Should I take the plunge?

[TGerm]

Okay, I am looking to sell my 2000 Chevy Silverado and I was pretty happy with this truck. Now that I have children, I wanted to look at crew cab trucks, so I expanded my search to also look at the Fords and Dodges, but I thought I would stay with Chevy. I visited a Nissan dealer so I could eliminate the Titan from my list. However, like many of you, just the opposite has happened. The Titan seems like best dang truck out there.

So here’s my dilemma – I have to get rid of my Silverado by September because I financed it through my bank with a big balloon payment at the end and in September I either have to refinance or get rid of it. I REALLY think the Titan is the way to go but I am worried about buying the first year model, but I don’t have the time to wait until the 2005s come out.

I stumbled across this board and found it to be amazingly helpful and got myself ready to run to the dealer and get my Titan. However, I then kept reading and went to the “problems” page and now I’m worried again.

So I guess the question to you good people is this: Are the problems out there with this truck still worth the purchase at this time? Are most of the problems fixed under warranty? Are the radio problems only with the RF?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I think I am feeling some pre-buyers remorse because I said I would never buy a first year model of any car, but this truck just kicks butt.

[Titan4x4Aggie]

I'd say go and buy one with one recommendation: Make sure you get one that has a newer build date, say May or even more recent.

Every year, car companies usually update the cars and manufacturing processes to keep up with technology and implement better designs. However, they aren't going to wait a year when it comes to fixing manufacturing problems. Those will be fixed when a solution is present.

It has been about 3/4 of a year since Nissan started manufacturing the Titan, and in that time frame they seem to have worked most of the bugs out and implemented stricter quality control. From what it sounds like, most trucks built in May or later have been more or less problem free.

I would be hestiant though about buying one that has never been test driven. Those might have initial glitches that no one have ever come across. I'd rather have one that has 30 - 100 miles on it.

[Titan4x4Aggie]

Also, I'd wouldn't recommend the Rockford Fosgate "Premium" sound system. For the money ($1300), you can get a much better system put in, with a higher powered amp, bigger sub with a bigger box, and better speakers.

The holes should be in the dash already for the extra front speakers, so you should be set for sound.

[Big Platinum]

Just FYI, my last truck was a 2000 Silverado which I loved. Bought the Titan, NO REGRETS. It was definitely time for something new.

[the head]

I don't have near the problems listed on the problems page. It has been a very dependable truck.

[Stitch]

I have a June build LE per my signature below.

I've had a few of the minor & common problems..

1.Overhead console was cracked - by the "mad console cracker of Canton"
2. Left front window weatherstrip (in door against inside of glass) was curled/distorted
* both issues are being handled by Service Dept with no questions asked - parts on order.
3. RF Radio Issue - Mine's just OK - but I agree the reciever is pretty weak and could be much better.
* As far as sound goes I don't play it that loud to notice the difference.
* If you get a LE you get the RF - if you get a SE/XE then YES -SAVE the $1300 and get something else.

[eakes]

You like the truck? Buy it!!
Most of the problems are QC type items - underfilled differential, cracking overhead bin plastic, bumper and sheetmetal fit, etc. These may or may not show up on your truck. There are no real glaring 'bad design' errors (except for the radio).
I purchased an LE model, fully expecting to replace the RF radio, primarily because I wanted leather seats. I was surprised that the radio was as bad as it was, but I was going to replace it anyway.

The best value, in my opinion, is the SE trim without either of the radio options (Popular or Fosgate package). If you really want some of the other items that are included in those packages, get the Popular package instead of the Fosgate - the $500 difference will go a long way to equip a decent radio/entertainment package.

Enjoy your new truck. It's a lot of fun to drive.

[kcrisp]

I would reccomend buying the Titan as stated above about the build date also make notes of the problems and test drive and look the truck over and ask the service dept to check the diff. fluid before signing any papers. You wont regret your purchase. My problems have been few and minor and the servce dept. has been great at fixing them. I have the popular package and sure I have the radio fade but you know I really dont listen to the radio much and it doesnt bother me one bit. Once Im on the freeway I get good reception most of the time, its when im in the hills and valleys that it's in and out of stereo. I have the warped rotors and they placed the pads on order on 2nd of July and they came in yesterday not bad really so my truck goes in tomorrow morning to get that fixed. Reading your post it seems your 90% convinced so go ahead tak ethe plunge you will be happy.

[IMADOGMAN]

My build date is 5/24/2004, and I haven't had any of the problems as of 1000 miles. The RF sound system isn't the best, but I have yet to experience any fade problems.
Only complaint that I have is that I bump the seat back control switch when I get in and out of the truck.
I haven't floored the gas pedal yet, and it is still a rocket, and fun to drive.
Best of luck no matter what you decide.

[adjmcloon]

I had a 2000 Tahoe, and my Armada is head and shoulders better, even with the 1st year issues. From what I understand the Titan issues have been far less. The problems that have cropped up have been minor- even the brake rotor issues were pretty small from what I've read. At any rate, I think most people who have had problems have gotten good service and had them fixed. Of course there are a few horror stories, but keep in mind that problems are more likely to get written about than trouble-free vehicles. All of the reviews on the Titan have praised how good this truck is right out of the box.

Like anything in life, it's a risk, but I think it's pretty safe to assume that with a good inspection and test drive on your part you'll be very happy with your new truck. Like others have said, get a newer built model..you'll definitely like the Titan better than your Chebby- esepecially if you tow! Much more of an attention getter as well.

[1Titan]

Titan 4x4 Aggie"I'd say go and buy one with one recommendation: Make sure you get one that has a newer build date, say May or even more recent."

Howzit TGERM - You are right the Titan does kick butt. Any normal person who loves and knows about trucks should be impressed w/the Titan. Keep doing what you are doing by checking out and doing searches on this forum and reviews on the internet, you will gain a lot of knowledge that will help you in your decision. I did the same thing for several months before my purchase. I also owned a Siverado which ran great for me and also Ford F150 which I had a deep affection for it treated me very good. I love my Titan and mostly everyone here does. I agree w/Titan 4x4 Aggie's comment quoted above and you should make sure of that. However as an FYI my build date is 11/03 and I have not have and do not have any problems w/ my Titan whatsoever since my purchase in mid Jan.04' . My point is naturally you want the most current build date but any vehicle made even on today's date can give you trouble. Many of us if not most had the same fears you have such as first year production and so forth but we took the plunge because as you experienced once you drive it and research the technology used in producing the Titan it's hard to consider the others out in the market. All in all for what it's worth you're not going to get a better truck for the price of a Titan not even close.

[smoketitan]

I love mine even with all the problems, (though if they keep up --as I hate going to the dealership I may be trading mine in year three once competitors catch up to the nissan engine). I driven them all except the toyota (engine was too small) and even with the issues and shoddy interior materials--the titan is the best truck on the road.

[O'silent1]

Wow, I read your thread and it was like reading my own story 'cept I had an end of lease on a 2000 GMC Sierra. Everything else was ditto. I bought my Titan in April and have never looked back. The only problem I have had is some minor cosmetic paint damage on the roof that was there upon delivery. A little wax took care of that. I just came back from a long trip towing a 5000 lb trailer and the truck handled it with ease. (for pic's, see the thread titled "vacation pics" in the pictures/media category). I too got scared by all the problems I read about but to echo what has previously been said, the problems are much more likely to be heard about than the trucks with no problems. Do it!!!

[BudmanHemi]

F-IT!!! You only live once! Buy the darn thing already!! LOL

[Titan4x4Aggie]

Good Tip:

Go to edmunds.com to get invoice pricing, customer reviews, complaints, etc before you go to the dealer. Use this information as barganing tools. I straight up said to the dealer "According to edmunds.com, the MSRP on my truck is $32000 and the invoice is $29000, and it seems everyone is paying around that value. I want it for $29000." I got it for $30000 plus a $1000 rebate, so it cost me $29000 in the end.

Use customer complaints as things to watch out for on the truck you buy.