Midsize Pickup Comparo - READ ONLY

751 messages, Last post on Nov 28, 2007 at 10:44 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Dodge Dakota, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Car Comparisons, Truck

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#640 of 751 Re: Frontier [leadfoot6] by kipk Mar 14, 2007 (5:41 am)
Replying to: goodegg (Mar 13, 2007 5:11 pm) Toyota and Nissan (Datsun) have been building quality 4 cylinder engines since just before dirt was invented. A few years ago a friend bought an old "Datsun" with the sole purpose of installing a very radical Pontiac 400 cu in engine and Turbo 400 tranny. The Datsun had around 200K on the clock and looked as though it had spent most of its life in a third world country. It's engine was to be rebuilt, if possible, and installed in a boat. Before removing the engine he ran a compression check just for the heck of it. Compression was within specs on all but one of the cylinders. After removing the head he found either a burned valve or hole in the head gasket, I don't remember which. Whatever it was was not a big deal. He replaced gaskets and seals that might start to leak and closed it back up. "That engine was just to good inside to overhaul", he said. Kip Replies to this message: dustyk (Mar 15, 2007 4:24 pm) asa (May 14, 2007 2:35 pm) driver56 (May 14, 2007 4:17 pm) kipk (May 15, 2007 3:26 am)
#641 of 751 Re: Frontier [kipk] by dustyk Mar 15, 2007 (4:24 pm)
Replying to: kipk (Mar 14, 2007 5:41 am) I like the way (most) Nissan motors are designed and assembled. They typically utilize high microfinish crankshaft journals and exceptionally true cylinder bores. Friction as measured by one article in the Journal of the SAE indicates very low friction numbers. I've worked on and seen a lot of motors and only ever had one apart (chain tensioner failure). Nissan's typically can go the full distance without excessive oil usage and still keep their compression, as already mentioned. Dusty
#642 of 751 Help Me Compare Trucks for Hauling 4500lbs by johnboy8 Mar 29, 2007 (11:49 am)
With all of the experienced people on this site I'm hoping you can help me select a new truck. I need a solid truck that will pull 4500lbs upon occasion. I would like it to get good gas mileage when I'm not towing with the prices being so high. What P/U trucks would you guys/gals suggest? JohnBoy Replies to this message: jfritsch (Mar 29, 2007 4:14 pm) dustyk (Mar 29, 2007 5:52 pm) jfritsch (Mar 29, 2007 8:15 pm) jfritsch (Mar 29, 2007 8:14 pm)
#643 of 751 Re: Help Me Compare Trucks for Hauling 4500lbs [johnboy8] by jfritsch Mar 29, 2007 (4:14 pm)
Replying to: johnboy8 (Mar 29, 2007 11:49 am) The last 3-4 pages should give you all the discussion on the mid size. You're down to the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline. Nix on the Colorado/Canyon or Dodge Dakota, or Ford Ranger/MazdaBxxx. If you can work 10-11k off MSRP for a Dakota it may be passable in the V8 if you can stand the cheap materials and need the pull. You want about 4-5k off a 4wd tacoma, 3500-4500 off MSRP for a Frontier, or 5-6k off a Ridgeline. These are for 4wd crew cab auto models. Now get to the dealer for your test drives. --jjf With all of the experienced people on this site I'm hoping you can help me select a new truck. I need a solid truck that will pull 4500lbs upon occasion. I would like it to get good gas mileage when I'm not towing with the prices being so high. What P/U trucks would you guys/gals suggest? JohnBoy Replies to this message: dustyk (Mar 29, 2007 5:52 pm) jfritsch (Mar 29, 2007 8:15 pm) jfritsch (Mar 29, 2007 8:14 pm)
#644 of 751 Re: Help Me Compare Trucks for Hauling 4500lbs [jfritsch] by dustyk Mar 29, 2007 (5:52 pm)
Replying to: jfritsch (Mar 29, 2007 4:14 pm) I completely disagree. I think the V8 Dakota is actually the best vehicle for this kind of job. In this segment it is the Dakota that stands out as the intended work vehicle. The 4.7 motor is smooth and produces exceptional low-end torque within a fairly broad power range. The V8 comes with an extremely hearty, capable and reliable 545RFE, six speed automatic, the stiffest frame in a mid-size pick-up, and the largest cargo and passenger room. It also has the highest towing capacity. The interior is quite bland, but the unfortunately Germanic-looking interior materials are of very good quality. On my son's last leave home he had a rented Dakota for three weeks. I managed to have it for one of those days. Compared to my 2003 Dakota Sport, the newer versions are quieter, have a smoother ride and improved handling. It was a very solid truck with no rattles or squeaks at 14K. Regards, Dusty Replies to this message: jfritsch (Mar 29, 2007 8:15 pm) jfritsch (Mar 29, 2007 8:14 pm)
#645 of 751 Re: Help Me Compare Trucks for Hauling 4500lbs [dustyk] by jfritsch Mar 29, 2007 (8:15 pm)
Replying to: dustyk (Mar 29, 2007 5:52 pm) Looking at the sales figures for the Dakota, I'm sure Chrysler wishes there were more folks like this chap. In any event, test drives and comparison will tell. I was in this fellow's boat and was considering a Dakota. Unfortunately I test drove and inspected the competition and its 3rd from the end ahead of the Ranger and Colorado and 4th from the top. Dodge sweetened the deal by getting rid of the 7/70 powertrain warranty (down to 3/36). Of course, offerings from Mitsubishi (Raider, a Dakota knock off) and Isusu (Colorado copy) are beneath contempt unless LOTS off. You do want about 10k off MSRP for the Dakota (28-32k) Silverado, Trailblazer etc. A look at 1yr wholesale values will tell you why. --jjf completely disagree. I think the V8 Dakota is actually the best vehicle for this kind of job. In this segment it is the Dakota that stands out as the intended work vehicle. The 4.7 motor is smooth and produces exceptional low-end torque within a fairly broad power range. The V8 comes with an extremely hearty, capable and reliable 545RFE, six speed automatic, the stiffest frame in a mid-size pick-up, and the largest cargo and passenger room. It also has the highest towing capacity. The interior is quite bland, but the unfortunately Germanic-looking interior materials are of very good quality. On my son's last leave home he had a rented Dakota for three weeks. I managed to have it for one of those days. Compared to my 2003 Dakota Sport, the newer versions are quieter, have a smoother ride and improved handling. It was a very solid truck with no rattles or squeaks at 14K. Regards,
#646 of 751 Re: Help Me Compare Trucks for Hauling 4500lbs [dustyk] by jfritsch Mar 29, 2007 (8:14 pm)
Replying to: dustyk (Mar 29, 2007 5:52 pm) Looking at the sales figures for the Dakota, I'm sure Chrysler wishes there were more folks like this Chap. In any event, test drives and comparison will tell. I was in this fellow's boat and was considering a Dakota. Unfortunately I test drove and inspected the competition and its 3rd from the end ahead of the Ranger and Colorado and 4th from the top. Of course, offerings from Mitsubishi (Raider, a Dakota knock off) and Isusu (Colorado copy) are beneath contempt unless LOTS off. You do want about 10k off MSRP for the Dakota (28-32k) Silverado, Trailblazer etc. A look at 1yr wholesale values will tell you why. --jjf completely disagree. I think the V8 Dakota is actually the best vehicle for this kind of job. In this segment it is the Dakota that stands out as the intended work vehicle. The 4.7 motor is smooth and produces exceptional low-end torque within a fairly broad power range. The V8 comes with an extremely hearty, capable and reliable 545RFE, six speed automatic, the stiffest frame in a mid-size pick-up, and the largest cargo and passenger room. It also has the highest towing capacity. The interior is quite bland, but the unfortunately Germanic-looking interior materials are of very good quality. On my son's last leave home he had a rented Dakota for three weeks. I managed to have it for one of those days. Compared to my 2003 Dakota Sport, the newer versions are quieter, have a smoother ride and improved handling. It was a very solid truck with no rattles or squeaks at 14K. Regards,
#647 of 751 05 Dakota - advice? by greayregs Apr 01, 2007 (6:45 am)
I'm considering buying a 05 Dakota 4x4 Club Cab SLT, 4.7 V8 with only 2,000 miles. I worry about reliability given the ratings by Consumer reports. Also looking at used Rangers and Tundras. Replies to this message: thegraduate (Apr 01, 2007 6:51 am) jfritsch (Apr 01, 2007 8:20 am) dustyk (Apr 01, 2007 6:29 pm)
#648 of 751 Re: 05 Dakota - advice? [greayregs] by thegraduate Apr 01, 2007 (6:51 am)
Replying to: greayregs (Apr 01, 2007 6:45 am) My family had bad luck with Chryslers, but my aunt had a Dodge truck for three years and it was generally a good vehicle. I think their trucks are a better commodity than their cars.
#649 of 751 Re: 05 Dakota - advice? [greayregs] by jfritsch Apr 01, 2007 (8:20 am)
Replying to: greayregs (Apr 01, 2007 6:45 am) Is this car with a dodge dealer? With only 2000 miles that is unusual even for a demo. I share your deal with the reliability but at least that year has the 7/70 powertrain warranty. (if you are 2nd owner you must xfer.with 100 fee) You would want to pay very close to wholesale for it as this truck isn't in high demand. You might also want to see my message 14394 in the Accord prices paid forum for useful info on how to buy a car. Smoking out 10000 off a Silverado, Dakota, F series this summer may have you reconsider buying used. Good luck --jjf I'm considering buying a 05 Dakota 4x4 Club Cab SLT, 4.7 V8 with only 2,000 miles. I worry about reliability given the ratings by Consumer reports. Also looking at used Rangers and Tundras.