Wow kev, thanks for the info!! And thanks for everyone else's replies.
The 50 lbs thing on the Frontier, if true, is a deal breaker. That is just ridiculous. Tailgates are meant for sitting on and also for remaining closed and being used to contain a load that is levered on it thus eliminating the need for straps. I would have an aneurism if either practice damaged the tailgate.
I agree about the look of the Tacoma. It turns me on. I'm vain in few ways, but when it comes to trucks and women, I have to like what I'm looking at.
Rear drum brakes? That's sooo last century. I'm shocked. But it's unlikely that I'd be doing much of the maintenance on it so I guess I don't care.
What I really like is the 6 speed manual. I've been driving an auto for 4 years and how I miss the manual tranny on my old truck. Giving me a 6th gear is like giving me a lobster tail with my steak dinner.
The payload question concerns me a bit. There are times that I have to go to Rona and get a truckload of construction materials. I expect a truck to be able to handle that. I'm not buying a truck to look cool (though I'm sure I will).
I'm going to find a dealership that offers extended test drives and then I'm going to go fill the box with materials and take it for a spin. If I bring it back broken... Well... I'll just borrow an excuse from Homer Simpson.
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