In the meantime, I have an older 3800 engine with quite a few miles on it that shows no signs of giving up. GM used to build many good engines. Did they forget how it was done?
I’ve had multiple 3800s. The cars rusted out or otherwise fell apart long before the engine had any issues. Got 236k miles on my Buick right now.
And yes, the base model Frontier was extremely affordable and I was able to find one without the “technology package” meaning no automatic braking, lane departure crap, auto headlights and who knows what else. Just a basic truck that drives and feels like a truck. Assembled in Mississippi. Not the best on gas but I prefer that over a four cylinder turbo set up.