Used 1998 Nissan Frontier Extended Cab Consumer Reviews
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Half the cost of aTacoma
I moved to the country two years ago and had to have a small truck to drive on the 3 mile gravel road I live on and this is what I bought. I bought it at 100k mile and now it has 140k with no problems. I get 28 mpg going back and forth to work. What a great truck. I'm glad I saved money when I looked at the Toyota Tacoma.
Not Happy w/my nissan 98 frontier
Had mechanical difficulties w/ this truck since I bought it, not reliable. Bought with 30,000 miles in 2002. Fix oil leak of engine and axle (under warranty), the windshield wiper motor went out during a thunderstorm in the middle of nowhere and I had no windshield wiper use, clutch motor fixed twice w/in 6mos. clutch going out and expensive to fix due to location of clutch. Problem after problem w/ this truck.
My First Nissan
Bought this truck because I needed inexpensive 4wd and the ability to pack a couple of kids in the back when necessary. Have had numerous other Japanese vehicles over the years and always was impressed with there quality,reliability,and driving satisfaction. Have to say that the Nissan is a step below the others. I also had the radio light go out (a common problem), I've had driveability problems in damp weather,a 4wd hub issue twice,a/c not very good,squeaks and rattles,not very comfortable,poor mileage even with the 5speed. On the plus side, paint is good ,never stranded me,for what I paid its probably been a decent vehicle. Would I buy another? Probably not unless the price was a steal.
Weak Clutch
The clutch is weak if you plan to pull the rated 3500lbs. It will slip bad (with the peddel fully out)trying to pull a heavy boat out of the lake. Other than that it is a great truck, just too small of a bed for me.
Nissan "Little WorkHorse"
I bought this vehicle in 1998, have had it since. Best vehicle I have ever owned I can count the repairs with one hand. Repaired the ignition key once under warranty, air bag light has been on since 2007 still not repaired, replaced clutch 4/2008 only because I had the money to do it before it went out on me, found out later I still had a few more miles on it. 2009 replaced starter, A/C making humming noise but still works. One more thing replaced headliner. Best truck ever owned, I also own a Maxima. The Frontier beats the Maxima by a long shot on repairs.
98 frontier
Bought the truck new in '98, Nissan had some promotion going so I got it for 10,800. Great price considering the service I've gotten. Had one major problem at about 80,000 miles, had a leak in the a/c system that cost about $600 to fix. Other than that only minor problems, head light and apparently a lot of people have the radio light go out like I did. Little sluggish on take off. All told, a great buy, my second Nissan and would not think twice before buying another one.
Gets the job done
Purchased new in 98. Engine could make more power. Had a 93 240SX with the same base engine (different intake, computer, etc) and it made much more power. Air Conditionong compressor clutch seems to be on its way into the sunset. Plain styling. Interior is reasonably nice for a $14K truck. With a tonneau on the bed, get 29 MPG on the interstate at 75 mph. Like the 240, this truck does make good power once the engine is running in the top half of the tach.
BAD BAD BAD
I bought my frontier used in 1999. I am currently at 104000 miles. It has been one problem after the next with this truck. From all the wires behind the radio "mysteriously" melting, to the brakes, to replacing the clutch twice, to tail gate latch breaking, to the muffler, to the radiator, and the list goes on and on and on. I'm finally trading it in tommorrow. YIPPIE! I should have done it earlier, but I just kept thinking that this problem will be the last, until all of a sudden more money than I'd like to mention has been poured into it. However, it should be noted that I likely got a lemon.
The Devil is in the Details
First 40K in first 2 years. Has always gotten 12-14 Highway MPG. Not a fast machine. First problems at 98000 ... electrical system Alternator, distributor, entire ignition system, Exhaust Manifold cracked. Passenger compartment seals started shrinking and having issues after 2 years and are now all but gone but no biggie it is a truck after it is gonna be noisy. roof liner completely fell out ofter 6 years. It prefers dry weather. Nothing has stopped me on or off road ... when I have seen other vehicles stuck
Cheap to Keep
I bought my Nissan Frontier new in 1998. It now has 136,000 miles and has been very reliable. The fuel gauge became erratic and was replaced under warranty. The plastic tailgate handle broke and was replaced for $35.00. Water pump replaced at 68,000. Gas mileage averages 25 mpg. (mainly highway miles) The engine is adequate for light hauling. Dealer service has been excellent. Great truck!