2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0L

Summary:

The best light duty truck on the road

Faults:

I bought it used with 40,000km and it had no heat. Dealer semi fixed it under warranty. They replaced the water pump, but the next day still no heat. The coolant reservoir wasn't sucking up the coolant when it cooled down. After doing my own research, I found I had to overfill the reservoir to get the siphon action working. It took another 5L of coolant until it finally got all the air out of the system. Heat works great ever since. Guess the dealer didn't know how to bleed the system.

Now at 89,000km, either the alternator pulley bearing or power steering pulley bearing has a whistle noise when it's wet or startup in the winter, but goes away after it's warmed up. Not a big deal as bearings do wear out, and I'm not sure which one it is, as the sound is in the area of both pulleys. It's not real bad yet, but next winter I'll get that fixed.

No other issues in my 6 speed manual truck.

General Comments:

I first had a 2010 pro 4x king cab automatic transmission. Drove it for about 6 months, then found a 2013 CV with a 6 speed manual transmission so I traded mine in on it.

First I noticed the seats were uncomfortable and no lumbar adjustments. So I swapped the seats from the pro 4x into it which were much better.

Second I swapped the trailer hitch over and had an issue with the trailer lights not working. I had to buy the dealer trailer harness kit which had an extra relay harness that plugs in under the passenger side kick panel to get the lights to work. This was not required in the pro 4x, but in the SV.

Overall I love the truck and prefer a Frontier over a Tacoma any day, or any domestic. Smooth drive, good visibility, reliable and fun.

BUT hard on gas. I run premium fuel and still not the greatest fuel economy. On the highway babying it I can squeeze 600km a tank, city maybe 450km-500km. With a heavy foot don't expect good km on a tank.

I did put an intake, exhaust and tuner into my truck which is fun, no better on fuel as I have a heavy foot.

With the manual transmission I can pull my 1500lb side by side on the trailer no problem. The automatic may not like it as much.

I also run all synthetic fluids throughout the truck and no issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th June, 2017

2013 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X 4.0L

Summary:

Well built, solid truck

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Seems very solidly built. Little highway noise. Good acceleration.

Had a 1995 Nissan, which also was a great truck.

Drove an F-150 Supercrew for a few weeks, and it was just too large. This car is the perfect size for the city and the occasional hauler.

I have had no problems at all so far, and I'm looking forward to having it for a number of years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th June, 2014