Nissan Truck

jb4

steering wheel is too small for a 6' 3" guy, blocks all the gauges. Honda civics have much more leg room and visible gauges.Moral of the story- If your a tall person buy a real (full size) truck.

lwf

If your talking about a Frontier, what gauges? It doesn't have any except for the one for fuel, the speedo and the tach, if so equipped.

cncman

Or you could spend $300 and get the package that gives you cruise and tilt.

ottoman

jb4, You forgot the temp gauge.

ezbuzzsaw

No one is talking about the four door crew cab yet is it available across the US yet? I test drove one and love it but they are sticking tight on the price like they could sell all they could get???? Cant find any price info. on Edmunds yet can any one help me with that?

cncman

ez;
It will probably sell for MSRP for some time yet, I have sold all of mine at MSRP and only have one left, it is really sold, but the customer can't pick it up until we have another to show. Even customers that have been with us for years are paying MSRP. I talked to a friend of mine in florida that goes to auctions for us and he said one ran through there and brought $500 OVER MSRP!
So I think it will be some time before dealers have an incentive to discount.

tim38

I have a 99 Frontier, and so far love it. Has anyone noticed loose play or a rattle in the steering while turning? Everything seems to operate normally, and there is no unusual tire wear. I am debating whether to go thru the agony of getting a dealer to check it, and wanted to se if anyone else has noticed this.

mosi

ezbuzzsaw,

I ordered my Crew Cab 4x4 SE through a local fleet manager on the internet and am paying $1000.00 over invoice.
Good luck!

mosi

ezbuzzsaw,

Forgot to tell you to go to www.carpoint.msn.com for invoice pricing.

batad

could you elaborate one more time on how to increase the horses on the frontier CC? Could you be a little more specific on brands of parts you are talking about and how one could get their hands on them? thanks.

john41

what is a fair price to pay for a nissan crewcab SE

mosi

Right now the only thing that I know of that is available is the drop in air box/filter and I believe that it is by Wolf who makes performance racing parts for Nissan vehicles. I have E-mailed the company that makes the Hyperchip and they have told me that it is currently under development and to check back late summer. As far as the exhaust manifold/system, I have not found anything on but was told by a parts guy at the Nissan dealership that it shouldn't be long before one is available. Hope this helps you.
Oh yeah, you should be able to get the air box at a Nissan dealership for around $150 for the part.

cncman

John, right now MSRP is the best you can get, but don't pay anything over, I am sure other dealers will discount to MSRP. Also it may also depend on your area, in my area, they are being sold before they arrive, if in your area they aren't moving for some reason, maybe you can get some free accessories or a small discount.

bigcat1

tim38,

I am a new Frontier XE 4wd, owner also, and noticed a slight shake or rattle, when turning. However, it only happens if the road is a lttle rough or uneven. Haven't been to the dealer yet, but I will get there, shortly. I'll keep you posted.

ottoman

tim38,

I have a 98 Frontier XE XC 2wd & Auto Trans, and I also have noticed a slight shake or rattle when turning or driving down a gravel road.
I haven't been to the dealer yet with this problem but I will post something as soon as I learn something.

dilesh

I just bought a NEW (with 180 miles)1998 Frontier XE 4WD 5sp (4 cyl)with Cassette, AC, Chrome, Bedliner, ABS, and rear window for 14K. What do you guys think of the price- I am worried I might have too much considering it is a 1998 model. Appreciate any input

Sporin

Will you be bringing it back if someone else paid less?

Enjoy your truck man, don't worry if you "paid too much". It is too late for that.

Enjoy

cncman

Vince;
It's been a little slow in here, maybe I can stir it up again! YOu have sure been quiet about Nissans since they turned a profit and people are lined up to pay MSRP for several models! Bt seriously, what do you think of the crew cab and the Xterra? Have you seen them yet?

scape2

cncman, I visit time to time and read entries. I have been picking fights over in the Tacoma/Ranger room. Nissan turned a profit?? for the first time in how many years?? and I believe the profit was very marginal. Sales are still slow also in comparison to Toyota/Honda truck/car sales, and even Ford sales!!!. I live in the Pacific Northwest and I just don't see very many Frontiers out here. I think I can count on two hands on how many I have seen. I work for a company of 1700 people, and only one Frontier sits in our lot, we just hired the guy. There are however a good dozen "Hardbody" style of the Nissan trucks in our lot in all different variations.
The crewcab is a nice truck. I believe the sales however will be small. I went and test drove one and the bed of the truck is useless. It is only good for VERY small loads of anything. But, if Nissan feels there is a market here, they will be the ones to come out on top being the first with this four door version. The Xterra was a surprise. This will sell believe me. It is the right size and most of all the right price when comparing the Honda/Subaru/Toyota variations.
See ya in the hills!

mosi

I for one do not feel that the bed size on the frontier crew cab is useless. I suppose if someone is a carpenter, gardener, etc... they would have a right of calling it useless but 80 to 90% of the trucks on the road will only utilize the full length once in a while making it wasted space for the most part. I too am from the North West and can honestly say that this is going to be perfect for me. I came really close to going with an SUV until I heard about this truck and never even considered a truck before due to the bed size that I would rarely utilize. I ski at Mt. Hood and Batchelor about 15 times a season and currently drive a 2 door 1995 cavalier z24.. needless to say, I normally get other poeple to drive do to my interior space limitation. I have been stuffed (once) in the back seat of a buddys extended cab Ford Ranger and that is just a terrible experience to have to go through for 2 hours!
I was set on purchasing a Jeep Grand Cherokee so I would be able to comforatably get my gear and freinds up to the mountain until I saw the CC and realized that the CC is more practical.
I will be able to get 4 of us up to the mountain without a problem.. I plan on getting a canopy so the wet gear can go in the back and the skiis and snowboards on top.. In the summer the canopy comes off for trips to Home Depot and whatever else comes up. Also, have you seen the bed extender that they make for the CC? it will make the bed length 6'2 in a pinch and looks groovy too:)

chow

cncman

Hey everyone;
news from Nissan on the frontier, for 2001, the frontier and crewcab will get new grill treatment to look more like the Xterra, changes will be done to the manual transmission, and best of all a supercharger on the V6 cranking out 210hp!

barresa11

That's great news about the supercharger. What if someone(like myself)buys a 2000 Crew Cab and wants power more like the 210hp of the 2001 model? Will the supercharger be adaptable to the 2000 model v/6 w/o a lot of cost or hassle? I don't really want to wait until the 2001 models are out. I plan on negotiating a deal sometime in Oct 99 on a 2000 Crew Cab. The only reservation I've had about the Crew Cab is the power. BTW, just had to add that I'm from the NW (Seattle) as well. There seems to be a lot of interest in all types of trucks in the NW, especially 4wd as we have ALL types of weather here!

barresa11

Just had to add my .02 worth about the bed of the Crew Cab. It fits my needs just fine and I agree with Nissan's research that most people will find it just right as well. The bed extender option takes care of the times I may want to carrier bikes or motorcycle. I agree with you that we don't see a lot of Frontier's in the NW but do see a lot of Hardbody's. I kind of groove on the idea that I wouldn't be seeing myself coming and going in a Frontier, something that could't be said about a Ranger or Tacoma.

mosi

cncman,

So where did you get that info on the Frontier S/C?? Is it an article on the WEB? I would love to get my hands on the info.. hopefully the S/C will be adaptable for the 2000 model!

cncman

Mosi;
it came from automotive news, a dealer publication, I don't know how you could get one yet, but my guess is that steve millen had a hand in making it for us. so maybe you can find one at stillen.com or get more info there.

I agree with the statements on the bed, I can only think of one or two times that what I carried would not fit there, and those cases the bed extender would work fine.

wxman1

I test drove the CC today and brought it back for my wife to drive. She agreed the CC seems to be a great alternative for a family five wanting to tow and carry the 3 dogs and 1 cat when moving. Being I've never owned a truck before I found this Sport Utility Truck rather unique. In fact so unique I have to wonder if a camper shell option is available on this small bed. Does anybody know whether one is available and what cost to look for?

Thanks

mosi

WXman,

Go to www.snugtop.com and check out the international link.. there just so happens to be a black CC on the front page with one.. they are offered in other countries so I am sure that they will be hitting our soil soon.
PS. check out the 4 door Toy on the same page.. its pretty cool!

wxman1

Mosi,

Thanks for the info.

You are right, the Toy looks great. It just makes me wonder why Nissan is the first to introduce in the U.S. I think they hit a niche.

mosi

WXman,

I believe that Toyota will be following in Nissan's footsteps next year and making the 4 door Tacoma available in the U.S. but as I'm sure you know, the Toyota will still be 5k more comparably equipped.. its a bummer that they think their vehicles are soooo much better that they need to charge so much $$$$. I guess that is just my perspective on the matter.

Chow

barresa11

I just visited Steve Millen's website. He currently markets a supercharger for the Pathfinder/OX4 made by Eaton. For less money(I would guess) there is a bolt-on performance pkg that includes headers, less restrictive exhaust system, etc. According to Motor Trend's test, a Pathfinder with the bolt-on pkg did 0:60 in 9.8 secs which is at least a one second improvement. The CrewCab would show an almost identical improvement. I would venture another guess that the supercharger option for the Pathfinder, which BTW is compatible with the bolt-on pkg above, would be applicable to the CrewCab since they both use the same engine. Anyhow, I posted the very question to the Steve Millen's email and will let everyone know the response. BTW Mosi, the snugtop tonneau cover is also quite nice but haven't seen a picture of one on a CrewCab yet.

mosi

barresa11,

Here is the link you need for the pic of the black overseas CC with a canopy >> http://www.snugtop.com/international.htm

I also emailed Stillen the other day for info on what is available and what is coming for the CC. I was told by a Nissan parts guy that the headers for the Pathy and the Frontiers are different because the engine bay dimensions are slighty different. I will also post the Stillen info when I get it.

chow

mitchkish

I am interested in both the CC and Nissan Xterra. I was quoted a price for the CCXE 4x4 V6 Auto value package, 22K including delivery mats bed liner. What do you think of this price and which truck do think I'll get a better deal on. By the way, black. How long before Nissan gets off its high horse and starts to deal on the Xterra?

mosi

mitchkish,

From the what you have told us it looks like thats about $500 off MSRP or $1500 over invoice. Better deals are out there and its up to you to shop around.. try an on-line buying service for a quote. I was able to order mine through a local fleet guy the 2nd week the CC was out for $1000 over invoice. Its still a little more than I would like to spend but considering how new it is I am willing to spend the extra $$$ . Its also a tough choice between the X and the CC but comparably equiped, the X is $1000 more. Personally, I think the CC handles better and more practical but damn the X looks cool!

batad

where are you getting the heresay over Tacoma 4- doors possibly in the making? Would like to read this for myself. MUMS the word at dealer inquiries. Have you heard anymore regarding the supercharger for the CC? Thanks.

mosi

batad,

To tell you the truth, I can't remember where I read the blurb about the Tacoma and it could have been for the 2001 model year.. Rest assured, Toyota will not be sitting down on the idea of the crew cab in the U.S. and its just a matter of time until they start selling it here. I'm not sure if you have been following the last few posts but there is a pic of the Toyota 4 door at the snugtop international sight >>http://www.snugtop.com/international.htm >> but hey, this is a Frontier sight so we will try to concentrate on the Nissans As far as any info back on the S/C, I hav'nt really heard much but let me give you a couple of links for info: Steve Millens sight is >> www.stillen.com
Nissan message board >> www.angelfire.com/ca3/rumors/index.html

kmorriss

Hello
My son is in college in another state. We got a call that he needed a new transmission in his 86 Nissan Pickup. He got a quote of $1200 plus parts from a local trans place but we had him go to Nissan and get one from there. Long story short, he had brought the car in with a trans problem a year prior so they told him that they would credit him with that $100+ amount to do the transmission and charge him $1200 plus parts. Long story short, my husband spoke to the mechanic before doing the job and my husband said to go ahead. After getting the bill the shop charges seemed very inflated. My husband called and asked what the shop charges were and he was told that they didn't have shop charges, but use a book to figure it out (which we already knew). But, they charged 8 hrs to remove, check, rebuild and etc. the old trans. The car was only in the shop a day. The rebuilt trans has 30,000 miles on it and they said they would guarantee it for 12,000 miles or 1 year. When my son picked up the car there was no warranty. My husband askedabout this when he was on the phone with the mechanic and he said it was on the back of the bill, which it was not. So my son had to go back and get it. When he got there the mechanic said to him"have you ever removed a transmission from a pickup" my son replied no. He went on to say how much work it was, and my son replied that he had not done anything to it but removed it, and they guy said "well, you didn't have a problem with the quote when I gave it to you before hand." My husband said that it was not until he saw the quote broken down that he had the problem. We are considering not paying our VISA and calling Nissan about getting jerked around. Comments please on what this job should cost, and if we truly are getting jerked aroung. Thanks.

mosi

kmorriss,

That does sound like a rotten deal! Have you checked around with shops that specialize in transmissions for how much they would charge? Also, was this a manual tranny or auto? If you end up calling other shops make sure you inquire for a quote as if the work has not been done yet and see what they come up with.

kmorriss

The transmission is Automatic. When my husband asked during his original conversation with the Nissan mechanic if the problem seemed to be a maintenance problem, the guys said, no, looks like your son takes good care of the truck, looked like a part failure to him. Since we charged it on VISA, what are our rights and since we agreed to have the work done at the price quoted, are we stuck? Even after seeing the paperwork and questioning the repairs and getting the"run around"
Thanks
Kathy

mosi

So what was the final bill amount if you don't mind me asking? Was it $1200? You could get into muddy water if you try to dispute the VISA charge with your credit company since your husband gave a verbal approval for the charge.. the credit company could probably run a dispute on the charge and maybe get it reversed but then you would have the merchant after you. You should try to dig up some of your credit card disclosures informing you of the regulations and your rights. One thing is for sure, DEALER SERVICE IS'NT CHEAP!! Have you asked to speak to the owner of the dealership to express your concerns? .. sometimes that will work in getting answers.

Good luck

cncman

One thing to be careful of, if you cancel the charge the mechanic may be able to put a mechanics lien on the truck.

xxjepxx

Wow there is no way I can read 600+ posts. I have a 98 Frontier regular cab xe. I would not have bought a mini truck if it was not for the Frontier. So far at 16000 miles it is the best thing I have owned. I found when passing you need to keep your rpm's up between 4-5k to find the power. It's a really good truck and I have seen ton's of them on the road in Texas and Mississippi, they must be selling like hotcakes down south.

kmorriss

The final bill was about $1800!!! What I want to do is find out what my local Nissan would charge for the same job. We know what they do, they have a book, that lists the time alloted to do a specific job. They look it up and it says 8 hrs to remove, break down and rebuild transmission. He didn't do any of these, but charged this amount in hrs. When my husband asked about the labor charge being excessive, he never explained how he came up with that, but did show it to my son out of his book. That is when my son questioned whether he did any of the things listed in the book for rebuilding the trans. All he did was take it out, knew from the color of the oil it was bad, and put in the rebuilt one. Now this is also after he had repaired this transmission one other time and obviously didn;t fix the problem. For that he gave us "credit", I think that it was his fault the thing went bad because he didn't fix it right the first time! What are my options now?
Thanks for listening

hindsite

The rebuilt transmission was rebuilt so why not charge the person that recieved the rebuilt transmission. Someone has to pay for the time it took to rebuild the trans.

renonevada

kmorriss:
I, too, have had a transmission rebuilt on my Nissan truck. It is a '91' with an auto trans. It had 83,000 miles on it when I was forced to rebuild it. The cost was $1,819.00 with a one-year warranty. The range of price quotes that I received were $1,350 to $2,300. The highest one came from AAMCO who would have given it a lifetime warranty with an annual maintenance charge of about 50 dollars. The shop that did the work did a pretty good job.
I bought the truck new so I believe that this is a design flaw in NISSAN's auto trans. However, I cannot prove it and there were no product recalls relating to this problem.
Besides the trans needing the rebuild, the truck has been totally dependable. I am even using the same original battery with no failures. I make it a habit to turn off the AC whenever I turn off the ignition. That may indicate why my battery has lasted so long. I also have never had a tuneup and the motor has never failed to start. Damn good motor (2.4 liter 4-cyl). I now have 106,000 miles on it.
Would I get another NISSAN? Maybe. But I must be convinced that this auto trans flaw has been addressed and resolved. Good luck with your son's truck.

raglan

I agree with you. I live in Houston, Texas and the Frontier seems to be a popular pickup truck around here. And the Hardbody's still abound.

But it seems like most Houstonians still prefer Ford F150's. I see one or two of them on the road every 5 seconds of driving.

batad

anyone here any info re: the Nissan concept Sport Utility Truck (SUT)?

frontiergirl

cncman,
I'm so glad I found this board its given me a little more info ammo. I now know that I want, the frontier se cc. Wow I love the look of this truck. I test drove one about 3 weeks ago and now I have to have one. My husband thinks its a great truck for me,I have 2 teenagers and they fit perfectly in the back. I just have a few ?'s I hope you can help me. 1. Do you know what the residual value is? 2. what is the % rate is on a lease? 3. What is smart buy?
Thanks Kathy

aynako

It's supposed to go in production but it appears that Ford will be 1st with Sport Trac. It is basically an explorer w/ pickup bed. I don't think the back window retracts like SUT though. I'm waiting for SUT also but maybe not avail til 2001?

cncman

Frontiergirl;
I don't know the residual values now but I will get back with you when I get to work on monday, how long do you want? Here in Texas we don't do alot of leases as Texas charges personal property tax on a leased vehicle. I would prefer the smart buy myself even if this was not the case.

THe smart buy works the same as a lease where there is a residual amount put off to the end and like a lease it will lower your payments and allow for more frequent trading. There are also mileage restrictions, etc. The big difference is the SB is
a retail contract, it is titled in your name so you do not have to carry higher insurance, also there is no early termination fee if you want to trade it in early. At the end of the contract you
have a couple of options, you can turn the vehicle in and pay a disposal fee and owe nothing, you can pay cash for the balance or you can make the same payment at the same rate until it is paid off. So basically a SB is not as restrictive as a lease and still gives you the benefits.

frontiergirl

cncman;
Thank you for your quick reply,I think I would prefer a 2 year lease, but now that you have explained the smart buy it sounds better. It may even benefit my budget,(I'm buying this on my own). I live in the Santa Barbara area, is smart buy available here? How big of a down payment do I need to receive the smart buy? Can I use my car as a trade-in and pay cash for the tax,doc& the other stuff? Have you heard of Costco? its a warehouse where you have to be a member to receive price reductions on every thing form a-z. Anyway they have a auto program called a no-hassle, what do you think the price difference might be? I have to be honest, I'm a little scared going to a dealer ship, I've only been researching this matter for a little over a month, I hope I have all the info I need. Thank you for your time and help...Kathy