[munkeebinis]

I'm considering getting the new Titan, most likely the 2005 model when it becomes available. I have a few questions though that perhaps you current owners can answer for me.

1) I'm big on fuel consumption and range. This is one of the biggest drawbacks I see to getting a Titan. I know the tank holds 28 gallons but I'm not quite sure what the mileage is like. I've seen anywhere from 18mpg to sub-10 mpg figures. I'm sure it all depends on how you drive it and if you're hauling anything, but what's the mpg figure for just driving the Titan around town normally without hauling anything?

2) What type of fuel does the Titan use. I thought it was standard octane but then I've seen a few people claim it takes premium. I'd hate to have to fill a 28 gallon tank with premium, especially at today's prices. I know the difference between regular and premium is at most 20 cents/gallon but for someone who spends a lot of time on the road the difference adds up. So what is the manufacturer recommend octane, standard or premium?

3) Is the Titan really a good machine for off-roading? I've read many reviews which praise it for it's class-best approach and departure angles, but is a stock Titan 4x4 with the offroad package really a credible off-roading machine? I'm not talking about climbing a 60 degree vertical rockface or fording an 8" deep puddle of mud, but I'd like to be capable of pulling off the main roads and taking some interesting shortcuts without worrying about getting stuck in the middle of nowhere or breaking the truck down.

4) Finally, how would you rate the durablity of the Titan compared to other trucks and automobiles? One of the most important things I look at when considering an automobile is it's durability. I don't want to deal with a fidgety product that will constantly have problems. I know people who have new cars yet are constantly at the repair shop dealing with one issue after another. I think the benchmark for quality and reliability in an automobile is Lexus. I've dealt with Lexus' for a while now and I've never come across any problems, even on 10+ year old machines. That's the kind of durability and reliability I'm looking for in the Titan. How would you rate the Titan in this regard?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pluckyew]

Few Answers

1) Tyical titan owners get 15~16 mpg of the 14~18/19 epa rating.. I drive fast (but safe), but I'm the same guy that gets 12 mpg on a 19 mpg EPA rated cramped-for-space Wrangler (1995 and 2000 models, all I6-cyl with bigger tires).

Most mid-size SUVs or pickups (FrontierCrew, TacomaCrew, Xterra) with 4wd-lo capable barely do much better in epa, about 20 mpg. we looked into light weight SUVs with light duty AWDs -- they (Element, Forester) aren't all that great either, rated around 22~25 mpg, but these may get you stuck in real "jeep" mountain trails (not rock crawling).

2) 87 gas is enough.

3) My $28K Titan KC 4x4 SE really seems to be a great machine for off-roading (would be even better with rear e-locker axle). The only stock 4x4s that may be better is the tiny $25k 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubican. Da Hummer2, costs $50k, weighs in at over 6000# (weight vs. power & tire width and axle differentials matter, alot. which is why you will not be seeing heavy weight 3500/F-350 One-ton trucks much on rough off-road trails: usually I see Wrangers (mostly), Frontiers, 4Runners, & Tacomas), Da Hummer1 is $115k and weights even more; and Porche Caynens costs $85K; and them pricy Ranger Roovers (with even worse epa mpg than Titans) are fancier alternatives to the capable Jeep line.

Titan can carry six in comfort and hauls extra fuel and water and all the fun gear & food that goes with off roading. I've used Wranglers for 8 years and I am getting better highway milage with Titan and feel i can tread just about the same trails.

4) it's a Nissan and that says reliability enough for us. ( i owned two Wranglers and two Ford-150s and two Nissans)

now, if there's a better off-roader that has 5~6 seatbelts, 4wd-low gearing, and cost under $35K then let me know, please!

 

[rrumaner]

My 2.5 weeks of experience tells me that I am getting close to 400 miles on a tank. I filled it up 3 times so far and I am at 1300+ miles. I drive a combination of local and highway. When I am on the highway it is usually at speeds over 75 (I know, I am a bad boy). When driving locally, it is a lot of stop and go and short trips.

Nissan recommends that you use 87 octane and no more. The engine is designed to use the lower octane. Anything higher and you run the risk of ruining the engine.

Cannot confirm the ability of the stock Titan with the 4x4 package to go offroad yet, but I wouldn't discount it. There are a few others here that have already showed us it is more than capable.

Durability? The truck has been available to the public for about 3 months so far. Other than the fact that it is a Nissan, I don't think anyone can give you an answer to that question yet. Only time will tell and since you already said you are waiting for the 2005, you have a year to examine that yourself.

 

[Colorado]

I'm considering getting the new Titan, most likely the 2005 model when it becomes available. I have a few questions though that perhaps you current owners can answer for me.

1) I'm big on fuel consumption and range. This is one of the biggest drawbacks I see to getting a Titan. I know the tank holds 28 gallons but I'm not quite sure what the mileage is like. I've seen anywhere from 18mpg to sub-10 mpg figures. I'm sure it all depends on how you drive it and if you're hauling anything, but what's the mpg figure for just driving the Titan around town normally without hauling anything?

2) What type of fuel does the Titan use. I thought it was standard octane but then I've seen a few people claim it takes premium. I'd hate to have to fill a 28 gallon tank with premium, especially at today's prices. I know the difference between regular and premium is at most 20 cents/gallon but for someone who spends a lot of time on the road the difference adds up. So what is the manufacturer recommend octane, standard or premium?

3) Is the Titan really a good machine for off-roading? I've read many reviews which praise it for it's class-best approach and departure angles, but is a stock Titan 4x4 with the offroad package really a credible off-roading machine? I'm not talking about climbing a 60 degree vertical rockface or fording an 8" deep puddle of mud, but I'd like to be capable of pulling off the main roads and taking some interesting shortcuts without worrying about getting stuck in the middle of nowhere or breaking the truck down.

4) Finally, how would you rate the durablity of the Titan compared to other trucks and automobiles? One of the most important things I look at when considering an automobile is it's durability. I don't want to deal with a fidgety product that will constantly have problems. I know people who have new cars yet are constantly at the repair shop dealing with one issue after another. I think the benchmark for quality and reliability in an automobile is Lexus. I've dealt with Lexus' for a while now and I've never come across any problems, even on 10+ year old machines. That's the kind of durability and reliability I'm looking for in the Titan. How would you rate the Titan in this regard?

Thanks in advance.

Item 1: Currently, I'm getting almost 16 mpg, around town without hauling anything. I'm not sure what kind of vehicle you currently own, but if mileage is such an issue, a full-size pickup of ANY brand isn't going to make you a happy camper. I've owned 3 Fords (2 Rangers and an F150 and the best was around 12 mpg), a Dodge 1500 (9 mpg on a GOOD day) and a Jimmy that was pretty consistant around 11-12 mpg. One of my son-in-laws has a 2003 Hemi (10 mpg) and my other son-in-law has a 2003 Dodge 1500 (11 mpg). The point I'm trying to make is that big trucks and big engines just don't give you the luxury of mileage. They're for those of us who either like or need power and/or speed (Or both, in the case of the Titan.) You gotta understand that a full-sized pickup is a LOT different than a Honda Accord. And I'll be honest with you...Nissan's claim of up to 18 mpg for the Titan is something on which you may not want to bet the Ranch. Doesn't mean it won't happen, but if it does, I'll be tap-dancin' all the way to Durango!

Item 2: I use Regular. Here in Colorado, that translates to COSTCO 85 octane and my truck runs perfectly. My dealer told me that 85 is fine at this altitude, but he also said that I might have to kick up to 87 octane at sea level. In any case, the Titan is SUPPOSED to run on Regular.

Item 3: Someone else will have to give you better advice on this one. I'm not an off-roader. However, I've had the opportunity to drive the Titan in 14-inches of snow over Loveland Pass and I felt TOTALLY secure. So did Mad-Dog (my wife) who was riding shotgun. Even from the passenger seat, she could tell that the truck was a beast in the snow. It hugged the road better than anything I've ever driven on slick roads. I can't imagine that the Titan would be anything but spectacular in an off-road situation. Of course, it's big, and that's not always a plus in a tight squeeze through a bundle of boulders...

Item 4: Durablity is one of those things that will be impossible to determine for awhile. I have reason to believe that the truck will be fine, but there really isn't any data (yet) to substantiate that claim, the Titan is just too new. However, my wife has owned 3 Maximas and if the quality of the Titan approaches the quality of the Maxima, you've...WE'VE...got nothing to worry about.

In summary...and remember, this is MY opinion...if you are considering a pickup, consider the Titan. I'm no amateur with regards to trucks. Although I'm retired, I was a General Contractor for over 30 years. The Titan is the best thing I've ever owned. Someone on another post (specifically Briarman) said that "he is enamored with this truck." I couldn't have said it any better. (By the way, Briarman has Red Brawn just like me, so he's obviously a man of high intelligence...) When you're ready to buy, test 'em all...Chevy Ford, Dodge, GMC...but BE SURE you test the Titan. I think you'll be impressed.

Bubba

(RTT)

 

[munkeebinis]

Thanks for all the info. Keep it coming. Maybe if I gave you an idea of what I need in an automobile you can come up with a recommendation as to what would be best. Here are some things I need:

-The ability to seat atleast 4 people.
-Good range from a tank of gas (400 miles seems like a good target)
-Sporty, firm handling
-Power, the more the better
-Good offroad capability for a stock vehicle
-Enough cargo space to haul the occasional tools and building supplies, but nothing major
-Navigation system
-Reliable

After looking at all the possiblities out there the Titan seems like a good possibility. I've also looked at the Armada, and although I like it, I don't think it suits me as well.

I'm not considering getting anything for about another year, so by that time there will be more options to consider, but at the current time the Titan is looking like the way to go.

Two future vehicles that have sparked my interest aside from the Titan is the upcoming H3, which I really like for its manageable size and big power yet decent gas mileage, plus it's offroad capability and toughness. And I'm also interested in the new Toyota Tundra replacement which should be out in a year or two. It should be based on the FTX concept which I really like, and I'm sure it will have a lot of innovative features. Toyota has seen the Big 3 and Nissan up the ante with their new offerings, so I'm sure Toyota will step it up another notch to stay competitive and really make an impact on this market segment. What do you all think? Is the Titan the way to go, or is Toyota's next truck something to wait for and go with instead, or is the upcoming H3 maybe a better choice yet?

 

[outahere]

If you want good mileage in a half ton pickup, you will have to wait a few years. I expect that diesel motors will be a widely available option in 2006 or 2007, when low sulfur fuel is available. General Motors claims that in the near future (2005?) their gas motors will have DOD (displacement on demand) to improve highway mileage. (see this link http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/tech/dod/benefits.htm). GM is also boasting that they will be the first to market with hybrid drivetrains in full size pickups and SUVs (2008?).

 

[Bayou Titan]

Thanks for all the info. Keep it coming. Maybe if I gave you an idea of what I need in an automobile you can come up with a recommendation as to what would be best. Here are some things I need:

-The ability to seat atleast 4 people.
-Good range from a tank of gas (400 miles seems like a good target)
-Sporty, firm handling
-Power, the more the better
-Good offroad capability for a stock vehicle
-Enough cargo space to haul the occasional tools and building supplies, but nothing major
-Navigation system
-Reliable

After looking at all the possiblities out there the Titan seems like a good possibility. I've also looked at the Armada, and although I like it, I don't think it suits me as well.

I'm not considering getting anything for about another year, so by that time there will be more options to consider, but at the current time the Titan is looking like the way to go.

Two future vehicles that have sparked my interest aside from the Titan is the upcoming H3, which I really like for its manageable size and big power yet decent gas mileage, plus it's offroad capability and toughness. And I'm also interested in the new Toyota Tundra replacement which should be out in a year or two. It should be based on the FTX concept which I really like, and I'm sure it will have a lot of innovative features. Toyota has seen the Big 3 and Nissan up the ante with their new offerings, so I'm sure Toyota will step it up another notch to stay competitive and really make an impact on this market segment. What do you all think? Is the Titan the way to go, or is Toyota's next truck something to wait for and go with instead, or is the upcoming H3 maybe a better choice yet?

Munkeebinis,
I say you need to buy the Titan now. The Titan has everything you want on your wish list. It will be a couple of years before the new Tundra is out and you can be enjoying your Titan now. I think that if you wait on the next new redesigned truck to come out you will never be able to buy because there will always be a new truck on the horizon that you will want more. It's like people you hear saying they will wait next year to by a computer because they will be twice as fast the this year's models. If they continue this logic they will never own a computer. Truck buyers are not much different. At some point in time you have to break the insanity and buy. I love my Titan but I believe that the new Tundra will be better after it is redesigned. I also believe that the new Titan redesign in about five years will be better than the Tundra. I think the pickup truck war will be a constant leapfrogging of better trucks from different manufacturers year after year. Each one will be forced copy the attributes of the other while surpassing the other's deficiencies. I bet you my last dollar that any new redesigned truck will have a cantilevered tailgate like the Ford, powered rear glass like the Tundra Double Cab and Utili-trac system like the Titan. Keep waiting? No! Buy now and forever hold your peace. (until the next redesign comes out) :jester:

P.S. If you are considering an H3, it is not in the same class as the Titan. I live in the town where it will be made and know that it will be based on the Chevy Colorado platform and have a five cylinder engine. I think it's just a marketing ploy to make buyers think that they are getting a smaller version of the $100,000 Hummer or the $50,000 H2 when in reality the similarities are only skin deep. More macho style than substance. I think the H3 will have barely enough power to pull its own weight.

 

[munkeebinis]

I would get the Titan now if I had the money. That's why I'm waiting for the 2005 models. By that time I should have enough in my budget for a reasonably priced automobile. I also agree about trucks getting better with every redesign, obviously. The thing I'm weary of is finally having enough to get the truck and then a year later having something I want much more. Once I get more info on the upcoming Toyota I'll be able to make a more informed decision. Obviously I won't keep waiting for a better product to come out, but if I can get by for a year without the truck and get a much better one in the end, I'd rather do that. The question is, will the next Toyota be "much better" than the current Titan. That's yet to be seen.

 

[pluckyew]

Hummers

Hummer 1 seats four, is heavy, AND COSTS $115,000 nicely equpped.
Hummer 1 is a good status vehicle, if you can afford it with cash.

Hummer 2 is a joke. yeah it can go off road. seats four, is heavy, AND COSTS $50,000. But an Armada or Titan will kick its arse on or off road.
the H2's (and Sierra/Silverado 2500HD's) 6.0 v8 engine is weaker and burns more gas than the 5.6 v8.
Hummer 2 is a good poser vehicle.

Hummer 3 seems to be more like a Hummer 2, but don't know yet.
Hummer 3 has 350 hp @ 6000 rpm. that's 6000 rpm.
A Colorado 4x4 costs as nearly much as a Titan 4x4, so a Turbo H3 would cost a lot more.

 

[munkeebinis]

I don't really like the H1 or H2. The H1 is a great military vehicle but that's the thing, it's a "military" vehicle. Much too impractical for driving through the city, and much too expensive. The H2 on the other hand seems much more designed for city use, but it's still too huge and burns way too much gas. Not to mention that both models seem cramped for space inside which is a mystery for such huge vehicles. The H3 on the other hand seems to take care of those problems. It's smaller and more manageable for everyday driving, but it still keeps the good looks and "toughness" of the brand. The only question is, what will the powertrain be like. If you've seen the H3T concept you'll notice it has a 5-cyl supercharged engine making around 350hp. That's pretty good for a truck that size, however I'm sure the production version won't have quite as much power. So the question still remains, what will the production powertrain be like.

 

[Bayou Titan]

I don't really like the H1 or H2. The H1 is a great military vehicle but that's the thing, it's a "military" vehicle. Much too impractical for driving through the city, and much too expensive. The H2 on the other hand seems much more designed for city use, but it's still too huge and burns way too much gas. Not to mention that both models seem cramped for space inside which is a mystery for such huge vehicles. The H3 on the other hand seems to take care of those problems. It's smaller and more manageable for everyday driving, but it still keeps the good looks and "toughness" of the brand. The only question is, what will the powertrain be like. If you've seen the H3T concept you'll notice it has a 5-cyl supercharged engine making around 350hp. That's pretty good for a truck that size, however I'm sure the production version won't have quite as much power. So the question still remains, what will the production powertrain be like.

Munkeebinis,
I seriously doubt that the 5-cyl, supercharged, 350 hp engine, H3 is something that you can afford if you can't afford a Titan. Just a plain Jane Chevy Colorado is high as a cat's back for what it is so I suspect the H3 will be even more expensive. If I was you, I would consider the new Frontier coming out this fall. I think it will be much more practical and suit your needs better than the H3. I am attaching an H3 link that is pretty good.
http://www.h3source.com/h3t.htm

 

[militia_man]

Hummers...

I am an Air Force cop and we drive hummers when overseas in forward deployed areas (Iraq, Afganistan, surrounding areas). In my opinion the government gets ripped off on the hummers, they seem to be made to break.

 

[munkeebinis]

Thanks for the link. I do think the H3 is a little of a stretch when it comes to what vehicle I want to purchase, not that I couldn't afford it. I'm more interested in the upcoming truck from Toyota. I'd like to get some info on it before I decide whether I want to go with the Titan instead.