05 F-150 & 05 Nissan Titan Owners

[cliffy]

I have been shopping around for the past few weeks for a new vehicle. I would like to get a truck to replace my 95 Ford Explorer. I kinda have my eye on two different makes/models. I like the 05 Ford F-150 XLT and the 05 Nissan Titan.

Does anyone have either one of these trucks? What are your likes and dislikes? Would you change anything about your truck if you could? I know both state they get 14-18 mpg....is this correct?

[cliffy]

Forgot to add that I am looking at the 4-door version of both trucks...so if anyone has any comments on those models...

Thanks.

[blakjack23]

I have an 04 F150 FX4 supercab with the 5.4 and love it. The ONLY complaint I have is that you can't take the cup holders out of the center armrest to clean them! Seriously, thats the only thing I would change. She rides smooth, has plenty of power, is very comforatable and I get lots of comments on how good she looks. Not sure if you are set on the crew cab but you'd be suprised how much room a supercab has. I drove from Duluth to the cities after new years with six people in my truck and nobody complained, except me, and thats just cause I was hung over I personally don't like the looks of the Titan and being its the first year run I would be a little weary. There's a reason the F150 has been the number one selling vehicle for like 28 straight years.

Check out this video about trucks, yeah its made by ford, but its very interesting...

http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/f150/truth/index.asp?id=frame&bannerid=FV10004

I average around 15 mpg. I did get 17 on my roadtrip to Tennessee to pick up the new boat. You really can't expect better mileage then that out of a fullsize truck.

I really wasn't interested in ever buying a truck, I am more an SUV guy, but when Ford came out with the new model I was sold.

[PierBridge]

Quote:

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I makes/models. 05 Nissan Titan.

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I would stay away from the Nissan I have 2 friends that were fed up with GM, Ford, Dodge trucks and they both bought the Nissan, in a little over a year each vehicle has been in then shop for breaks 3 times it appears the Nissan engineers failed miserably in there design of the breaks causing excessive wear on the pads and break components.

It is warranted but it has been a pain to have their truck out of commission.

[Duffman]

I almost went for a Titan this past winter. I liked the looks of the Titan and it had plenty of power, but after a little research online I found out they were having some major and minor first year model problems. Check out Titantalk dot com for some insights from current Titan owners. The F150 is a nice truck, aren't all new trucks? I like the large interior space and layout of everything, and it also is a good looking truck. BUT, I've had good luck with a couple Toyota trucks, so I picked up a 2005 Tundra Access Cab. Not a lot of room in the back seat, but the hound is the only one that rides back there and she doesn't seem to mind. Good luck with your decision.

[Duffman]

I'm not trying to convince ya on a Toyota, but I thought you might want to see this little ditty from a Tundra forum concerning a Titan.

Quote:

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I think my Tundra actually looks depressed. It's sitting out in the garage, knowing that it's got about 1 month before it's getting replaced with;

MY NEW TITAN

Yes folks, I cracked. I should never have taken that 24HR test drive. 1 day with the Titan, and it was hard to get back into my Tundra.

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Same dude 13 months later

Quote:

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Titan Update:

1 year and one month later, I'm selling this pile. It's no Toyota, folks. Pile of

dump

. Back to the shop 17 times for repairs. I love driving it, but I hate owning it.

My old Tundra had a few repairs as well, but nothing like the Titan.

Shoulda got another Tundra.

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[cliffy]

Thanks for the information guys.

Well, the wife and I spent half the day at the Nissan dealership and the other half at the Ford dealership. It was an interesting experience as this is my first time buy a “new” vehicle. I must admit, I don’t care much for the process.

The Titan seems like a very nice truck. We test drove their base model Titan and it comes with a lot of nice bells and whistles. Adjusted foot pedals, rear sliding window and back up assist sonar thingy..just to name a few. I also liked the engine...more then enough power to tow....plus it was really snappy off of the line. However, the truck’s engine and muffler noise is pretty loud and annoying...at least in my opinion.

Our experience with the Nissan salesperson was also pretty interesting. He first told us that the prices were “rock bottom” as they are having their version of the “employee discount” sale. The only truck that had all the options we wanted happened to be only available in a color I will never own again...BLACK. Nice looking but just impossible to keep clean. So, as we started to walk away, all of a sudden the price was being dropped. By the time we left, they had gone up 2500 dollars on my trade in.....down to 3.0 percent on the loan and threw in a lot of little extra stuff. We told them we would have to sleep on it.

Move forward to the Ford dealership.

I have been test driving a basic F-150 super crew....very nice truck. The price I was able to negotiate is identical to the above-mentioned Titan. However the XLT was missing a lot of the bells and whistles the Titan had standard. The XLT had no bed liner (Spray in liner on the Titan), smaller tires then the Titan, no rear window like in the Titan, no back up assist system...etc. However, I like the ford for its low road noise and its looks. I also think the new Ford’s are very well built trucks.

So, we thought we would talk again with the salesman to see if he could sweeten up the deal little. We first asked for a better trade in price on my explorer, running boards, spray in bed liner and mud flaps and auto start. They did come up 1000.00 on the trade in value....but to be honest, that is price it should have been the first time I went in the store...and it was only 300.00 dollars higher then the Nissan dealerships offer. Any ways, they refused to throw in any extras. So, to get any of the ford extras, it would be coming out of my pocket. Even though the Nissan came with these extras. I guess I was a little disappointed the Ford dealer wouldn’t even throw in a set of mud flaps....we are talking about spending 30,000.00 dollars...you would think mud flaps would be no big deal.

After hearing about the Titan’s alleged problems, we probably will be going with the Ford. I hate the process of buying a new vehicle...and I am really disappointed in how the Ford dealership wouldn’t at least throw in a token of appreciation.

Has anyone else had this type of experince? Is this how its done in today’s world. I was always under the impression that you could get a couple of little free things when spending this type of money.

Thanks.

[DTro]

I'd have to guess that Ford is unable to do that because of the advertised "employee discount". This discount was always there and always will be, ya just have to "work" to get it. In the past you had a huge gap to close and those goodies filled some of that gap. Now there is little or no gap to close. Nissan must have a little more room to work with.

On a related note I bought a camry a while back and was also looking at a nissan altima. I went to nissan first and told them I wanted to look at a camry also. The salesman from Nissan took me over there himself. Now that was an experience. Test driving a Toyota with a Toyota AND Nissan dealer riding along.

If I were you, the next time you are at Nissan ask about this, it was very nice to take the Altima over to Toyota and park them side by side and give them the once over and then drive them back to back. By the way I ended up with the Toyota.

Good Luck

[Duffman]

Cliffy.....

There's a ton of info out there on the net, take some more time and research before you make your final decision. As for dealing with the dealer, I used the internet and e-mails in my dealings. It worked out pretty good for me, I had quotes from three different sites on the value of my trade-in, they sent me a link to a low-ball trade-in site, and I sent them the info I had found, that ended that process in a hurry.

I saw a truck on a lot that I liked, went in on the last day of the month and told them I was getting a new truck that day. The game had started, they wanted to let me take it for a test drive, told them it wasn't necessary, that I just took one for a drive at a different dealer (a small lie). I left there with the first set of numbers and went back to the office where I feel much more comfortable and un-pressured. We traded numbers through e-mails the next couple of hours, and finally I just gave them a last offer and that if I didn't hear back from them by 4:00 pm, to not even bother contacting me cause I was on my way to one of their competitors. My bluff worked, the phone rang within 5 minutes and they said they would go with my offer. The nice thing about e-mails, is you have complete documentation of the whole process, a nice little back up.

I hate playing the dealer game, but sometimes you've got to step up to the plate and take a swing or two. Good luck Cliffy, new trucks are nice!

[blakjack23]

Dtro hit it on the head. You can definitely finagle for some free stuff if you are buying the car for like $3,000 under sticker price, but when you are getting close to 10k off its hard for them to go even lower. I didn't mind not getting any of the "freebies" as I was already getting $9500 off the sticker price. If you do want those things they can still install them at the dealer and add them to your loan.

[tomfromblaine]

Cliffy, take your time with this, also have you asked to look at the dealer invoice for the exact vehicle your looking at? if you belong to a credit union they also have deals with dealerships that may be better than the employee price deal, once you get the real numbers on the truck you want it will be alot easier to deal and you'll get those mud flaps and floor mats and possibly more, your the one spending the money, don't let them give you retail prices on accesories either. And don't forget the 06's are just around the corner.

[cliffy]

Help me out on this one. What is the invoice price? Is that listed on the documentation plastered on the window?

The Ford salesman said pretty much what you guys have been saying. Due to the fact that they are selling the truck at the employee discount, they cant throw in any extras.

I guess what really upset me with the Ford dealer is the fact I thought they low balled me on my trade-in. They did up it by a 1000.00...which I felt was just about the right price. However, when I asked for simple set of mud flaps, the salesman went and got the “sales manager”. The sales manger had the balls to ask us what we had done to make this deal work. He pointed out they had changed their trade-in offer by 1000.00 and we (wife and I) had done nothing. Nothing!! We are the ones spending nearly 30k..!!!!!.and if we are happy with the experience, we might be return costumers in a few years. Its not like I am asking for an arm and a leg. By the end of the night, I agreed that we would buy an auto start, spray-in bed liner and running boards. I felt I went way out of my way to be nice...and all I was asking for was a stupid set of mud flaps!

It just seems like the Nissan Titan had all this stuff for the same price...and I was just trying to convince myself to go with the Ford if I could get close to the same package.

We are going to another Ford dealership in a different city this afternoon....and see if we get a better deal.

Thanks for all the good info....keep it coming.

[CodyDawg]

Cliffy,

I have a fantastic Ford dealer that I have sold over 30 vehicles for in the past 10 years....all because he does a great job. EVERY one I have sent to him comes away happy. He will deliver the vehicle to your driveway, wherever you live. Let me know if interested, I would be shocked if you didnt have a great experience with him. He is from a small town and he knows his business is tied to repeat business, so he acts accordingly.

[FL SNIPER]

Holy dump....that sales manager asked what "you did" to make the deal happen...that is unbelievable...that would make me think about getting up and walking out. Buying a new vehicle sounds like a lot of work and stress. Maybe I will stick to buying used. I hope you find a good deal and are happy with your new rig.

[Dragonsm]

Good luck in your search for your new truck! Whatever you decide for a truck, you will be happy. Myself, I happen to be a Ford man as that is what my first few trucks have been....and when I have gone to trade them in....I can't afford to cross trade to another brand. (or at least that is what I tell people) I have been happy with their trucks overall. I won't say that Ford doesn't have their horror stories either. If you want to do a little research on the F-150, a great HSOforum to hit and read personal remarks from owners is www.F150online.com

Plenty of praise for the new F-150...along with the horror stories too.

I'd say check out another dealer....and feel free to let in the fact that you have other dealers in your pocket and see what they can give you!

Later

Steve

[ChuckN]

cliffy,

I assume you still live where I used to.

I had similiar issues with that Ford dealership. I did buy an F150 from them several years ago and the process to buy that truck was a nightmare. I learned to deal with sales personel after that. Every question I had..."let me go talk to the sales manager"....cripes!! It took days to seal the deal, no kidding! But, it was the truck I wanted, so I held my patience.

I would find another dealer IMO.

There are several dealers in the area if you want to drive a little. Use your price quotes against each other too. lol

[cliffy]

Hi ChuckN: Yup, we are still living in Fargo/Moorhead..and the dealership is in Fargo. The wife and I spoke this AM and we are going to check out a couple of other dealerships in DL and Fergus. Good idea to see if they are willing to compete with each other.

Drangonsm: Thanks for the web-site info. I will check it out.

CodyDawg: Is this Ford dealer anywhere near Fargo/Moorhead?

[Dragonsm]

Good luck with the other dealers! I can personally say I have had GREAT experiences with the dealership in Fergus Falls. I believe my family has bought something like their last 15 vehicles there.....and they give me EVERY reason why I drive back from the cities to do my business with them.

I tried to deal with a certain Ford dealer about 8 years ago when I was in an accident that totaled out my car while going to school up there. In somewhat of a scramble...they were one of the dealerships I hit.....needless to say..after that one experience.....I'd never go back to them.

Good luck!

[riverwader]

Cliffy, Just an fyi. I have the 04' F150 extended cab. I get the family plan all the time on all my trucks. My entire family buys new trucks often and we have noticed that the only way to get the addons is to hagel on the trade in. My brother went in and they said 15K for his trade and then called him back 2 days later and offered him 17k. That was an end of the month deal where they needed to meet the sales quote. I do love my truck and the only thing I would change would be to get the 4 door, but you are right they dont have everything the titan has unless you get the lariat style and pay for it.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Cliffy, Get the Ford!! I think you would be alot happier with it instead of the Nissan. Although I still think you should at least test drive a Tundra!!! I've never been a huge fan of Nissan. Most are difficult to work on and then there is the quest, good lord don't get me started! Nissan although O.k. overall always seems to sucker punch there owners with some expensive ungodly repair, not to say that the other imports don't have problems but Nissan seems to have more.

That and I'm am starting to like the looks of the new F-150

[cliffy]

I like the Tundra...my wife owns one. She likes the Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans.....I prefer the Ford. Her truck has been an awesome vehilce....now that you got me thinking about it, perhaps two toyotas in the drive way wouldnt be so bad.....

[montanagriz]

Cliffy,

I feel your pain brother! I know it can be stressful buying a new truck/boat. I bought a new boat this spring and I was just glad when the process was over. Dealing with the same old sales tactics gets old after awhile. I'm not sure which Ford dealership you have been working with, but I have a buddy who sells at Morrie's Minnetonka Ford. He's a good guy, and I think you would like working with him. I can email you his contact info if you are interested. Either way, good luck with the purchase, it's an exciting time, that's for sure!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Thats good 'cause know you have me thinking about how a new F-150 would look in my driveway!

[Grizzly16]

Now I have to chime in in defense to the Nissan Titan, I just bought one last year an 04'and I love it. Before the Titan I had a Ford, 3 dodges and now the titan (and this has been in the last 5 years). I have to say that I hated the Ford but loved the 3 Dodges and just wanted to try something different. I do have to say the the brakes rotors stink but they are being replace and Nissan has now warranted my brakes and rotors for 3 years unlimited miles (that is amazing). So it looks like for the next 3 years I do not have to worry about a brake job. Otherwise the truck is amazing, the transmission and engine combination are better than anything else I have driven including chevy since 2 of my uncles have them. I do have to say the Ford is also very nice and you can't really go wrong with any of them, but if you like the Nissan please do not let the brakes scare you away bacause the truck is great.

[blakjack23]

M-griz,

I bought my rig at Morries and it was a great experience. Sales guy let me take the truck overnight to test it out, went back the next morning, then went home within an hour or so with my new truck. Great new car buying experience. I did however end up selling my old suv on my own since they were gonna screw me on the price for it, but I expect any dealer is going to give you less then what you want for a trade-in.

[TimR]

I have an '00 Nissan Xterra - first year for that vehicle. 93k on it now, and I've had to replace the tires, change the oil. I've still got the original pads on the brakes, though I will be changing them this fall.

What I traded in on that Xterra was a '98 Ford Ranger. In 28k miles, third gear went out in that tranny 3! times. Each time replaced under warranty - but the 36k warranty was coming up soon on the drivetrain.

The point? Not that Nissans are perfect and Fords are dump. Not at all. Only that you will find a million stories about somebody that had a bad experience with Truck XYZ, and current truck ABC is THE BEST EVER! Every truck will have _something_ wrong with some of them.

Get the MOST truck you can for your hard earned dollar. Make sure you get that truck from a dealer you are comfortable going back to with problems! If you get more truck for your dollar at Nissan/Chevy/Toyota dealership - don't get hung up on the F150.

Tim