Nissan Frontier Desert Runner

pocahontas

If you're having problems with your Nissan Frontier, or have insights for those with problems, please visit our Nissan Frontier problems discussion. Thanks for your participation. ;-)

Pocahontas,
Edmunds.com/Pickups Host

gaxterra

Onlyone thanks for the info on the tape for my shell. Well it has been three weeks with my truck. I am learning so much about it as I roll down the highway. Where I live we don't have much of winters(with the ice or snow)but this winter may be different. I went to Atlanta one of the days they had snow and ice. Truck was a pain to park in a small parking lot. The spaces were very small. I couldn't see on the passenger side and I thought I hit another car. I love being up and seeing everything but I won't try to park in that lot again. The truck was sure footed and never had any problems..Just my problems. I was able to get the brush guards and tail light guards. I am waiting on the shell and seat covers. Thanks for the info on the seat covers. Mileage is still running 16 to 18 miles per gallon. It really depends if I am going 70 miles or right below 80 on the interstate. I believe that if I went 65 that I could get 20 or 21 on the road. Truck has 2,500 miles on it. It is doing so great. I hope that everything works out for you soon.
Don't pay to much attention to the color samples because my electric blue looks nothing like that color on edmund's sample.

David

themtx

Hi all, just found this board and thought I'd share a couple thoughts... Got my '00 DR SE V6 (no power package) 5sp on July 4 (yeah, I had the bug and a local dealer had the PERFECT truck). So far so good (6700 miles), mechanically, gas mileage (seems to be ~18.5-19 mpg), and general looks. Here in So. Fla. Ford SUVs are kings, and the only small pickups you'll see are a bunch of Tacomas and the very rare Frontier. Still haven't seen another DR, but a number of Crew Cabs.

One question for you '00 owners - I had a ground wire pull out of the termination point/box, somewhere behind the C pillar, from what the technician told me. Took a little heartache, thinking my new truck was going to suffer some BAD electrical system bugs, but in the end the 2nd dealer I visited nailed the problem in 1hr.

Anyone else have weird shorts due to a ground wire disconnect? Mine was in the circuit for lights on the rear of the truck - I'd put it in reverse, hit the brakes, or use headlights / taillights, and it'd run very rich, prob. shorting the ECU, appear to idle rough and sometimes die out. It's been fine since the dealer did their thing. Anyone have a similar occurrence?

daustin1

Congrats to all of you that bought or are waiting for your Nissan Desert Runner. It is a fabulous truck!!! I got my 2000 V-6 SE (fully loaded), in May and have almost 20,000 miles on it already and I love it. Getting a bit better than 20 MPG. I would buy another in a heart beat! I had a Toyota PU before and I really liked that truck too (had 200,000 hi on it when I sold it) but I think the DR is a better truck, certainly a better deal money wise!

I've added a brush guard and a K&N air intake system so far and am looking to add a cat-back system when I can find one made for the Frontier. The K&N air intake improved the performance and gas milage slightly and under heavy acceleration has a nice sound, but not to loud, (makes the truck sound like a V-8). I haven't had any problems with the truck so far, other than having a truck eating deer jump out of a corn field and eat about $5000 worth of the passengers side front corner before I could get her off the truck. (That's why I added the brush guard, in this case a deer guard).

The only other thing that is needed on the Frontier is a better limited slip, more limited, less slip. PowerTrax has a great no slip differential add on that may be available around May 01, that will make your limited slip work as well as a locker but will still exhibit great manners on the pavement (including going around corners without any chattering).

Automotive Customizers (on the web) have some good add on goodies just for Nissans. Anyone out there know of any other sites with lots of goodies for the Frontier?

Enjoy your DR
Doug

aquaholic

Just ran my first tank of gas throught the ol' DR. Take this with a grain of salt, though. We have had a ton of snow (about 80 inches in Dec) so the gas mileage was really bad, but it worked out to be 11.39 mpg. I am not real please, but I only drive 3 miles to work so it still lasts about 2 weeks. All in all it is a great truck. I love the fact that it sits so high. Nearly as high a Chevy full size 4x4. Happy driving.

onlyone

Dealer called on Friday to tell me that my DR should be in around February 8th. If this is true that would put the waiting time at 134 days or so from order to delivery. I guess I will see what unfolds in the coming weeks. Nissan just announced new 3.9% financing here which could sweeten the deal.

daustin:

How much was the K&N intake setup, and where did you find it? I was thinking that for the exhaust I was going to just swap out the muffler for a mild Dynomax and leave the rest alone, I've heard they do wonders for Toyotas. www.4x4parts.com is another good site for Nissan-only stuff; they are the only site I know of that has suspension lifts for 4x4 Frontiers and Xterras.

Cheers.

gaxterra

Onlyone great news to hear about your truck. I hope that it does come on that date. Good luck.
Everything is still really good on my truck. I have taken it down a dirt road with some mud so it feels right at home. I love the truck more and more each day. The shell should be here at the end of month. I really want it soon because of the bikes. The seatcovers came in along with the window vents. I have been lazy so I haven't put them on just yet.

David

daustin1

onlyone,
Got the K&N intake setup from Automotive Customizers aka www.4x4parts.com. The air filter is a large K&N cone and the attachments are from Auto. Custom. It only replaces the restrictive Nissan air filter box. It cost a bit over $100 and was worth the money.

On the 4x4parts bulletin board someone listed a way to replace the whole stock air intake tube with some parts from any good hardware store and make the whole system work even better after adding the new K&N air filter.

4x4parts.com has a lot of goodies for the Frontier and are getting more all the time and their prices are fair. It's a good place to go when looking for parts for your Nissan.

Also as I mentioned before, get in touch with TrueTrax and keep on them so they get the add on for the limited slip diff. so it will work the way it should. Then your 2wd will be a true 2wd and go most (not all) the places a 4wd will go.

Good luck,
Doug

waiting4nissan

I was just informed by my dealer that my Truck will be here Jan 19th. I'm not sure if it is coincidence or not but that puts me at 134 days as well.

onlyone

Thanks for the information. I had hoped that you had found the K&N kit for a little less than that, but then again I have never seen them any cheaper for any other car or truck. I suppose even 1 mpg savings would pay itself off with gas prices the way they are.

I did send off an e-mail to PowerTrax about their No-Slip unit, but even if they do start making them it will be a little while before I mess with any of that.

Those mileage numbers you posted a while back were pretty good. Do you have the auto. or the stick shift?

Waiting4Nissan:

Isn't it such a relief to know that something is actually being done? I have become much more patient since I got word on mine. I think it's funny that we both have our due dates pinned down to the day, and it's even funnier that it's the same wait time. Just so you are aware, there are unadvertised factory-to-dealer incentives on non-SC Frontiers, so if you ordered a non-SC, try to get a little more out of the dealer before you sign the dotted line. I think it's about $500, and it ends on the 31st. My dealer told me that there "may be a rebate in effect" when mine comes in, but offered no details, since it's not due for a month. Good luck.

onlyone

I found out more details on the rebates. $750 for all non-SC Frontiers through 1/22/01. They have special financing available through 1/31/01; 3.9% for 24 months, 4.9% for 36 months, and 5.9% for 48 months.

waiting4nissan

Thanks onlyone! That's great information, I really appreciate it!

c3pio

i'm planning to buy an xe-v6 4x2 within the month. can anybody direct me to a dealer where i can get a very good deal? i live in LA in north hollywood. anybody out there who got a good deal with their desert runner around here? i will greatly appreciate the help.

axle59

Bought my 2k1 DR sunday off the dealer lot for $17500. sticker was $18794.It's an XE with the value package, power package, limited slip, floor mats, and over the rail bed liner. Dealer kept the $750 rebate and took $500 off so I think I got a fair deal. To c3pio I picked this truck up from Rancho Motors in Victorville. Their phone number is 760-955-8200. Ask for either Bonnie or Debbie. They should have a white one left on the lot unless someone else already bought it. I got the green one. Good luck.

onlyone

Picked up my Desert Runner yesterday evening. Dealer pulled no tricks at the last minute, managed to get the 5.9% financing, and he practically threw in the 5yr-100,000 mile warranty. I already have about 80 miles on it (it had 7 when I picked it up), and drives like a dream. I got everything I wanted and nothing I didn't, and as far as I know it's the only one in town. Now the hard part is finding where to park!

c3pio

axle59 i think you really got a good deal with your truck. got my 2001 xe-v6 kc desert runner two weeks ago for $17,500.00 too, but w/out the power package.

the first thing i would like to add to this truck is a step rail and a tonneau. got any good recommendations and where i can get these things for a good price? anyone?

gaxterra

Glad to hear you have gotten your truck finally.
I have 8,000 miles on mine now. Still having so much fun in it. I changed the oil a week ago. I hope to finally get the shell this coming sat. I have everything but that right now. Hey once you have your truck maybe we should try a road trip to check out each others truck.
My truck loves to travel.

David

gaxterra

I don't know if you have seen the Nissan Frontier club site on yahoo. But if you are a member you can see my truck under members rides 3. You have to join to see the photos. But this site is pretty good about info on our trucks.

David

onlyone

David,

DR is still solid, pulled 18.7 mpg on my first tank, and 20-21 mpg on following three tanks. She has 1300 miles already and is wearing in well. I will do the first oil change tomorrow. I cannot figure out that Yahoo site, I am a Yahoo member already but I do not find those pictures you were referring to. As for a road trip, I'm swamped with school and work until the end of May, but I will get pictures to ya when I get a chance...

gaxterra

Onlyone, glad to hear from you. The pictures are in the Frontier Club. Go to the clubs and log in.
Name of the club is Nissan Frontier Clubhouse. You should be able to find the pictures from there.

I will tell you something crazy. One minute my son loves our truck and the next minute he wants us to have the Desert Runner SC that was Just Blue with the cloth seats but no sunroof. I thought the Electric Blue was close enough that he would be ok with it. But I was wrong. But I have put too much money into this truck to trade or sell it. IF you know what I mean. Dad is still having a ball with the truck. I love driving it everyday.

David

onlyone

Well it's been 7 weeks and 3100 miles so far and most everything is still going great. I'm getting 21 miles per gallon average, with a best/worst tank of 23.8/18.7 The worst tank was the very first one. I changed the oil at 1400 miles, and she's overdue for the 3000 mile service.

The only problem so far is the rear slider window squeaks when it gets cold outside and I go over bumps.

Gripes? The stereo isn't quite what I expected, way too much bass and not enough in the middle. The gearing is too high for highway cruising. The limited slip is more slip than limited. The engine needs a drop more power.

Oh well. Take the good with the bad. When the warranty expires I'll fix it all and it will be perfect. Only 96,900 miles to go.

gaxterra

Good to hear that most everything is working on your truck Onlyone. I now have 14,000 miles on my truck. It is funny all you have to do is put a little gas in her, check the tires and the oil and she is ready to ride. I drive it most all the time and the altima feels so different when I drive it..When I do drive it I feel I am driving on the ground like a lowrider. I thought about trading in the altima for a Xterra or CrewCab so I don't drive the DR so much. Gas mileage is running about same as you. I find if I am light on the gas I can get good mileage. I will be at 100,000 miles before you so I may ask you for some performance tips that you are going to make. I know that soon I will be looking at tires and I thinking about BFG 265/70/16's. This dealer down here has a ton of CrewCabs to sell. No other blue DR in town or for that matter no other DR of any color.. I am like the lone wolf. I love my truck so much. It shows me everyday what a great value it is to it's owners.

Take care of your rare 5-speed truck.

David

pedaltometal

Just purchased new 2001 Desert Runner-EX, Auto in salsa red. Got it for $2500 under factory invoice. Really happy with the purchase. Does anyone know of a cheaper place to purchase ad-ons. Attempted to purchase add-ons from dealer and they were unwilling to budge on the price at all. I am specifically looking for running boards, push bars and bed extender.

onlyone

Congrats on your new truck, I like those new XE rims.

Try www.nissan-accessories.com I purchased seat covers from there and they are cheaper than my dealer on other things as well. Best of all there is no shipping charge. While you are surfing, visit www.4x4parts.com, a Nissan exclusive website for parts and tips.

Happy driving, I love the Salsa color, don't you? I just wish it didn't show the dirt all the time.

GAXterra:

You are almost done with your tires already? Geeze, I was hoping to get a little better life out of the OEM ones. I did price up the stock tires and I found them for $41 each, which doesn't say much. I am also thinking of BFG All-Terrain KOs for the next set, probably in that size too since that's what the 4x4 size is.

After 100,000, she gets a Stillen or Automotive Customizers intake, probably a custom exhaust with a Dynomax muffler. A centerforce clutch should be good about then too. She'll have the new tires, plus I want the 4.38 rear axle gears and an ARB locking differential. I am also going to install a clutch cancel switch like the toyota 4x4s have.

Then there's the other possibility. By that time I may buy one of the new body style 4x4 Frontiers (coming in 2003), or the Nissan 4x4 fullsize.

As for the rarity of my truck, when i was up at the dealer the other day picking up some wheel locks I noticed a DR that looked just like mine. Upon closer inspection I saw that it was EXACTLY my truck with the addition of the sunroof. I talked to my sales manager who told me that Nissan sometimes builds trucks based on demand, so I guess me ordering one told Nissan that there is a demand for Salsa 5 speed DR's. I thought that was pretty cool. I still have the only 2001 Salsa colored Frontier in Raleigh, at least from what I've seen. The only other DR I have seen on the road is a black SE. They look pretty sweet too.

Oh, and so does yours. I finally got into the yahoo club per your instructions the next time I looked at it. I haven't had the chance to upload a pic of mine yet.

pedaltometal

Great info onlyone, I checked the pricing at www.nissan-accessories.com and they are 15% to 20% cheaper than what the dealer was quoting me. Now my dilema is to either order the silver or charcoal, they say the charcoal matches the trim on the XE better but I like the way the silver stands out and matches the rims. I think I will go by the dealer's and compare. Thanks again for the info.

gaxterra

Pedaltometal

Congrats on the new truck. I have had mine since Dec 2000. It is loaded SE Extra Cab Electric Blue. It is a fun truck that just loves to go. Good luck with yours.

Onlyone

I am thinking that the tires will last until 50,000 miles with no problems. The truck is really getting broke in. I believe that I need to change the speakers and add an amp with the tax refund. I changed the floor mats to a rubber mat. Today was a hot day finally and my begged to remove the sunroof out. IMHO it removes out pretty easy but it doesn't like to go back in as easy. But I will learn with more experience this summer. Thanks for the information about performance parts. I am glad you were able to see the picture of the truck. I need to update it to show the shell. My son and I both like the XE rims too with BFG's tires. We agree with you as they look pretty good. The dealer finally sold the Just Blue SC Extra Cab. UGH. But at least I got to drive one although I didn't burn the tires. Still thinking about trading the altima so I don't drive the truck so much. CrewCab or Xterra sounds like when I first came on this board. Here we go again. Which to get.

David

yellowdr

It was reassuring to see so many postings of satisfied DR owners.
I researched this truck for weeks before finding a slightly used 2000.
I picked it up tonight. It has a great ride and many fine options. I found a 5 speed and was wondering about mileage and if anyone has experience with one in the snow.
THanks.

onlyone

Mileage has been averaging 21 now with my 5 speed DR. Best tank of nearly 24, worst tank was the first at just under 19. 5000 miles so far. I hope I'll get the chance to try her in some snow next year. If you picked up one with a limited slip then it shouldn't be too bad.

onlyone

At 4888 miles the "service engine soon" light came on. Went off before I got it to the dealer two days later. Tuesday the same happens again, got it to the dealer this afternoon. Bad vacuum cut valve/bypass valve they say. It has 5400 or so miles. They are replacingit under warranty, it takes an hour and a half whenever the part arrives. They say it's okay to drive, so I drive on...

OnlyOne

yellowdr

Thanks for the info.

I didnt find one with limited slip...too bad.

I did get 20 plus mgp on first tank going to and from work. I am not dissappointed. Compared to my beloved '87' 4cyl that I traded in, its like driving a jaguar.

SO far, so good.

Thanks again.

Yellowdr

jvirginia

I was wondering if the vacuum cut valve/bypass valve is the same as a fuel vent valve. I have an '01 Frontier CC which had the 'service engine soon' light come on at 1300 miles. Service dept told me vent valve was defective and replaced it. Now I have 2400 miles on the truck and the light is on again. Service dept says the same code is registering again. They contacted Nissan who recommended replacing the fuel tank as it sounds like it's defective.

onlyone

The Error code # they listed on my work order was P1491, described as that vacuum cut valve/bypass valve. If you have your paper work, see if you can tell if it is the same code # or not. This concerns me a bit.

What month was your truck built in? Mine is from the last week in January. You can check the plate inside the door for the month, and you can see if a date code is stamped on the top of your radiator (mine was). That will give you a pretty good idea of when it was put together.

jvirginia

The error code was P1491, the same as you indicated and the date on the door plate is 01/01.
I am scheduled to have the fuel tank replaced this week. I hope that corrects the problem. Sounds like it could be a common defect.

jvirginia

An interesting observation regarding the error code turning on the 'service engine soon' light. It only occurs when it is raining. The service dept reset the computer and cleared all codes last week and returned the truck to me while waiting for delivery of the replacement fuel tank. The light has not come back on, but it hasn't rained since I received the truck back either. Both times the light came on, it was while driving in the rain.

onlyone

I have not paid attention to the weather as it pertains to the light but if it comes on again before I take it back to the dealer I will make sure I do. I sure hope it is not a common defect for everyone else's sake!

jvirginia

The fault code the computer registered was P1491 'vacuum cut valve/bypass valve'. This is what the service dept referred to as the fuel vent valve and replaced. The same condition reoccurred at 2400 miles and the fault code P1491 registered again. The service dept contacted NNA and was advised to replace the fuel tank. My truck was mfd in 01/01.

According to my dealer service rep, NIssan hdqtrs reported that there was a change in mfrs of select parts used within the fuel/vacuum system and there have been repeat faults occurring within those systems. As a result, whenever repeat failures are discovered within the fuel/vacuum system, NNA recommends replacing the fuel tank, vacuum cut valve/bypass valve, fuel cap, and fuel pump assy. The service rep indicated this was common to all Frontiers (not just CC) mfd within a particular timeframe but didn't specify the timeframe. If the P1491 fault code appears on more than one of your service statements, ask your service rep to contact NNA regarding this error.

onlyone

The dealer hasn't called to tell me that they even have the part in yet, but if the light comes on again after they change it I will be sure to ruffle a few feathers.

Again, thanks.

gaxterra

Guys, we shouldn't be having problems with our new trucks. I guess I am very lucky that I haven't had that kind of problem. No problems and almost 18,000 miles. Thanks for sharing the information.

David

tech

I have a 99 se 4x4 with 40 k miles and the only problem has been the vinyl on one of the jump seats had separated from the seat. they replaced it with no fuss. i have to say that i have 4 nissans in the family 1 98 std cab no problems at all 1 99 se 4x4 and 2 maximas 1 88 that never had a problem until now replaced a wheel bearing and 2000 max that has to be one of the most refined machines anyywhere for any amount of money. i have ridden in mercedes and lexus that don't have anything on it.
dollar for dollar i believe the nissan product to be the best value, most reliable and durable product built. i am sure someone might disagree but my experience has been exempliary.

crazy_dave

Out of curiosity, has anyone here purchased a used 2000 Desert Runner XE? The one I'm looking at is maroon, has had factory intermittant wipers added, rear sliding window, under-the-rail bedliner, manual transmission, alloy wheels, and the usual DR XE stuff. The truck has about 37000 miles on it, and the oil has been changed religiously every 3000 miles.

I just want to find out what everyone else has paid for a comparable truck.

Thanks,

Dave

yellowdr

I did purchase a 2000 used with 4000 miles.
It has options you mention plus, running rails, A/C, Duel Exhaust, bug guard, cruise, DC/CM/tape stereo, and is yellow.
I checked Edmunds for pricing before I bought and with options... Certified Used Vehicle retail price was listed at $17,800, Trade value of 14,600, and Private party sale at 15,600.
I paid between $15,000 and $16,000.

I think it was fair.

I have a berlin bed cover on it now and it helps save space for trips with the family. Keeps things dry. I recommend it.

I have had a great time with it and get appr. 20-21 mpg to work and back... and had only 2 trips with it and got 22 plus.

btrbn

In my 2000 SE DR I have been noticing a dash rattle and according to a previous posting some people have determined that this rattling was coming from the metal ac lines. Has anyone else experienced this problem? The previous post said to use silicone caulking to get rid of the rattle? Should the silicone be placed behind the plastic mount or on the lines themselves? I can't seem to figure how they would be causing the problem because they seem pretty tight? If this is the only way to fix this problem I want to try to make it look as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Any help would be great. By the way, great truck with 15000 miles. My brother in law had the Toy prerunner and in my opinion it didn't even compare.

turney1

We have a 94 4 cylinder Nissan truck and are considering purchasing the new 2001 SE. We love the 4 cylinder (great gas mileage) but want to tow a 17 foot trailer (2000 lbs) through the mountains. Is it worthwhile upgrading or should we consider the Mazda B4000?

gaxterra

I have a 2001 DR SE. I bought it in Dec 2000. It has 22,000 miles on it so far. I have had any trouble from it. I feel like it is a great truck.
I am not sure of the towing limit on a small extra cab truck but the SE it should tow that trailer nicely.

David

onlyone

If the SE-V6 you get is an automatic, you can tow up to 5000 lbs. If you get the 5 speed, it's only 3500 lbs, but a clutch upgrade should make it equal to an auto. Tounge weight is 500 lbs for the auto and 350 for the 5 speed, and I would recommend a class III receiver instead of using the bumper hitch-ball mount. If you are worried about gas mileage, get this: my Desert Runner 5 speed is averaging over 22 mpg at 10K. Mostly mixed driving, some A/C. My best tank is over 24 mpg, a full 5 better than sticker for highway.

As for the Mazda, the engine is a little stronger, but the gearing is not quite as low as the frontier's on the bottom end. The mazda 4.0 liter has a worse gas mileage rating than the 3.3 in the frontier. The only Mazda with more towing capacity than a V6-auto Frontier is the B4000 4x4 with the 5 speed automatic. The 4x2 B4000 with either transmission will not tow more than 3800 lbs. For you that should not be a problem at all with either choice of truck.

My personal opinion is to go with the Frontier. You will not be disappointed. I test drove 'em all and the Nissan didn't feel cheap, the rest did.

onlyone

I noticed a rattling after about 1000 miles, but it was not the A/C lines that were making the noise. My DR has cruise and the two brackets that held the cable from the vacuum module to the throttle rattled. All I did was unclip the brackets, put a little bit of RTV in the slots where they mount, and clip them back in place. 9000 miles since and there hasn't been a peep from them.

Now if I could get that rear window to stop squeaking....

onlyone

I never check this thread anymore, but I wanted to make sure it didn't get archived soon!

Status on my '01 Salsa SE-V6 DR: No new problems.

Still getting excellent gas mileage (I averaged my log book today, 22 mpg over it's 12K miles thus far)

Waiting for the day the tires wear out so I can get bigger ones.

Seriously thinking of replacing the crappy lower door speakers with better ones. It literally takes only 5 minutes to change both!

Also waiting for the warranty to expire so I can lift her up and finally customize her to do what I want! Too bad that's another 88,000 miles!

Happy trails!

billn1

I have a 2001 DR with 10,000. I have had not problems until recently. Every time a turn while moving I hear a pop sound. Doesn't come from the same place each time. Anyone else have this problem. Great truck.

Karen_S

....but I'm here to announce the new Nissan Pickup Owners club now available on Edmunds.com Owner's Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club.

I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Pickups.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs