I'm thinking of buying a Frontier...

[Bailey Guns]

Jeep offers a diesel in their small-ish vehicles, Chevy's coming out with a diesel in the Colorado next year and already puts one in the Cruze, VW puts a diesel in their small cars and put one in the rabbit p/u decades ago, and that's just a partial listing. I think Americans are finally realizing the benefits of small diesel engines in all sorts of vehicles. I suspect the diesel-powered Colorado will be a big seller.

[SouthPaw]

Surprised no one has asked this yet, but how much are you planning on spending? That may answer a lot of questions.

[Jer]

I do have to say, Frontiers look awesome with some suspension work.






I'd like a diesel mid-size because it offers enough torque to really push that off-road limit in steep inclines. It offers better fuel economy which should already be present in a smaller truck. You get the comfort and reliability of an iron block and head, more speed, and a more impressive power band.

I agree that if you need a diesel for pulling or hauling, you'll be going full-size anyway. But it's a cool, long overdue way to bridge the gap between recreational 4x4 and trucking.

Tacomas look pretty awesome lifted too and there's WAY more of an aftermarket if you like lifts and 4-wheel parts & such.

With an iron block & head comes more weight. More weight is proportionately a downside on smaller trucks than it is larger trucks. There's guys doing pretty good work with 4cyl engines on rock climbing. As for more speed and more impressive power band I have a TRD supercharger so I get the best of all worlds.

[Jer]

Jeep offers a diesel in their small-ish vehicles, Chevy's coming out with a diesel in the Colorado next year and already puts one in the Cruze, VW puts a diesel in their small cars and put one in the rabbit p/u decades ago, and that's just a partial listing. I think Americans are finally realizing the benefits of small diesel engines in all sorts of vehicles. I suspect the diesel-powered Colorado will be a big seller.

I fully realize there have been small diesels in small cars for quite a while but those didn't set the market unfire even before all the government intervention on diesel gas caused the prices to sky rocket. I think some will buy diesel powered vehicles just because but for those who really need the advantages that a diesel power plant can give them will buy a full size truck with a frame and components more capable of what it is they need

As for the Colorado being a big seller... I lol'd on that one. I don't care what power plant they put in that thing it won't be a big seller. It will take a decade or more before people start to trust that brand, and more specifically model, again. I would LOVE to be able to buy a midsize GM truck that rivals or even surpasses my Tacoma in all categories including reliability and resale but we're nowhere near that being a reality. Bottom line is even if you don't want a Colorado and love the Frontier or Tacoma the competition will drive whatever truck model you love to get better to compete. The more competition these is in the segment the more we ALL benefit as consumers. I hope that diesel Frontier is a smash hit... I just draw from decades of history to make the prediction that it likely won't & is more of a pub stunt to attempt to regain lost market shares than a way to give the masses what they wanted. The masses have been happily buying gas powered midsize trucks for decades now and only a very small section of buyers have been asking the loudest for a diesel. Well, now we'll see how it does since someone is actually making one. I know I for one won't be rushing to buy Nissan stock on the heels of this announcement and I would short sell it first because I have a feeling this venture will cost Nissan more than it will profit them in the long term. This isn't the right thread to debate diesel v gas or how much respect GM lot on the general public though so I'll just leave that alone for now.

Surprised no one has asked this yet, but how much are you planning on spending? That my answer a lot of questions.

But then people would truly care about what's best for the OP than peddling what's best for them. lol

[Bailey Guns]

I didn't say it'll set the US market on fire. And yes, diesels (in smaller vehicles) haven't been big sellers in the US historically but they have been overseas for years because they're dependable and efficient. That's becoming more and more apparent to US consumers...especially the efficiency thing.

I guess I should've qualified my statement about the Colorado...by "big seller" I meant I think they'll easily sell all they produce.

I also disagree with your assessment of GM truck quality though I can only speak to the full-size trucks. I don't drive small trucks because they can't do what I need them to do and I like the room offered by a full-size truck. But I'd put the quality of my 2012 Silverado 2500HD (gas) up against anything.

ETA: I'm outta this discussion because I have nothing to offer in answer to the OP's question.

[HoneyBadger]

I rarely had an adult in the backseat, but on those occasions, legroom was an issue. And I wholeheartedly agree on the fuel economy. I mentioned it previously but it's worth saying again: the Nissan 4.0L is a beast. A thirsty beast.

No legroom problems in the Xterra. 4.0 engine is awesome!

[Ronin13]

I do have to say, Frontiers look awesome with some suspension work.

TRUTH! That looks beautiful! Also, considering I'm setting aside a few hundred, they look great with a grille guard on 'em too... I'm doing the next truck right, the model, style and color I want. My BMW I wanted black, but got a killer deal on a grey one so I took what I could get considering I was only home for 3 1/2 weeks to buy a car.

Surprised no one has asked this yet, but how much are you planning on spending? That may answer a lot of questions.

I'd like to keep it under $28K considering what I have as down payment and whatever I can for my car (I'm planning altogether after car and down having to get less than $20K from USAA). So that pretty much eliminates brand spanking new, but I've been able to find a couple 2013's for under $30K.

[Ronin13]

I also disagree with your assessment of GM truck quality though I can only speak to the full-size trucks. I don't drive small trucks because they can't do what I need them to do and I like the room offered by a full-size truck. But I'd put the quality of my 2012 Silverado 2500HD (gas) up against anything.

ETA: I'm outta this discussion because I have nothing to offer in answer to the OP's question.

I totally understand you having a Silverado 2500HD... My main thing, I don't have a use for a full-size, so why even go there? That's more than I need, and more than I'm looking for. When it comes to mid-size, I'm really not wowed by the domestic variety any more... That's one thing the Japs do better than us, but we still have better full-size (I'd take a Ram or Chevy over the Titan or Tundra any day).

[SouthPaw]

I'd like to keep it under $28K considering what I have as down payment and whatever I can for my car (I'm planning altogether after car and down having to get less than $20K from USAA). So that pretty much eliminates brand spanking new, but I've been able to find a couple 2013's for under $30K.

Spend a few more $$$ and get a new truck for $30K-$33K. You will have a brand new truck and a warranty. I prefer the Tacoma over Frontier as I feel they are built better and hold their value better. If you decide to go under $20k, look into a half ton sized truck.

[blacklabel]

If you just want a spacer lift for a Frontier, All Day Fab has a spacer kit for $150ish if I remember correctly. The aftermarket support isn't nearly as great as it is for the Tacoma but it's not bad.