Trading in Frontier for a Gladiator. Good idea?

[nasiraod]

Hello Everyone
I am considering trading in my 2018 frontier with a 90k kms 2020 Gladiator Rubicon with 37in tyres (priced at around 43k CAD)
I acquired my frontier last year in the hopes of modifying it into an off road rig, but I have been finding myself not having the time to do so.
So I was wondering the following:

1. What is the reliability of this truck? I know the transmission is a ZF transmission, but I have no reference onto the reliability of the engine and/or electronics. It does have fox shocks, not sure if that is standard, or the reliability of the suspension components
2. The other concern I have is resale value. I work in a field where I might have to switch places, and just wondering whether I'd lose a lot of money if I am to sell it in a year or two. More than the average depreciation. Given the recent decline in Gladiator sales, that has me concerned. And how fast I can sell it
3. For me, this is a secondary vehicle, meant for trips, off road excursions, and camping, not a daily driver, and I am aware that the drive dynamics are quite different from an IFS truck. Is there anything that I should check for when inspecting the vehicle?
4. I was considering a Tacoma, but I couldn't find a lifted one in my area, the whole reason I am looking at a gladiator is I don't need to do the work to lift it. Also, Toyota tax

I do live in Canada, just in case that makes a difference

Any comments or help would be greatly appreciated

Thank you very much in advance

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[Stan H]

Hello Everyone
I am considering trading in my 2018 frontier with a 90k kms Gladiator Rubicon with 37in tyres (priced at around 43k CAD)
I acquired my frontier last year in the hopes of modifying it into an off road rig, but I have been finding myself not having the time to do so.
So I was wondering the following:

1. What is the reliability of this truck? I know the transmission is a ZF transmission, but I have no reference onto the reliability of the engine and/or electronics. It does have fox shocks, not sure if that is standard, or the reliability of the suspension components
2. The other concern I have is resale value. I work in a field where I might have to switch places, and just wondering whether I'd lose a lot of money if I am to sell it in a year or two. More than the average depreciation. Given the recent decline in Gladiator sales, that has me concerned.
3. For me, this is a secondary vehicle, meant for trips, off road excursions, and camping, not a daily driver, and I am aware that the drive dynamics are quite different from an IFS truck. Is there anything that I should check for when inspecting the vehicle?
4. I was considering a Tacoma, but I couldn't find a lifted one in my area, the whole reason I am looking at a gladiator is I don't need to do the work to lift it. Also, Toyota tax

I do live in Canada, just in case that makes a difference

Any comments or help would be greatly appreciated

Thank you very much in advance

55,000 Miles isnt bad at all, would still have some warranty left .. there is no other Brand on the planet that can be more modified than a Jeep. If it is a Gladiator it has the 850RE there have only been 1 or 2 I ever heard of that had ZF tranny in them and at that the 850RE is a direct licensed copy of the 8HP50 ZF transmission . Go for it dude .

 

[nasiraod]

55,000 Miles isnt bad at all, would still have some warranty left .. there is no other Brand on the planet that can be more modified than a Jeep. If it is a Gladiator it has the 850RE there have only been 1 or 2 I ever heard of that had ZF tranny in them and at that the 850RE is a direct licensed copy of the 8HP50 ZF transmission . Go for it dude .

Thank you very much, I am not sure if it is the actual ZF or the licensed one, that's what the dealership mentioned, but I can confirm. Either way, seems to be a solidly designed transmission.
As for warranty, it'll probably be over since it is a 2020, my apologies I forgot to add that info to the original post, I just added it in for context
As for modifications, there are so many things that can be done, my head is spinning lol. I'm going to see what the numbers look like on Saturday, but wanted some info from the community about the concerns I have

 

[Stan H]

Thank you very much, I am not sure if it is the actual ZF or the licensed one, that's what the dealership mentioned, but I can confirm. Either way, seems to be a solidly designed transmission.
As for warranty, it'll probably be over since it is a 2020, my apologies I forgot to add that info to the original post, I just added it in for context
As for modifications, there are so many things that can be done, my head is spinning lol. I'm going to see what the numbers look like on Saturday, but wanted some info from the community about the concerns I have

2020 okay well , yeah warranty gone probably Write VIN down . Call dealership or go to service department have them look it up it will tell you my Money is on it being a 850RE but still you cant do a whole lot with a frantier the sky is the limit for a Jeep
Pull out your and join the fun

 

[Old Dogger]

Hello Everyone
I am considering trading in my 2018 frontier with a 90k kms 2020 Gladiator Rubicon with 37in tyres (priced at around 43k CAD)
I acquired my frontier last year in the hopes of modifying it into an off road rig, but I have been finding myself not having the time to do so.
So I was wondering the following:

1. What is the reliability of this truck? I know the transmission is a ZF transmission, but I have no reference onto the reliability of the engine and/or electronics. It does have fox shocks, not sure if that is standard, or the reliability of the suspension components
2. The other concern I have is resale value. I work in a field where I might have to switch places, and just wondering whether I'd lose a lot of money if I am to sell it in a year or two. More than the average depreciation. Given the recent decline in Gladiator sales, that has me concerned. And how fast I can sell it
3. For me, this is a secondary vehicle, meant for trips, off road excursions, and camping, not a daily driver, and I am aware that the drive dynamics are quite different from an IFS truck. Is there anything that I should check for when inspecting the vehicle?
4. I was considering a Tacoma, but I couldn't find a lifted one in my area, the whole reason I am looking at a gladiator is I don't need to do the work to lift it. Also, Toyota tax

I do live in Canada, just in case that makes a difference

Any comments or help would be greatly appreciated

Thank you very much in advance

Welcome to the Forum! The Gladiators are well built, with a prover quality powertrain!

 

[JmattNYC]

Hello Everyone
I am considering trading in my 2018 frontier with a 90k kms 2020 Gladiator Rubicon with 37in tyres (priced at around 43k CAD)
I acquired my frontier last year in the hopes of modifying it into an off road rig, but I have been finding myself not having the time to do so.
So I was wondering the following:

1. What is the reliability of this truck? I know the transmission is a ZF transmission, but I have no reference onto the reliability of the engine and/or electronics. It does have fox shocks, not sure if that is standard, or the reliability of the suspension components
2. The other concern I have is resale value. I work in a field where I might have to switch places, and just wondering whether I'd lose a lot of money if I am to sell it in a year or two. More than the average depreciation. Given the recent decline in Gladiator sales, that has me concerned. And how fast I can sell it
3. For me, this is a secondary vehicle, meant for trips, off road excursions, and camping, not a daily driver, and I am aware that the drive dynamics are quite different from an IFS truck. Is there anything that I should check for when inspecting the vehicle?
4. I was considering a Tacoma, but I couldn't find a lifted one in my area, the whole reason I am looking at a gladiator is I don't need to do the work to lift it. Also, Toyota tax

I do live in Canada, just in case that makes a difference

Any comments or help would be greatly appreciated

Thank you very much in advance

Of course it is a good idea. Frontier are good trucks but you wont have anywhere near the fun you can have in a Jeep Gladiator. Also the Jeep gladiator is by far the most capable of all the jeeps so its a no brainer.

 

[nasiraod]

Welcome to the Forum! The Gladiators are well built, with a prover quality powertrain!

Thank you for the warm welcome, I think what I don't know is the reliability of the V6 engine, and the Gladiator's electronics, I heard some people had issues with that, plus some issues with shocks. Not sure how prevalent that is. Since it would be out of warranty, I am a bit trepidatious
I guess one of the things I would like to know is what to look for? When I buy a used one

Of course it is a good idea. Frontier are good trucks but you wont have anywhere near the fun you can have in a Jeep Gladiator. Also the Jeep gladiator is by far the most capable of all the jeeps so its a no brainer.

Oh definitely, I took it out for a test drive two days ago, and I can definitely feel the potential for fun, especially since this one already has fuel wheels with 37in tyres

 

[Jaxmax]

I would think it already has a lift kit on it with those 37” tires, it’s your truck hard to say what you should do you already have big tires, do you need big tires? Whatever way you decide to go just have fun!….Jack

 

[nasiraod]

I would think it already has a lift kit on it with those 37” tires, it’s your truck hard to say what you should do you already have big tires, do you need big tires? Whatever way you decide to go just have fun!….Jack

I did take couple of pictures of it

Does this look lifted? I didn't think it was, but I can confirm with the dealership, what kinda lift it has? I do see fox shocks, but not sure if they are the OEM fox, or aftermarket, this is a good point to ask about, thanks

 

[Gvsukids]

Thank you for the warm welcome, I think what I don't know is the reliability of the V6 engine, and the Gladiator's electronics, I heard some people had issues with that, plus some issues with shocks. Not sure how prevalent that is. Since it would be out of warranty, I am a bit trepidatious
I guess one of the things I would like to know is what to look for? When I buy a used one



Oh definitely, I took it out for a test drive two days ago, and I can definitely feel the potential for fun, especially since this one already has fuel wheels with 37in tyres

It's lifted.
Issues are hit or miss. My 2020 has had engine work including the rear main seal and cams, rockers and lifters.

 

[nasiraod]

It's lifted.
Issues are hit or miss. My 2020 has had engine work including the rear main seal and cams, rockers and lifters.

So you think it might be prudent to maybe opt for the extended warranty?
The rockers, cams and lifters seem to be the main thing with this engine, any idea the cost of doing this out of warranty?
However, seems like the auto transmission is bulletproof, have not seen any complaints about it
I forgot to put the listing in, my bad
https://www.jpchrysler.com/vehicles/2020/jeep/gladiator/surrey/bc/67477653/?sale_class=used

 

[Stan H]

So you think it might be prudent to maybe opt for the extended warranty?
The rockers, cams and lifters seem to be the main thing with this engine, any idea the cost of doing this out of warranty?
However, seems like the auto transmission is bulletproof, have not seen any complaints about it
I forgot to put the listing in, my bad
https://www.jpchrysler.com/vehicles/2020/jeep/gladiator/surrey/bc/67477653/?sale_class=used

They sell kit for the repair want to say price is like around 500.00 USD.
Yes in your case because if you aren't mechanically inclined it would serve you well to have it so the dealer could do repairs if needed

 

[DirkG]

RE: Trading in Frontier for a Gladiator. Good idea?

I'm on my second Gladiator (by choice) and it's often hard to explain to prospective buyers why owning a Gladiator is so enjoyable. Is it reliable like a Honda? No. Is it fast like a Porsche? Nope. Is it even fuel efficient? Not even close.

So what's the allure? It's a kick-ass convertible Jeep truck that can climb a freakin' mountain and is basically an adult Lego to build your own adventure.

Years ago in our 2020 Gladiator my wife, kids, and I were driving along Pacific Coast Highway in Southern California. There was a classic car caravan that stretched for miles. Beautiful classics. One of my favorites is the 1969 Camaro. I saw one in line and got beside it to give the guy a thumbs up. When I got up to him, he pointed at the Gladiator and gave me a thumbs up. My kids thought I was Captain America.

So....that.

 

[nasiraod]

RE: Trading in Frontier for a Gladiator. Good idea?

I'm on my second Gladiator (by choice) and it's often hard to explain to prospective buyers why owning a Gladiator is so enjoyable. Is it reliable like a Honda? No. Is it fast like a Porsche? Nope. Is it even fuel efficient? Not even close.

So what's the allure? It's a kick-ass convertible Jeep truck that can climb a freakin' mountain and is basically an adult Lego to build your own adventure.

Years ago in our 2020 Gladiator my wife, kids, and I were driving along Pacific Coast Highway in Southern California. There was a classic car caravan that stretched for miles. Beautiful classics. One of my favorites is the 1969 Camaro. I saw one in line and got beside it to give the guy a thumbs up. When I got up to him, he pointed at the Gladiator and gave me a thumbs up. My kids thought I was Captain America.

So....that.

Oh, I know exactly what type of truck the Gladiator is. It is my secondary vehicle as I have a 320hp Mk8.5 Golf R for all my fast and the furious needs lol
The decision that I am trying to cover here mostly is whether the spend the time and energy modifying my current frontier, or get this gladiator. It is a gorgeous truck with fantastic capabilities, my concern is whether it'll be a money pit for me and make me fall out of love with it. I know my frontier is very reliable, drivetrain wise, but it would never be as capable as a Gladiator, just by the engineering limitations of it.
Curious though, why are you on your second one? What happened to the first?

 

[nasiraod]

It's lifted.
Issues are hit or miss. My 2020 has had engine work including the rear main seal and cams, rockers and lifters.

That makes sense, is there anything I should look at in terms of the lift kit type/quality?

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