Trac versus Frontier

[Tim Schey]

I was thinking of selling my 07 Limited and getting a 2010 Limited or Adrenalin. In my area there is not much available but XLT's or Adrenalins. The MSRP Adrenalin's is about $42k and with rebates and X plan I would be looking at about $36.5k. All I see for rebates is $2500.



I started looking at the Nissan Frontier and can get a loaded one with almost all of the options as a limited for msrp of 33k and rebates of $3500. As I see it, the main difference is V8 vs V6.



The Ford dealer I went to told me that the pricing for the Trac is such that it is cheaper to buy a loaded crew cab F150. He said he points this out to potential Trac buyers and they always go for the F150. He has a beautiful red Adrenalin on his lot that he has been sitting on for awhile, but it is a V6 and I really prefer the V8. I had a F150 before the Trac and I don't like the size. It was like driving a tank.



Bottom line is I can't believe that Ford isn't offering bigger rebates to sell the remaining Tracs. I love my Trac, but will be hard pressed to pony up that much more $$$ to get a new one.



Thoughts/feedback appreciated.

 

[H K]

If rear leg room has any impact on your decision I would for get the Frontier.

 

[Jacob Dryer]

I know it's been redesigned but when I was shopping for my trac 5 years ago I sat in a frontier and immediately got back out and crossed it off the list of possible vehicles. The seat was too close to the floor and the seating wheel was low causing my knees to hit no matter how it was adjusted.



In other words go sit in one, it might not fit.:grin:

 

[gary s]

"Bottom line is I can't believe that Ford isn't offering bigger rebates to sell the remaining Tracs"

most mfg's are cutting back incentives across the board. they are trying to raise profits by reducing rebates. usually this time of year the rebates are increased to move the existing inventory to make room for the new model year.



imo, keep your 07. but if you are looking for other options, check out the toyota tacoma.

 

[Tommy Moore]

in most areas the ST's have $4000 in rebates right now!

 

[Tim Schey]

I just checked the ford website again. Only $2500 in my area (RI).



I'm going to keep checking because I sure would prefer a new Trac

 

[Tim Schey]

I ordered a sport trac brochure online last week and just got a sales brochure with an additional $750 off from Ford.



If you're planning on buying a Trac soon, order a brchure!

 

[Thomas Clark]

FWIW,



We use frontiers at work as work trucks, we use to use Toyota but the suspension would not hold up to our needs and we switch to the Nissans. Mechanically the frontiers have been reliable. The thing I don't like about them is the interior, the interior looks like hell in short order. Now these are work trucks (survey) and the party chief and chain-men are not exactly careful if you know what I mean. In spite of that, it seem like if you wanted to a nice looking truck on the inside that stays that way I would not get the Frontier unless it has some real nice up graded interior. I know that a lot of people think Toyota is the greatest thing since sliced bread but they are really just another truck with their own set of strengths and weaknesses and they are often more expensive to repair and insure. Ask your insurance agent about prices, parts for imports (especially 4x4) is often higher and your premiums will reflect this.



As far a waving the flag for domestic products goes, I have 1973 IH Scout II with the orginal untouched motor (save some freeze plugs) and rebuilt Trans with about 300k miles on it. (off roaded frequently)



I have a 1977 super Scout with the original motor and trans and I am almost in the 500k club. (Off Roaded Frequently)



My Ex Wife traded in a 1997 Chevy Blazer s10 with 236,000 miles on a new vehicle. When the blazer was traded in it still looked great and was reliable, it was time for a new fuel infections spider and my ex wife opted to trade it in during the cash for clunkers deal.



My 01 Jeep WJ has 174K on it, it has been wheeled heavily and it still is 100% reliable, since is a Grand Cherokee Limited it has a posh leather interior and all the bells and whistles you might find on a luxury sedan and it all works and looks great. This not something I would expect with Nissan or Toyota given my experience.



My ST had about 175k on it when it was totaled, it had a basic interior, but it had all held up flawlessly. MY ST was off road while it still had paper plates on it. I drove through the dunes of Glamis, the forests of San Bernardino Mountain range, Cleavland national Forest, Pismo Beach, Ocotillo wells, Anza Borego, Los Coyote Indian Reservation ,, etc, etc and to work everyday. I did blow up one transmission which ford replaced under warranty, but I have to say I did not maintenance it and I had just been out on a 4x4 trip and my ST was loaded to the gills with camping gear and party supplies. (I learned my lesson) My ST was in several accidents, mostly being rear ended at a stop (on the 10fwy on Kellogg Hill) and I really never had any problems except for the tail gate squeaking. So based on my anecdotal experience I don't think anyone else products are superior.



I suppose making a choice has a lot to do with personal expectations and perhaps I am a bit biased against the group think of Japanese reliability.