Starting over for sons Vehicle due to wreck - Rangers vs Frontiers

[112Savage]

I’m going to offer some unpopular opinions here.
Tacomas are overpriced and over appreciated.
The seat angle to floorboard angle sucks. The doors sound cheap when closing. The motors aren’t terribly impressive in power or economy. The interior is very basic. The view from the poor seat angle is awful for corner awareness. Oh and did I mention they’re $10k or more over priced.

This does not apply to landcruisers or the single hilux diesel I’ve ridden in. For some reason they felt different than the tacomas and T100’s I’ve ridden and driven.

 

[Steve300xcw]

You know its getting deep when we are bitching about the noise made when the door closes

 

[Hnthrdr]

Had 2013 frontier before I got my tundra, great little truck, no issues just standard maintenance, had 145k when I got rid of it

 

[keystone112]

I have 132k miles on my 2019 Ranger. It’s been solid. I’m getting around 22.5 mpg.

The ride isn’t the smoothest. The FX4 suspension can be improved. But that package gets you the electronic locking rear differential.

I’ve had a fuel pump replaced under warranty. That’s it.

 

[JustABritCrazy]

On my second frontier. Both crew cab SV long beds. First was 2010 had 180k when I upgraded. Bought a 2024 last summer has 18k. No issues. Averaging 20mpg. As stated earlier thing has the turning radius of a pregnant whale. Not into lots of electronic add ons, I like knots on my dash board.

 

[112Savage]

You know its getting deep when we are bitching about the noise made when the door closes

When the OP’s son just got T-boned on the driver’s side, doors matter

 

[tony]

First my buddy is not a mechanic at a ford garage
Second, I don't know anybody with a Nissan

I do own a 2021 Ford Ranger with the 2.3 ecoboost tremor package. Little over 80,000 miles on it.
Troubles I have had:
Broken wire in the steering column. Complete one off with this one. It did completely shut the truck down finally to where it had to be towed in. Mechanic at the ford garage said it was the last thing he thought of as he had never seen it before. Fixed and zero issues since then.

Some sort of part that is part of the emissions likes to go bad pretty much as soon as you buy this particular model year(s). Truck runs like shit at road speed, get up to highway and it runs like normal. Meaning you can drive it. But through town say, it kicks, bucks, surges, etc. The part is $60-70.00 and is a quick fix. Ford did mine under warranty.

Theres a little gizmo in the glove box that controls the blend door for heat, defrost, etc. Best way I was told is "it loses its way." Basically, goes off track. Needs pulled out and cleaned or replaced. I need to do this.

Thats it for me. I follow fords recommended service plan. Just put new tires on a few months ago. Ran the originals to 70 some thousand, original brakes as well.

There are well known issues with this particular transmission, and the heating blend door warping, leading to pulling the dash out to replace.
I recommend going to ranger 5g .com and looking it over.

My opinion, these are great mid-size trucks with plenty of power to handle most anyone's needs. Mine is stock and scoots right down the road. I average 23-25 MPG.

You're going to get all kinds of answers on vehicles. "My buddy's nephews dad knew a guy down the street and his ranger was a complete POS"
Just buy a Tacoma!! I had more recalls on the 2009 I had than any other vehicle I've owned. I'd still consider one though.

 

[270quest]

We went the used the route and got him a bigger truck. Something that still gets some decent mileage but gives us some peice of mind.

Found a one owner 2017 F150 2.7 6 speed CC 4x4. Has 62k miles. Meticulous service records, new Michelin tires, Bedliner, running boards. Super Clean. Should hopefully serve him well for many years to come.

 

[4090Sharps]

I’m on my third Frontier. One from each generation. I’m at 41k miles on my 3rd gen 2022, and haven’t had any issues.

The only issue I’ve ever had with my Frontiers is a rear main oil seal leak on my 1st gen at around 200k miles.

The Frontier lacks some of the aftermarket support that Tacomas enjoy, but there are some good communities and companies that support them. There are also a lot of parts that can be swapped around between Frontiers and other Nissans as well for cheaper upgrades. For example, V8 Pathfinder rotors and calipers for a front brake upgrade (depending on your rim size), Titan suspension components for increased travel, and Titan differentials for beefier drive train.

 

[4090Sharps]

I’m on my third Frontier. One from each generation. I’m at 41k miles on my 3rd gen 2022, and haven’t had any issues.

The only issue I’ve ever had with my Frontiers is a rear main oil seal leak on my 1st gen at around 200k miles.

The Frontier lacks some of the aftermarket support that Tacomas enjoy, but there are some good communities and companies that support them. There are also a lot of parts that can be swapped around between Frontiers and other Nissans as well for cheaper upgrades. For example, V8 Pathfinder rotors and calipers for a front brake upgrade (depending on your rim size), Titan suspension components for increased travel, and Titan differentials for beefier drive train.

My only complaint is that when I bought my truck the Pro4x crew cab model didn’t have a 6ft bed option.

 

[tam4511]

So the Bronco Sport we bought my son was short lived as he was Tboned coming out of school and totaled the bronco. He was ok - no injuries thank goodness - but the little SUV not so much. He was hit by a prius going 30-35 mph - so too totally cave in and destroy the car, left me an uneasy feeling and has me wanting to find him something bigger and more stout.

Based on how it will all play out with insurance and the budget I think we will have for a new vehicle - 25-30k, I have started to look at 3-6 year old, sub 40k miles, Ford Rangers with the 2.3 eco boost and Nissan Frontiers with either the 4.0 or the newer 3.8. Just don't think I'll have the budget for a low milage tacoma as comparable are at least 5-9k more than the other two.

Anyone have any feedback on the rangers or the frontiers? My son wont be towing anything, but will use it for both back and forth to school and occasional offroad when he goes hunting, fishing, camping. Right now he drives about 10k miles a year.

Seems like I have read a lot of good stuff about the 2.3 ecoboost - many saying its fords most reliable engine. Also have read that the Nissan 3.8 is a great engine, but there new 9 speed transmission is a toss up? Whatever vehicle we get - assuming its used, we will be looking at extended service plans.

Thoughts?

the Tacoma tax is real, but people often overlook the Tundra. You can find a mint first gen for half of your price range. It is about the same size as modern mini trucks, and has the best v8 ever made. If you can find one with under 100k miles it should be hassle free, just prepare to have the timing belt package done if it hasn't (due every 100k mile or 7 years, whichever first)