Member III
Nissan did a similar thing to their 2020 Frontier that Toyota did with the Tacoma, downsized the previous 4.0 V6.
Explorer I
23711
The new 3.8 might have a different torque curve, but it's also mated to a new 8 speed transmission, so it remains to be seen whether it's as responsive as the old setup.
Member III
That's one of the best set-up Gen 2's I've seen. Many things that work on the Gen 1 can be used on the Gen 2 as Nissan didn't change much of anything on the newer trucks, totally different skin and interior, added DI and 7AT, but the frame and many of the mounting points are the same as Gen 1, which isn't a bad thing.
I went with the 5” Procomp due to the crossmember to frame support bars. It definitely helped to clear the 35s, and going to 18 from a 20 wheel helped the ride. I have driven it in snow, sand, and mud at all stages and this set up works well for me. Of note, I do have a 1.5” rear add a leaf due to not liking the front being higher and I now have airbags for added support. Using tow mode I can definitely pull anything I’d ever want to.
Enthusiast III
The Ram has the best interior of all FS trucks, IMO. With that warranty, I sure wouldn't mind owning a Rebel!
I don't understand the problem some people have with the interior room on a Tacoma. Maybe it's because I came from cars and jeeps, but it's more than room enough for me. I don't bump elbows with the wife, the dog loves having the back seat, I have cup holders for days.
I have read many reviews that say the Tacoma has a high floor, low roof, making it feel like the seat is low to the floor. My co-worker has a 2018 Tacoma and it certainly does seem that way. Cabin is "long" though.
Member III
I use to have Baja Bugs. I haven't sat in one in decades. My buddy picked up a stock oval window in great shape. When I sat in it I was amazed how small it is inside. When we use to race them, it seemed like it had loads of room. I like the feel of my Tacoma inside. Nothing feels out of reach. My only complaint is not a Toyota problem but a Japan problem. They need to make the steering "tilt" like american cars not the whole column move up and down. It's fine once your in but, I hate "scooting" under it.
Enthusiast III
I’m 6’5”. The Tacoma is a great truck and, sure, I fit. But if I drive KY to UT or something, I’ll be like the tin man in the rain trying to get out. That’s my only complaint, trip longevity. Short trips, I’d have one in a split second.
Enthusiast III
Member III
Many vehicles nowadays don't have a mechanical connection to the transmission, even if the gear selector looks traditional. The gear selector in my Mk7 GTI looks "normal" but it is fully electronic.Thinking overland - whats Your opinnion about that gear swich? For me it's sucks to rely on some electronic connectors intead of phisical lever... Can't imagine an issue with it in the middle of Mohave Desert
Explorer I
23711
These are the things that I really don't like about new vehicles (and the price). This is why I specifically choose a first gen Xterra for my overland rig. Mechanical linkage to both the transmission and transfer case. It doesn't have the most power out there (I specifically avoided the supercharged version), and the MPG isn't great (about 16-18 under normal driving conditions), but it's rock solid, well built, and simple and cheap to fix if something does break. It's not as cheap to modify as the Toyotas, but there's more than enough out there available, including front and rear lockers, bumpers, skid plates, roof racks, etc. I'm not trying to knock anybody's choice, but for me, it was the right vehicle. At least, I think it was. I suppose we'll find out after my first extended trip (which is supposed to happen next month, but we'll see).
Xterras are excellent choices for an option to a 4Runner or FJCruiser. The value is excellent.
Member III
Sure, I understand that until it concerns my M3 SMG but not a 4x4 vehicle that might be concidered as overlander. The rest I agree - U R >
