New World Datsuns...

Thinking about selling off my 03 Subaru Outback and getting myself something like an Xterra or Frontier (Crew Cab)

Would be nice to have a KA in both my vehicles, though something newer with a VG isn't out of the question, especially if I can find an SC Xterra. But power isn't my goal here, it's going to be my DD.

I'd love 20+MPG in the city, but I'm not sure how likely that is... Wikipedia is actually showing better MPG out of the SC Xterra compared to the non-SC. Hmmm...

I guess I'm just looking for anyone with experience with either of the two. Anything I should be looking for?

I hate Nissans. That's my experience.
Look for Keith to totally counter my point of view.

I hate new Nissan's too. Their trucks are stupidly designed, and have little support. Buy a taco and be done with it. Or a new bigger outback.

The SUV segment sucks. No real SUVs, just a bunch of crappy crossover wannabe SUVs.

Pretty sure the replacement for my BMW will be a 02/03 Infiniti QX4. 20 mpg avg, 7sec 0-60, vq35de, and a shit ton of standard features like radar cruise control. Optional with 4 seat heated seats, DVD, HIDs. And a pretty decent full time AWD 4wd hybrid system.

You'd be lucky to get 20 mph out of a newer Nissan truck going downhill in neutral with a tailwind. VG or KA.


Keep the Subaru.

I agree with both those guys. Keep the Subaru or look for a Tacoma.
I'm partial to the late 90s- early 2000s 2.7s. The minimum of routine maintenance lets them run and run and run.

Toyota:

Don't buy a 3.0 truck. Be wary of the 3.4 also. 4.0, meh.

2.7 is a good motor. Decent power for a 4 cylinder. Easy to repair what actually might go wrong with these(timing cover leaks, water pumps.)

Oh no, the new Outbacks are garbage and are starting to look like mini vans, can't go that route. I have looked for Tacoma's though, IIRC the resale value on the 10 year old trucks are way too high.

Looking on KBB now, Tacoma doesn't come with a manual trans, and it's not 4wd with the 2.7 engine. only 3.0+
Prices aren't so bad around the 99-00 model year though.

How come you don't want the BMW anymore, Jacob? When you were telling me all about it you got me interested. lol

And for the the record, I only ever wanted the Xterra based on the form factor. I think it screams SUV, with body on frame, and a solid rear axle to boot! Haha

Subaru AWD is about all I'm going to miss about it.

noflers wrote:Looking on KBB now, Tacoma doesn't come with a manual trans, and it's not 4wd with the 2.7 engine. only 3.0+
Prices aren't so bad around the 99-00 model year though.

Are you talking about new or used? I've worked on several 2.7/5spd/4X4s. They're out there.

I was looking for used, 1999 MY

There are 4 cylinder 4x4s with 5 speeds. Replaced a water pump on one last week.

Yeah, I'm seeing them now. KBB just doesn't know what's up.

I think a Tacoma 4x4 crew cab with the long bed is perfect. Basically my Frontier choice, but Toyota. lol From what I've been reading those 2.7's really are bullet proof.

Because when the Datsun is on the road, I don't need 2 rwd wagons. The Datsun will be a decent car to have. But it needs a counter to it.

Also how much are you thinking of selling your outback for?

I really think the Tacomas are just so much better than the Frontiers. In so many ways.

If I could afford one I'd be an owner.


But I'd also like to have a 2wd Nissan Hardbody. Just not a Frontier.

Meh, Subaru is worth probably $3000 or so... I haven't thought about it much really... I still owe the dealership I got it from $800, but they went out of business (not surprising), so I've been chasing my tail for weeks trying to get in contact with the owner. I thought this is something you should let your customers know, especially the ones who pay their car off in 18 months compared to the 36 month loan contract, AARRGGGHHH!

I loved !!! My old 91' Subaru soccer mom wagon with the ej22 ! Did nothing but oil changes and a timing belt/water pump (when bought for maintenance sake). A gay couple bought it from me 80k miles later and we're only pre-occupied with how much room there was in the back.

I own a 2016' tundra. Love it... except gas mileage isn't good (duh).

I've had two co-workers within just this last month ask me how my truck has treated me (dig the look). One of them had a Ford diesel (05') ? Failed on him too many times (use to be automotive now industrial maintenance technician). 1-week later he rolled in with a 2017 Tacoma 4x4. The guy smiled and said " don't know why I didn't choose that truck sooner! " The other guy is on track to buying a Tundra or Tacoma (so he tells me). He test drove other brands and types,...says toyota's speak to him. In fact now that I type this a third guy saw my truck and is suppose to be getting the 1794 tundra edition within 6-months (says the wife won't let him right now)

Draker has a clean Tacoma... pretty sure he likes...

Best friend and his wife bought their new 4runner not long ago. They love it ! I like it a lot to !

HRH has his hardbody if you want to probe his mind. Hell, I saw one that was for sale that had 424,000 miles on it with a stack of recipes roughly 3-inches thick standing by them selves. Grandfather had a 92' 2wd hardbody and that was a really good truck for him.

Guy at work has a SC Xterra. I'll ask him about it if I remember,

This is why I think new Outbacks are ok:

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/this-lift ... 1722477463

I'm a Nissan guy through and through; buy a Toyota for what you're looking for. I have a 97 Pathfinder with the VG33. If you find an Xterra with one and it doesn't have an exhaust leak, it will soon. The valve covers are held on with Phillip's head bolts which tend to vibrate loose. I personally think the KA is too weak for that big heavy thing and it wouldn't pull a sick whore off of a barstool. And the last thing I don't like about an Xterra is it has a shitty payload. 900-1000lbs. So if you and 3 buddies wanted to go camping for the weekend I think you'd have to be selective about what you take with you. Frontiers I don't really care for either. I love the way they both look but I'd rather have a D21.

Keith's post (4th one up^^) pretty much sums it up.

"Draker has a clean Tacoma... pretty sure he likes..."

It's true. I went down this road and Tacoma was just better in every way except for the price. You can buy two Frontiers.. or maybe 3 for the price of a Tacoma. But the Tacoma has half the issues and much better fuel economy.

Way better resale. Parts are cheaper. Easier to fix. Less that breaks.