Looking For A Newer Truck Soon

**Fandrew** · 08-04-2009, 09:33 PM

Ok, so I currently drive a 2003 Nissan Frontier XE, crew cab, long bed. It's got the V6, and the automatic transmission, and for the most part, I've been happy with it.

However, the fuel economy on it is pathetic. I'm getting 17 mpg on the Highway! And to make matters worse, the truck is severely underpowered when towing something or having a load in the back.

So, if I'm getting the fuel economy of a Full Size pickup, without getting the power of one, what's the point? I'm seriously thinking about looking to upgrade to a full size pickup with less miles and a manual transmission. (My Frontier has 217,000 miles on it).

Any thoughts on the subject? I'm in no rush, and I'm hoping to pay less than $10,000

**redbaron** · 08-05-2009, 04:54 PM

the only manual transmission trucks you're going to find with decent power are from dodge and ford most likely, if you can go diesel. Chevy's duramax is wonderful but they're a lot more expensive and you will have an automatic with one.

You're probably going to end up getting something older, in order to gain power + 3 pedal mojo. Nissan & Toyota both make pretty nice full sized (gas) trucks, but no manual options.

**Fandrew** · 08-20-2009, 04:06 PM

Anyone have experience with a 1997-2003 Ford f-150? Mainly with a 5spd manual transmission and a V6. Also, I'm looking at a 2004 F150 Heritage edition.

**redbaron** · 08-21-2009, 10:30 AM

well, the v6 F-150 is probably not going to be any more economical than what you've got now, and the non-V8 models are pretty sluggish because they make very little power and weigh more than your frontier.

**Fandrew** · 08-21-2009, 03:11 PM

Well, for what it's worth, fueleconomy.gov actually places the F150 ahead of the Frontier on gas mileage, and all the reviews I've read said it still hauled pretty well. Just wondering if anyone here had personal experience with it.

spyrotheleo · 08-22-2009, 09:41 PM

My granpa has a 97 f150 with a 4.6l v6. It is really sluggish and sucks gas. Your better off getting a v8. In real world use(atleast here in Montana with a lot of hills) the v6 has to work harder. The f150 gets about 14 in town and my boss' v8 gets around the same and is so much more gutsy and useful.

**Fandrew** · 08-23-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyrotheleo

My granpa has a 97 f150 with a 4.6l v6. It is really sluggish and sucks gas. Your better off getting a v8. In real world use(atleast here in Montana with a lot of hills) the v6 has to work harder. The f150 gets about 14 in town and my boss' v8 gets around the same and is so much more gutsy and useful.

Thanks. I know my Dad's 1999 F250 Light Duty gets 14 City and 17 Hwy, which is what my Frontier gets.