! I think (one of) the modern equivalent is maybe a Honda Element with E-camper conversion. It lacks a bit in size, though. But still has good amount of room with that conversion and pretty reliable as well. They've got a cult following, as I understand.

 

[Clutch]

Those Westy/Syncro van prices are ridiculous. Way more so than Tacoma's! I think (one of) the modern equivalent is maybe a Honda Element with E-camper conversion. It lacks a bit in size, though. But still has good amount of room with that conversion and pretty reliable as well. They've got a cult following, as I understand.

Yeah... I know! I love the layout, but that era of VW's were POS when new. I don't get why the prices are so outrageous...mostly hype. One of her colleague's has an Element, I rode it in once....didn't think the build quality was very good, a bit shocking for a Honda. Cool concept, not sure how well hold up going down wash board roads.

I can't find anything that beats my Tacoma/Wildernest for a camper with off-road prowlness for the money.

Keep on looking at the Mercedes Metris worker and Ford Transits seems like you can snag one for $25K (new)...but no 4WD. Conversion for the Transit is $12K yea-ouch! Sprinter 4WD's are what $50K...double yea-ouch. And that is with no camper build-out.

This
http://www.gtrv.com/models

...plus this



would equal $$$$!

Like the concept of a camper van, but the buy-in cost is high to try and get it like a Tacoma for even mild off-roading, or any 4WD pickup for that matter, they are pretty much ready right off the showroom floor. Just toss on your camper of choice and go. Brand new, you could probably keep it under $35K, if you keep it super basic...like with an AT Habitat, shell model ATC or FWC. Or really dirt bag it, and do a high rise topper with a cot.

 

[p nut]

I really wanted to like the Sprinter or Sportsmobiles, but in reality, they're just too big (for me). Minivans may be a good size in between the Sprinter and Element. Only Sienna offers AWD, but for backcountry roads, it'd probably fall apart. Truck/camper is probably the best option for us out here in the west.
_
Sorry, OP, thread derail My vote stills stands at full-size V6 truck, preferably an F150 for the cabin space. Hope you get what you're looking for!

 

[Clutch]

I really wanted to like the Sprinter or Sportsmobiles, but in reality, they're just too big (for me). Minivans may be a good size in between the Sprinter and Element. Only Sienna offers AWD, but for backcountry roads, it'd probably fall apart. Truck/camper is probably the best option for us out here in the west.

Yep, sounds like we both came to the same conclusion. The better half says I would hate anything much bigger than a Tacoma, while I don't like to do anything too gnarly, can get it into some really tight spots without much fuss.
_

Sorry, OP, thread derail My vote stills stands at full-size V6 truck, preferably an F150 for the cabin space. Hope you get what you're looking for!

Us...!!?? thread swerve no way!


I second the V6 fullsize...go test drive them and see what you like.

 

[jreilly2120]

Don't stop the van talk.... I may never buy one but I can't wanting to.
How are those v6 full size to live with? I had the small v8 in both my 05 f150 and early 2000s ram 1500 and they were awful to drive. Almost as anemic as my Frontier, which I want to get out and push sometimes. It's a pity, because my NV2500 felt like it would do pretty well at a drag strip.

 

[js9234]

I still vote for a Cummins Diesel or 6.4 Powerwagon The Sportsmobile's are awesome. I follow them on Instagram just for the pics. I wish I had one. The twin turbo V6 in the Ford has gobs of power but not cheap. The V6 in the Ram is cheap but not a lot of power. I don't think you would be happy with the power in the Ram V6. Hemi upgrade isn't much more.

Don't stop the van talk.... I may never buy one but I can't wanting to.
How are those v6 full size to live with? I had the small v8 in both my 05 f150 and early 2000s ram 1500 and they were awful to drive. Almost as anemic as my Frontier, which I want to get out and push sometimes. It's a pity, because my NV2500 felt like it would do pretty well at a drag strip.

 

[p nut]

Don't stop the van talk.... I may never buy one but I can't wanting to.
How are those v6 full size to live with? I had the small v8 in both my 05 f150 and early 2000s ram 1500 and they were awful to drive. Almost as anemic as my Frontier, which I want to get out and push sometimes. It's a pity, because my NV2500 felt like it would do pretty well at a drag strip.

As far as power, n/a V6 is 282hp/253tq, which isn't bad. No rocketship, but it will get the job done. You probably won't see much difference as the Frontier, I'm guessing (never driven a Frontier). You can get a 2.7L Ecoboost for not much more. That's what I've got, and it is FAST. More power than I'll ever need. It's nice when going over high mountain passes here or Colorado. But 99% of driving, I could do with the regular V6, no problem. Risk of failure is minimized, as there are less parts. V8 falls in the same category (IMO) as the Ecoboost. Actually, there are more moving parts in the V8, and MPG suffers. They're still great engines, though, and MUCH better than the 5.4L V8 you had in the old F150.
_
I'd say you'll need to test drive them yourself to get a good idea. I hate dealerships, too, but that's the best way to answer some of your questions. I'd test the Ram with the Pentastar V6, 5.7L Hemi, and the Ford 3.5L V6 and 2.7L Ecoboost.

 

[Clutch]

I still vote for a Cummins Diesel or 6.4 Powerwagon

Sounds expensive....mang, what would be the fuel bill of driving the 6.4 Hemi 35K miles a year...don't those get 11 mpg!?

The Sportsmobile's are awesome. I follow them on Instagram just for the pics. I wish I had one.

They are cool no doubt....have come to loath e-series vans from driving them for our swimming pool business....any time I am in one, I can almost smell the Oatey pipe glue and hear the plumbing fittings rattling about.

The twin turbo V6 in the Ford has gobs of power but not cheap. The V6 in the Ram is cheap but not a lot of power. I don't think you would be happy with the power in the Ram V6. Hemi upgrade isn't much more.

Think the 2.7 Eco would be a good middle ground...decent power and mpg....wouldn't want to own out of warranty though. Which is what... 2 years (?) with the amount the OP drives.


These "which vehicle for me" threads are funny...always those guys saying get a Cummins or a clapped out hard to find Ford 7.3 that needs expensive repairs! or spend 10-15K over your budget!


Another idear....fresh Frontier with 1 perhaps 2 roof boxes for storage? I see a lot of that here on top of Subarus and some, CUV's, & SUV's.

 

[p nut]

...Think the 2.7 Eco would be a good middle ground...decent power and mpg....wouldn't want to own out of warranty though. Which is what... 2 years (?) with the amount the OP drives.

Yep, knock on wood. 3yr/36k warranty. Block is pretty stout. CGI made from same as diesel motors. Turbos....they're liquid cooled, so theoretically they should last. But who knows? But man, the power heading up Loveland pass in CO is now a joy. Minimal power loss, thanks to turbos. My Landcruiser (V8), I had to keep the foot planted. But again, that's probably 1% of driving/towing. 3.5L would have served me just as well, and better chance at longevity. Just crossing my fingers and putting monthly installments in the turbo-repair account.

 

[Clutch]

Yep, knock on wood. 3yr/36k warranty. Block is pretty stout. CGI made from same as diesel motors. Turbos....they're liquid cooled, so theoretically they should last. But who knows? But man, the power heading up Loveland pass in CO is now a joy. Minimal power loss, thanks to turbos. My Landcruiser (V8), I had to keep the foot planted. But again, that's probably 1% of driving/towing. 3.5L would have served me just as well, and better chance at longevity. Just crossing my fingers and putting monthly installments in the turbo-repair account.

ooooh....thought it was 60K mile warranty, yea-ouch....36K is not much. Think I will stay with the underpowered turd dirt bag model SR 4 banger Taco. Cheap to buy, cheap to operate, cheap to fix....just sloooow for 10% of the time.

 

[p nut]

ooooh....thought it was 60K mile warranty, yea-ouch....36K is not much. Think I will stay with the underpowered turd dirt bag model SR 4 banger Taco. Cheap to buy, cheap to operate, cheap to fix....just sloooow for 10% of the time.

That's my bad. 3/36k for bumper/bumper. 5/60k for powertrain. I'm probably 13k/yr or bit less right now, so it'll take a few years before that runs out. But I hear you on the value of longevity. I've driven a 4-banger though, and while they're stout, so is the V6 (4.0 at least). Friend of mine has an 08 Taco that he recently sold to his brother. Had 175k miles on it and BEAT on pretty hard. Zero issues and still running great. Had decent power as well. I think V6 is a pretty good middle ground.

 

[Clutch]

That's my bad. 3/36k for bumper/bumper. 5/60k for powertrain. I'm probably 13k/yr or bit less right now, so it'll take a few years before that runs out. But I hear you on the value of longevity. I've driven a 4-banger though, and while they're stout, so is the V6 (4.0 at least). Friend of mine has an 08 Taco that he recently sold to his brother. Had 175k miles on it and BEAT on pretty hard. Zero issues and still running great. Had decent power as well. I think V6 is a pretty good middle ground.

I have test driven both, the 4 banger wasn't bad for daily duties, actually quite peppy, surprised me a bit....V6 is pretty dang nice though. We have beat this dead horse a couple few hundred times Price Toyota wants for the V6...around $32K if you can find one...puts you into a fullsize truck territory. Wish they offered the V6 in the SR...in the $26-27K range...that seems reasonable...at $32K+ no so much.

Used market on Tacoma's is nuts...high mileage and commanding high dollar. Seems like there is hardly anything out there under 50K miles that is reasonably priced, Seeing some that are going for more than they were new! WTH!?

Chevy does offer their V6 in the Colorado WT model...jury is still out on its' longevity. Could always buy one of those, if it gives you trouble trade it in.