2008 Titan...?

[box]

I was reviewing the Titan forums and even read a few of the TITAN vs TUNDRA threads in TS (though most are way out-dated now). Withe the coming of the 2008 Titan, what are some of your thoughts on it? It appears that all the quirks it had as a new truck have been fixed (breaks, rattles, etc). How do you think the truck will compare in terms of long-term reliabilty and competitiveness in the marketplace? Do you view it as a threat to the Tundra...or even Chevy/Ford? I figure if I asked this in a Titan forum, I'd only get the generic biased viewpoints...at least here, I know I can get a well rounded repsonse.

[TundraBuddy]

I have a coworker that bought the titan and loves it...no problems, runs like a top since the day he bought it. The quality of the interior seems a bit low for my taste ergonomics not the best and exterior is U-G-L-Y, ugly IMO. But then again, that's why I bought the Tundra. I'm sure that Nissan will put out a good product. My family has had several in the past with no problems.

[mhagger]

I think the Tundra will appeal more to a younger crowd. It has a more aggressive look and may do better off road. The ride is rougher and the interior is less refined than a chevy. The Tundra should have a nicer interior, but sadly does not. Both Nissan and Toyota are behind the chevy and ford for interior fit/finish and interior quality.

I think Tundra will have better long term reliability. Nissan currently has a lot more aftermarket modifications, but hopefully the Toyota will catch up.

[riverratt]

Let me start by saying I have recently purchased a 2008 Titan CC LE 4WD. Why am I here? Well, I have been researching the Titan since about 2004 and the new Tundra for about 2 years. The Titan was a new design and build in 2004 just as the new Tundra is a new design and build this year. The first year purchasers of either truck were somewhat pioneers. To sum things up, I think in time the Tundra will certainly mature to the level that the Titan has achieved.

[box]

Originally Posted by riverratt

Let me start by saying I have recently purchased a 2008 Titan CC LE 4WD. Why am I here? Well, I have been researching the Titan since about 2004 and the new Tundra for about 2 years. The Titan was a new design and build in 2004 just as the new Tundra is a new design and build this year. The first year purchasers of either truck were somewhat pioneers. To sum things up, I think in time the Tundra will certainly mature to the level that the Titan has achieved.

For discussion purposes, why do you view the Titan as the forerunner over the Tundra, right now? Aside from the write-up by Popular Mechanics giving the Titan the number 1 spot, everyone else, review wise, rates the 1st year Tundra OVER the Titan.

Just curious your thoughts on why, that's all.

[rockstate45]

I test drove an '07 Titan and really liked it. Thought it had more pep then the Crewmax I drove right afterward. I know, however, the Tundra is faster. The interior of the Tundra looked nicer than the Titan I drove (both top of the line). I would have gotten that Titan if they hadn't sold it from underneath us (took us a while to get over the lack of side airbags). The Tundra I have now has a cheap interior. Much "flexible" surfaces than my '98 Expedition. Never once did I have a rattle in that thing and I had one in my Tundra that magically disappeared. The dash is the worst for flexibility. Gravel roads make it look like it's going to fall apart, not to mention all the noise.

I like the Titan and I'm not sure if they upped the power at all, or even what changes they made, but it's I don't know if Nissan markets the truck to everybody, more of a small niche. The Tundra was built to compete with the Ford and the Chevy whereas the Titan was probably built to take those laggers and take Dodges spot.

Nothing wrong with the Titan in my opinion, and like I said earlier, I'd be driving one now (for like 25K off of the 40K this one was stickered at haha) if they hadn't sold it. Now I drive a Tundra and am plenty happy with it, but the quality is definitely not even close to our '03 4runner and for now, I don't know how nice it'll look 10 years down the road like my Expedition. (When that thing is clean, it has a timeless look - that beautiful blue).

-rockstate

[ChicksDigEmToo]

The 08 only has an updated face. A refresh if you will. The same rear end is being used and the same sub par plastic parts in the interior. They did however change the SE seat coverings which look a lot better than the past...but over all it is the same truck. I owned two of them in the past and although I had no "real" problems with mine that I didn't cause my self I don't miss all the annoying rattles that both of my trucks had.

However...dollar for dollar I dont think you can go wrong with the Titan. They are offering $5000 rebates again. That is a lot of truck for the money.

[REALM]

My friend has an '04 Titan with about 50K or 60K miles on it. He loves it, but says he likes mine more. Keeps telling me hates me. I like his truck though and keep telling him it's good. He had some brake problems in the beginning, got them replaced twice and is all good now. Then he had some starting problems, and then some electrical problems, but we fault the shop working on it for those.

My Titan likes:
Exterior rear looks great
Seats, I love the cloth neoprene like fabric
Engine and tranny, lots of pep off the line, great for towing

My Titan dislikes:
Exterior front looks odd to me unless it's color coded
Interior dash is too industrial for me
Rear diff looks kinda small and leaves me wondering to durability in heavy towing... not that I do much of that.

[box]

Seems people metion the interior of the Titan and how all the plastic makes it look cheap.....but doesn't the Tundra have the same thing? I mean, I see tons of plastic everywhere wrapping all around the Tundra and looks just as cheap.

One thing I'm not sure of is the DVD Navigation. I know the Tundra has a nice set-up with touchscreen. I don't think the Titan has touch screen (though i could be wrong).

[riverratt]

Originally Posted by box

For discussion purposes, why do you view the Titan as the forerunner over the Tundra, right now? Aside from the write-up by Popular Mechanics giving the Titan the number 1 spot, everyone else, review wise, rates the 1st year Tundra OVER the Titan.

Just curious your thoughts on why, that's all.

I was trying to answer the 08 Titan question from the perspective of a new truck (tundra) vs. a refresh (Titan). The Titan had many design features (easy open/close tailgate, 4X4 with coilover front suspension, DOHC engine, box frame, electronic locking rear differential) that others are just now incorporating. Which truck is "better" is a very vague and subjective question. I have not seen a comparisan using the 08 Titan (I don't think). Many of the original problems with the Titan's seem to have been addressed in 08 (larger rear diff axles with redesigned seals, larger brakes, better interior materials, additional sound deadening materials, redesigned exhaust, less height difference from front to rear). These changes were based on experience gained from 04 thru 07 model years.

[NavyTundra]

I was very close to getting the Titan over the Tundra. I like the Titan instrument panel more than the Tundra's but I got the overall feeling that the Tundra interior was just a bit better quality. Also, I was a previous (since '00) Tacoma owner so I have high expectations for my Tundra. Paid a little more (ok, maybe a lot more) but I feel like between the reliability and resale value (in 7-10 years) it will be worth it. My 2¢.

[stevencrosbie]

I wanted a Pro-4x Titan. I test drove one. I liked the Tundra's driving dynamics better on the highway...but the Pro-4x is a much better off roader than the Tundra.

If I was buying today with today's discounts on the 08 models, I'd buy a Pro-4x. There's a lot of truck for the money, but I believe the Tundra is the better truck (cost aside).

[Skyhammerz]

I had two Titans, I got 9600 miles out the first one before it was bought back and 22k on the second Titan before it fell apart. The Titan would be a good truck if Nissan didn't use cheap parts.
I have had both front and rear diff fail, transfer case fail, 3 ABS units fail, Both rear axle seals fail, had the front doors and windows replaced 3 times, front passenger seat replaced 3 times, 3 BCM modules fail, center console replaced 4 times, radiator cracked, tranny hoses fall off, front axle pop out and all this was on the good Titan.
Titan sales have dropped at a steady pace since 2005, their highest sales year. They average about 5-6000 sales a month.
the Titan's tow mode is a sad joke compared to the Tundra, and the Titan's ABLS is nearly useless.Oh, and most of the rear end failures are on Titans with the e-locker. The tiny 8.5" rear diff is about the same size as the one on my 85 Toyota, it is just not up to towing what the truck is rated for.

[rockstate45]

How did you have the center console replaced 4 times?

-rockstate

[mike100]

Originally Posted by Skyhammerz

I had two Titans, I got 9600 miles out the first one before it was bought back and 22k on the second Titan before it fell apart. The Titan would be a good truck if Nissan didn't use cheap parts.
I have had both front and rear diff fail, transfer case fail, 3 ABS units fail, Both rear axle seals fail, had the front doors and windows replaced 3 times, front passenger seat replaced 3 times, 3 BCM modules fail, center console replaced 4 times, radiator cracked, tranny hoses fall off, front axle pop out and all this was on the good Titan.
Titan sales have dropped at a steady pace since 2005, their highest sales year. They average about 5-6000 sales a month.
the Titan's tow mode is a sad joke compared to the Tundra, and the Titan's ABLS is nearly useless.Oh, and most of the rear end failures are on Titans with the e-locker. The tiny 8.5" rear diff is about the same size as the one on my 85 Toyota, it is just not up to towing what the truck is rated for.

Damn...how did you ever find time to drive it? Yeah, the diff is too small for a v8 truck. even the xterras break the same axle. The side gear is machined down to make room for the electric locking diff actuator and that part frags every time. An arb or trutrac diff pretty much solves that problem.

I heard the 2008 Titan is available as a crewcab with the 6 ft bed rather than the stubby one now. That's about it. I'm sure the 2009 or 2010 will be a big step up in drivetrain strength and probably will come in a bit north of 375 hp.