[dustinova]

I'm in the market for a used truck, and have it narrowed down between a 2009-2010 F-150, and a 2008-2012 Titan. Either would be a crew cab, 4wd. I've been very interested in the Titans for years now, and am finally in a position to potentially pick one up. My only concern is in reading the various opinion threads at other forums I frequent, and used car rankings/ratings. They all seem to have the Titans at the bottom of their lists due to lack of updates from previous years, cheap interiors, lack of layout options (no regular cab, only 1 engine choice, etc...), and poor reliability.

From the research I've done, it sounds like the drivetrain in the Titan is very reliable, with the exception of earlier years brakes and rear axles. It sounds like the Fords of these years seem to have major issues with their engines and transmissions, yet they are ranked much higher in overall reliability than the Titan. Is there something I'm missing?

By the way, my plans for the truck are to keep it stock, have it be my daily driver and family hauler, and tow our 20 ft offshore aluminum fishing boat. Thanks for any and all input.

 

[Mac's Hack Shack]

The titan has a strong motor and transmission no doubt about that. The rear end and front final drive on the other hand are not the greatest, and people do have problems with them from time to time. It is always going to be a gamble I've seen guys on here that drove their truck 200000+ miles towing heavy trailers never experiencing any problems. Other guys have gone through absolute nightmares of every known weak area of the truck failing on them.

I really believe Its gonna come down more to the particular truck you buy than the brand. I'll take the well maintained over the ran hard and put up wet any day.

 

[danman]

Don't be afraid of the horror stories. All manufacturing brands have them. Speaking from a family of titan owners, my dad has two and I have had 1 other besides the one I currently own, they are great trucks. My dad uses his for daily driver and the other, the 2004, he works the piss out of on his cattle ranch...Fully capable in all aspects.

Dad hasn't had any problems except for one brake sensor failure about 10 years ago.

There have been reports of guys on this forum seeing titans with over 400k on the clock and still running strong. Yes the titan has faults, but can be easily remedied...in the end, do what makes you happy..imop, anymore it comes down to preference in manufacturer brand choice...I choose nissan

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[Lee-the-Impaler]

Any used vehicle purchase comes down to how it was taken care of. All new trucks are awesome, and eventually, they become crap... it's just a fact of life. The Titan has always had a bad rap in reviews, but then look at the big 3 fans, they are all intentionally ignorant, mouth-frothing, near religious believers that their brand is the best.. and they are wrong. The Titan supposedly doesn't hold its value, but I have seen MANY times, locally 1-3 year old Titans sell on used lots for AS MUCH as it would have cost brand new. The issues the first gen titan has are several, and annoying, but in $ and severity, far less than the issues the big 3 have through the same model years. The reason that Titan's didn't change a whole lot from 2004 to 20015, is that they (mostly) got it right. No need to offer a bunch of different motors when it's a badass powerplant and you only have a half-ton offering to the market. Also, that's 11 years to work out the bugs, vs the other manufacturers who change the whole thing every 3-4 years and create a whole new list of unforeseen issues with every redesign (Not to mention the cost of all that massive R&D department passed on to the customer). Personally speaking, my Titan has been the least expensive vehicle in repair costs I have ever owned, and I owned it longer than any other vehicle aside from my '92 ranger. as to the interior being crappy? all interiors are flimsy plastic with crappy clips and strip happy thread tabs... EVERY ONE these days. The biggest downside is that it's tough to get to some of the parts for modding/repairs, but not impossible. Not any worse than working on my wife's '01 suburban in most cases.

I was a guy who preferred dodges (and always owned fords, and drove a TON of company-fleet GMs), and ended up trading 2 dodges (03 ram & 02 Durango) in on my Titan in the summer of 09. I never even considered one, but while on the way to show my wife a Ford I had found used, she nagged me into stopping at the nissan dealership. I did so, mainly to shut her up.. 2 days later, I brought a new titan home with 18miles on the ODO and blue plastic film still on the chrome. The interior was spacious, and the test drive was amazing....both interior and performance ran circles around my 03 hemi ram. Hell, I didn't even buy the one I drove. The real kicker, was that brand new, My Titan was $10k less than the 2 year old ford (XL, power NOTHING, and only AM/FM stereo... but it WAS a longbed 1 ton diesel) was for asking price. Reliability? My Titan has been the most reliable vehicle I have EVER owned, or borrowed for any length of time. 80% of my downtime has been due to mods-in-progress, or needed repairs to those mods. The only OEM stuff that has put me down was the parking brakes (EASY remedy had I been pre-emptive), the radiator (Near universal weak point), and the fuel pump going out at 145K (Not too shabby). I have also had to replace the power steering pressure hose, but that never shut me down, and the repair took about a half hour with smoke and beer breaks. Keep in mind as well, that my truck was put into oilfield rig-rocket service in the rockies right out of the box, so it hasn't ever been babied, just maintained. Is it 'better' than a chevy, dodge, or ford? not really, but for me, yes. You have to find what you want, but you won't go wrong with a Titan.

 

[Indy]

Lee nailed it. I was a long time Ford/Chevy guy. How did I end up with a Titan? As you say they get knocked for lack of all the engine and rear end combos others have, they don't need it and because of the domestic package game and in ability to find what I needed (I needed a light duty truck capable of towing) as while the domestic trucks talk a good game, you will find a majority of them are setup for the min towing and not the max towing numbers, I crossed them all off and said it either a Toyota or Nissan because they don't play games with their packages and numbers. The Tundra I wanted sold, test drove the Titan and instantly fell in love with it. A year and half as a daily driver and weekend heavy toy hauler (boat/camper/what ever) I still absolutely love my truck. I got the truck I needed and the truck I love all in one package.

 

[nightowl]

You drive a Titan and you will love it. 185k miles on my 05 and its strong as if not stronger than anything comparable coming off the lines today. The issues the Titan have are cracked manifolds, leaking axle seals and not the best mpg. If the truck has 90-130k miles on it the manifolds usually are done. That is a expensive fix but fix it with headers and tuning and you will love it even more. My advice GO FOR IT!!!

 

[Rage232]

Nissan also plays this "tow packages/numbers" game as well. Most dealers have no idea what the truck is capable of towing, you so you need to research it yourself (drive it). You'll max (legally) at 7200 or 9400 - but you should be aware of what your capable of before you buy. You need to make sure the rear end has the 3.36 gears. - get in truck, do 70mph. If you are at 2k on the tachometer, you have the 3.36 gears. You will see many with stock hitches, big tow mirrors, transmission temp gauge... none of that matters. LOOK for the 3.36 gears if you want the 9400 capacity.

Titans are prone to cracked manifolds, the cheapest fix for this is $1500 - Cracked manifold/Performance packages

The rear end issue can also be taken care of from Cajun as well with the axle vent kit - Products

EDIT - forgot to add the parking brake issue - see http://www.titantalk.com/forums/titan-general-discussion/384265-parking-brake-grenade.html
I was lucky on mine, in that it did not even have a parking brake on it when i bought it, so this likely happened to a previous owner

My Titan has been pretty good to me. I had to replace the rear axle seals and do the vent kit at purchase. I had to replace wheel bearings (normal on any vehicle), Fuel pump died and had to replace that, Wheel speed sensor (caused ABS and 4x4 not to work), replace clock spring for steering wheel (caused it not to start at times) and now needs new tie rod ends. I haven't replaced the manifolds yet, but did just purchase new tie rod ends to install, 5100's with Eibach springs from PRG, but I have 136,000 miles on mine - it already rides smoother than any of the big 3 and it's about to get even better!!

I love my T and the only other truck I could consider would have been the Tundra. Just my $.02

 

[Kuyaspidey]

I was in your same boat, only searching for a bit older vehicles. It was 05 F150's or 05 Titan's. I test drove many different used trucks on the market and ultimately fell in love with the Titan, every Titan I drove felt stronger, more durable, and was MUCH larger inside the truck so I could take the whole crew with me. Also in talking with owners of both trucks I found the Titan owners to be more satisfied with their truck. I even in spoke with a personal friend that owns a used car dealership about which would be the better, more reliable buy and he said hands down a Titan was a better truck for the money. Like many others have said on the forum I love my Titan and couldn't be any happier with it, but the only way for you to really decide which truck is best is to go out and test drive both trucks and see which one you fall in love with.

 

[dustinova]

Thanks for the input everyone! I'm planning on test driving a 2011 Titan SV later this week at a local dealer. It's the only one in my area that fits my requirements. If all goes well, I'll be seeing you all on the forum.

 

[Jerry Helton 2]

If you buy a 10 or newer, absolutely no concerns. But this will also depend how you work your Titan. Work it like a mule, and it will last a long time. Work it like mine and it will last forever. I bought a Titan because I can't stand to drive a car. I don't work my T like a truck. I like to think of it as a big *** muscle car from back in the 70's.

 

[TX8STEP]

I came from a Toyota world and have owned 3 trucks and now a 2015 Toyota Highlander AWD platinum. My wife does anyway! Lol.. Stock for stock I chose my Tundra. After capitalizing on my Titan's weaknesses, it is definitely my favorite truck to have ever owned.

 

[ifas91]

I still have my 2004 XE Titan. Just shy of 90,000 miles. Dad and I bought the same truck as a tax deduction (179) in the last week of 2004. He got over 250,000 miles on it. I bought it for parts since I hit a deer and then sold it to a guy that was going to put it back together and drive it some more. Just put headers, airaid, uprev, etc. 50 more hp to the wheels! Very fun, like having a new truck. Also replaced with 20" x 9" wheels and Falken 285/55. I have pulled heavy loads with 2.94 gears. With tru-trac this truck has never been stuck.


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[ifas91]

After hitting the deer.

After the new wheels

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[12 titan]

Dustinova....i was in a similar situation last year....as a prior ford (bronco), chevy (s10, silverado), gmc (sierra), toyota (FJ cruiser 4x4) owner, i went with the titan. i got a 2011 w/ only 47k miles (not bad for a six year old truck). it runs like a champ! so far it has out performed all of the other brands i ever owned and it is a six year old truck! the advantage of buying a well maintained used truck far out weighed the monthly payment of a 'New, constant depreciating' truck. and a bonus, the previous owner installed a flow master exhaust and pro comp suspension....so i'll take the little dings and not new features in exchange. Oh, the 'cheap' interior....that has not been my experience. what i like is the SIMPLICITY of the titan interior. less gadges is more my style. i agree that the titan hasn't been through a bunch of updates, but for me that is a good thing!!! less model differences means more universally available pieces / parts if needed...and cheaper (usually). here is my BLUF - if you can get a titan that has been maintained....i'd go for it. in my mind it sure beats sitting on the porch one day and asking myself 'i wonder what it would have been like to own a titan'. only one life to live....enjoy it.

One thing i like about titans....there is a group...here....that is very knowledgeable and willing to assist with questions and ideas....its one of those niche things....those that are into it are really into it. anywho....good luck on your purchase.

 

[dustinova]

Thanks again for all of the input. I ended up getting the Titan I test drove. It's a 2011 SV Crew Cab 4x4 with 57k miles. I've only had it for a little over 24 hours now, but so far, I am loving this truck.

 

[ifas91]

Very nice, congratulations


2004 XE, 4x4, 2.94 gears, Tru trac, EBC slotted and dimpled rotors with yellow pads, JBA Titanium long tubes, Cajun heavy metal cat B-pipes, Billy Boat cat back, Vibrant Ultra Quiet, and most importantly Uprev!
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[danman]

Thanks again for all of the input. I ended up getting the Titan I test drove. It's a 2011 SV Crew Cab 4x4 with 57k miles. I've only had it for a little over 24 hours now, but so far, I am loving this truck.

Looks nice and unmolested. Have fun with it

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[Lee-the-Impaler]

Dustinova....i was in a similar situation last year....as a prior ford (bronco), chevy (s10, silverado), gmc (sierra), toyota (FJ cruiser 4x4) owner, i went with the titan. i got a 2011 w/ only 47k miles (not bad for a six year old truck). it runs like a champ! so far it has out performed all of the other brands i ever owned and it is a six year old truck! the advantage of buying a well maintained used truck far out weighed the monthly payment of a 'New, constant depreciating' truck. and a bonus, the previous owner installed a flow master exhaust and pro comp suspension....so i'll take the little dings and not new features in exchange. Oh, the 'cheap' interior....that has not been my experience. what i like is the SIMPLICITY of the titan interior. less gadges is more my style. i agree that the titan hasn't been through a bunch of updates, but for me that is a good thing!!! less model differences means more universally available pieces / parts if needed...and cheaper (usually). here is my BLUF - if you can get a titan that has been maintained....i'd go for it. in my mind it sure beats sitting on the porch one day and asking myself 'i wonder what it would have been like to own a titan'. only one life to live....enjoy it.

One thing i like about titans....there is a group...here....that is very knowledgeable and willing to assist with questions and ideas....its one of those niche things....those that are into it are really into it. anyho....good luck on your purchase.

What pro-comp-suspension, Hopefully a full lift..because if it's just 'levelling' pro-runners up front, expect them to snap. I had 2 snap off at the top stem. I was warned against them, bought them anyway, and paid for it. Now, granted this was not just regular in town/hwy use, I offroad hard for work and for kicks, but they cannot take it... friends don't let friends run Pro-Junk.

 

[Mac's Hack Shack]

Damn Titans do look good in white, enjoy your new ride

 

[SE05T]

beautiful truck. welcome to the Titan family. You won't be disappointed. just bought my second Titan. Traded the first one in on an SUV for the wife when we had our second kid. regretted it every day after. the chevy 1500 i picked up to tow my small boat and other general "truck stuff" just wasn't a comparison. Been looking for the "right deal" for over a year and just finally found it. IMO the most comfortable, nice riding/driving full size on the market and it'll pull a house over. You just won't get great MPG doing it.