Nissan Frontier 2005+

halfcar609

Dan,how far does the rails for the truxedo extend into the bed. I have the bed extender and want to know if they will work with each other. Is the distance between the rails more or less than 57 inches wide.

danielacosta

Unfortunately the two are not compatible as the width of the rails doesn't leave enough room for the extender to rotate. I went to my dealer and tried an extender after I installed the bed cover, so I know for sure it won't work.

Nissan makes a soft cover (300) and hard cover (900 I think) that are supposed to be compatible. I believe the soft cover zips, so it my not be waterproof or lockable like the truxedo.

centralcal

My dealer had some pictures of the $900 hard tonneau cover, it is very nice. It splits in two and opens seperately. The just had a picture, no literature yet. It should work with the bed extender/bed rail system because it comes as an option. None of the dealers knew how easy it would be to remove (or install). I was told the undercover should have one by the end of the month, they look nice for a hard top that can easily be removed (hopefully it will work with the bed rail system)

duker51

Thanks Daniel. I'm no longer confused about all of the drive train features. I'm just going to pull the trigger and get the NISMO with the VSC.
Thanks Again,
Duker

danielacosta

You won't regret getting the traction package. It's great on-road as well as snowy or dirt roads. If you off-road like I do, the HSA and HDC will be appreciated, too. Just don't be surprised by the noise coming from the front left underhood area: the ABS, 4-wheel limited slip, and especially HDC are very noisy when they kick into action.

riccees

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately my CC LE has the bed extender. Looks like I'm going to be looking at the Nissan soft cover.

asa

Are the Nissan soft tonneau and bed extender compatible? I was peeking at some Titans on the lot and their soft tonneau frame was held in place by clamps that were attached to the utili-trak rails. I'm thinking that maybe the tonneau frame clamps could be moved forward enough on the rail to make room for the 7" long bed extender brackets which mount on the same rail. But, the bed extender wouldn't then be able to slide inside the bed. Oh well.

Asa

dbauer

with experience in this, i can tell you to forget about having the lid and the SLIDING bed extender. you will have to get the non-slider to get it to fit anf function properly.

danielacosta

Truxedo on the Titan uses the utili-trak rails. Truxedo on the Frontier attaches above the utili-trak rails, so I still have full use of the rails. However, the truxedo channel is wide enough that the sliding bed extender will not rotate.

bricker1

Hello everyone. I'm looking at buying a 2005
Frontier CC LE 4x4. I'm ready to order this week, but ism stuck on if I should get the ABLS
package. Does anyone know if its known for having any problems and if its really worth it.
I've been driving a Ford 4x4 for the past ten years and haven't had that option.
I'm not a big four wheeler other than when it snows.
Would appreciate any feed back.

Bob

danielacosta

4-wheel limited slip is a must imho. Works great. I wouldn't be without the traction pckage, either. The VSC is fabulous.

shine

I am looking into either a Dakota or Nissan to replace my Ram. The gas is killing me. What kind of mpg does the 4x4 frontier get in the real world. I put on about 20,000 miles a year about 50/50 city and highway. Any help would be appreciated

brickers

hey guys, is this a reasonable offer for an 05, Fronty CC, LE with the following options.
1) Rockford Fosgate Package
2) Sunroof Package
3) Traction Package, (VDC, HSA and HDC)
4) Floor Mats
5) Microfilter
Color: Avalanche or Strom Gray
Total price= $26,800.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

midnightsun

About a month ago I talked to a topper dealer, who said Leer was coming out with one for the '05 Frontier, to be available Feb. 4.

Well, I thought I'd go take a look. Good thing I called first. The current release date is now sometime in April for Leer. (Two shops gave me this time frame.) It'll likely be only one topper model at first, so no choices other than options.

Yesterday I went to an RV/Boat/"Outdoor" expo in town and looked at some other toppers. SnugTop salesman said probably June availability, Jason salesman about the same. Everybody is saying "about 6 months after a new model first goes on sale," BUT supposedly it depends partly on where the toppers are made--which trucks are sold there.

Anybody here have more or better info on toppers?

Also, my toppers have all had the single-handle lock with metal rods and metal frame bottom on the rear window. My friend with double-handle topper (seems to be the most popular recent type) says his is not secure; he can muscle the locked window right up. When I asked SnugTop and Jason salesmen about this, they gave me opposite opinions as to which is more secure (and yes, I realize that all the glass is vulnerable to being smashed open). Any feedback from your experiences with topper rear windows/locks? The two-handle system has all but replaced the older style.

badness

is that what you paid??
wow great price

driftracer

I have a 2004 Dakota with the 4.7 HO - the BEST I've seen on a long trip was 16 mpg, averaging 11-12 around town. That's worse than my GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Z-71 Extended Cab...

danielacosta

05 NISMO CC 4x4 getting 16-18 in 4000 miles of 50/50 city/highway similar to you. The built in mileage computer is pretty accurate compared to manual computations. The tank takes an extra .7 gallons after the pump automatically shuts off.

I've always gotten close to EPA numbers in my vehicles. The Frontier is rated 15/20, so my 16-18 is in the ballpark. For higher, you can try a 4-cyl, a Tacoma (but they take premium), or a Honda (EPA 16/21).

I've never gotten more than EPA numbers on any vehicle, so I would consider those an upper limit and go down from there. Before you sign on the dotted line, check out the vehicle you think you want on a BCA, fill it up, drive it for 100 miles the way you drive, then fill it up again to satisfy yourself. Salesman will promise you the mileage will go up after it's broken in, but I've never seen that on any of my vehicles. My Frontier has been getting 16-18 since day one.

danielacosta

My 01 Chevy Z71 4x4 ext cab consistently got 15-16 over 80,000 miles. In my mind that was better mileage based on truck ability than my new Frontier's 16-18. I was looking for a slightly smaller truck with more 4x4 ability. I got that, but just wish better mileage had been part of the package, too.

centralcal

I am at 3500 and my mileage is slowly creepying up. I am at 17 mpg of 70/30 driving. I was at 14 when I first got the truck. I expect it won't get much better. LE CC 4x4. Maybe if I wasn't so lead footed (but this thing is fun). The one thing I have noticed, with the power of this truck, the VSC is very nice. No fishtailing. Sometimes I am surprised to look down and see it is engaging.

dbrown1

Noticed transmission fluid (red) leaking from bottom of radiator on my new 2005 frontier 4 x 4. No antifreeze noticed. Dealer thinks may be leaking from tranny cooler inside radiator. Has anyone had this problem and what was solution.

dbauer

2WD, right? if you got a 4x4 for that price, then go get me a dozen.

kyle hendo

I have 1500 and love it! 16mpg in city and 18 on highway, getting ready to take the truck from lac cruces, New Mexcio to San Diego, California. Any suggestions?

rdphill

Hello - curious about BCA. I'll show my ignorance but what is it? Is it something open to the public?

Thanks

brickers

no, that's what i wanna pay for it,(LOL), i did my homework and the invoice for that truck with all the options is $27186, so i figure $400 below the invoice would be a great start to deal on the price. In case they want to go higher on the price, my goal is to get as close or less than invoice as possible.

Anyway i think with the higher prices of gas close to $2.00/gal for regular, here in chicago. many will rethink buying thirsty vehicles like this, forcing them to have better deals.

brickers

2WD, right? if you got a 4x4 for that price, then go get me a dozen.

no this is 4x4, like i said on the previous posting, this price is only $400 below invoice, so i think its a fairly reasonable start point for bargaining, my goal is to get this truck for as close to invoice as possible.

How do you normally make deals on cars/trucks, do you go by MSRP and deal down or invoice price and deal down from there?

I think that even if you get a truck at invoice the dealer still makes a profit from 3% kickbacks and other incentives.

i did see some postings on this site where people paid close or less than invoice, so its defnitely doAble.

dbauer

if you think that under invoice on a high-demand, new vehicle is even possible, i would check into the nearest rehab clinic ASAP. ;-)

i would recommend starting at invoice. then, only AFTER they stop laughing, be willing to pay $1000+ over invoice to get the truck.

by offering below invoice, they may not even MAKE a couner-offer.

brickers

if you think that under invoice on a high-demand, new vehicle is even possible,

i really don't think this truck is in such high demand because there's good inventory around in this area, plus there's also the competition from toyota, honda to some extent.

i wouldn't wanna part with the $1000 that i worked hard for that easily.

believe me,someone is always willing to deal.

dbauer

"someone is always willing to deal."

i agree...i just meant for you to 'be prepared' to fork over a little extra.

even with the publicity from motor trend, the tacoma is a flop overall, and the honda isnt taking market share from anyone worth mentioning.

the frontier is the premier pickup other than 1/2 ton and larger trucks.

if you can get what you want done, then more power to you. i just wouldnt hold my breath...thats how people turn blue. ;-)

brickers

RE: even with the publicity from motor trend, the tacoma is a flop overall

we're all obviously biased and sold on the frontier at this point, but to loyal Toyota owners those problems amount to nothing more than a bump on the road.

I was actually glad that the Tacoma got the MT truck of the year award, if the frontier did then i'd probably consider $1000 above invoice as a reasonable deal, because if I was a dealer then i'd probably "milk" as much dough as i can from that award.

personally i really don't care about that because I won't go driving around with a big sign saying "truck of the year award".

my truck of the year is still the 05' frontier, but don't tell the dealers that(LOL).

badness

hey can you tell me some of the ups and maybe downs on you new truck if you can,I really want this truck,and also if you don't mind what you paid.Just want to get a general so I know.

Thanks
Brad,east coast

badness

Thanks Brickers,IT's 1.85 today for reg. gas pre. is like $2.05 and going up^.
Hey can you tell me a little about your truck if you can.
Thanks
Brad ,east coast

dbauer

$1.85??? must be nice...even with a kroger card, we are at $2.09.

centralcal

Has anyone taken the roof rack off? It looks like just some torque screws, but what is underneath?
$1.85 for gas? How about $2.25.

badness

Now that scary,man if its hit $2.50 I'm going too get out my mountain bike and stand on the highway entrance by my house with a rope and hope too catch a car or new frontier have it pull me too work or even better put motor on my bike,but I have better chance of hitting the lottery!! Notttttttt.

centralcal

If you put premium in here in Cali, you can expect to pay over $2.50.

midnightsun

You have some ammo right on this site. You can print out the invoice and MSRP for the configuration of truck you want. I didn't have the invoice numbers when I went to buy but still did OK, just based on my guesstimate.

Also, I called a "no haggle" dealership in my area that sells vehicles at a few hundred dollars under MSRP and used that as the high number when I went to my first-choice dealer. I didn't TELL him I had gotten that figure, I just got ready to use it as a weapon.

I ordered the truck and will pay $24,900 for a KC NISMO 4x4 with utility bed package, Class III tow hitch receiver, bodyside molding, all-weather floor mats, bug shield, and splash guards (mud flaps). This number includes destination/handling/dealer prep and all the rest of that ridiculous BS.

I made the mistake of not bringing my detailed catalog in with me and am being charged for the splash guards, which are standard equipment with all the 4WD trucks. I will point this out when the time comes and ask that the extra charge be deleted. Yet according to the Edmunds calculator, my price is still below the average that people are paying for this truck with these options.

I have seen a couple of prices quoted here that sound like the posters might be confusing Invoice with MSRP.

333

I wouldn't be so sure. There is always money to be made, and the dealer will always make his. That being said, I am currently considering an internet deal in which I have offered 23000 total for an SE CC 6 speed with the power package (24700 and change MSRP) and the dealer accepted. No arguments, so I figure he is still making his money. There is always room to deal, even on a "hot" vehicle.

danielacosta

Presently have about 4300 miles, but I'm going on a 1000 mile trip this week.

danielacosta

Anybody can do a BCA (Borrowed Car Agreement), but some dealers are more willing than others to do it. Generally, an experienced buyer who is seriously shopping will be offered this. Obviously, the dealer can't just let everyone go joyriding in their new cars.

The only time I did a BCA and ended up not buying the vehicle was Nov 04 with an 05 Odyssey. The unit we took overnight needed an alignment. Rather than mess with getting it fixed, we did another BCA the next day with another 05 Odyssey from the same dealer. We ended up keeping the second one.

We bought our 05 Frontier CC 4x4 NISMO in January. The salesman and I took a truck 100+ miles to another town to swap with the truck that dealer had with all the equipment I wanted (it was very hard to find one with traction package, side airbags, Fosgate, and sunroof). On the way back we took a different route that included some moderate to rough off-roading. This trip back took the place of a BCA and satisfied me that this was the truck I wanted.

You can learn a lot more about a vehicle overnight than you can on a typical test drive: instrument visibility in bright sunlight as well as at night, squeaks, rattles, etc. The other thing I always do on a BCA is immediately fill the tank, do my 100 miles or so, then fill the tank back up to see what the mileage really is the way I drive. (Frontier built-in trip computer, btw, is very accurate.) Don't get fooled into doing a purchase agreement with a promise of money back if you don't like the vehicle. A BCA is basically a rental agreement of a new vehicle, but the rental fee is zero. I was interested in both highway and off-road performance, which you normally can't do on a test drive. My salesman and I did that on our return trip, so I was satisfied.

Good luck shopping. Frontier is a great choice. Tacoma owners are reporting quality problems with the 05 (I test drove 4; they all had problems), and the Tacoma exhaust central crossmember is the lowest point, so not good for off-roading, plus they run on premium and have rear drums. Ridgelines seem good if you're not into hard-core off-roading and like the style.

Paul

I have look all over for the answer to the rattle in the engine answer. I have found the official Nissan bulletin on Nissanhelp.com. Go under bulletins and Frontier 2005 it will be the first one at the top. If your truck was built before Jan 11 2005 you will need to print it off and call your dealer. My dealer said it was a heat shield and they also said they fixed it.....I plan on faxing the bulletin over to them in the morning.

The intake manifold collector and the VIAS power valve need to be replaced. part# 14010-EA200

This should solve the issue.
as info.

danielacosta

Hey thanks for the link. My truck is affected by the bulletin, but I'm not really hearing the rattle. Guess I'll turn down the stereo and listen closer.

dbauer

yes, there is always money to be made.

however...

you made an acceptible offer on a vehicle that they would be lucky to crack the door on again. manual tranny vehicles, other than sports cars, are near impossible to get rid of. try asking for that kind of discount on an automatic model, and you might just get a surprise. ;-)

badness

I never thought of that! why should auto's always get the shaft and always have to pay more I'm going to ask for a discount in july when I buy and I hope the quirks will be a thing of the past as the 2005 come out more.

kyle hendo

Did you change the oil right at 3,000 and if so what type of oil did you put in? What type of oil should I put in the truck?

cateye36

YIKES! I've been doing extensive research for a Frontier Crew Cab LE 4x4...and was shocked to see the TMV on this site! People are paying approx $75 less than MSRP for a truck with leather, side air bags, abls, traction, fosgate, util bed ext and divider, tow hitch, and XM radio? OUCH!
Has anyone had luck getting a dealer to remove items like the XM radio?? The truck I want has an MSRP of $33500, Inv of $30548 and a TMV of $33425!!!

Has anyone done better in California than the TMV???

Thanks!

centralcal

I got that truck execept divider/tow hitch for $400 over invoice in Valencia, Ca. I had one ordered from Washington for $750 under invoice, but it was taking too long to get in so I took the plunge in LA and I got a decent trade on my car so it saved me the hassle of selling it. Also, i didn't want XM, but now that I have it, I love it.

dbauer

cannot be removed if it is a factory system, especially by a dealer.

danielacosta

I had a similar TMV in my area. I sent internet inquiries out and got a response offering $100 over invoice. That's who I bought from, and they kept their word.

centralcal

Dbauer, do you know if you can remove the factory roof rack? Also, I can't find out much information of the hard tonneau cover from Nissan (i saw a picture and it looks nice and I know how much is cost). Does it work with the utility system and how easy does it come off. thanks

centralcal

Good crash results for the Frontier.

http://www.safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/3148.html