I have run around in the yoda 4x4 PU's since my first 83, then 87, then 96, and now an '02 extra cab TRD 4x4.
The 2nd gen '02 is a solid reliable little truck! Mine is a 5 speed with a manual low/high T case shift, and being a TRD it has an electric rear locker in the axle. The engine is the FI v6 all stock, and it does great as far as power and mileage.
The new 3rd gen Taco's are to big IMO, and they are full of silly gadgets and too much plastic through out the truck.
If I were you, I would hunt down a cherry 2nd gen Taco. You won't be disappointed you got one over the 3rd gen, since they are smaller and IMO it's more reliable.
Go onto a Taco forum, and it will seem like all the 3rd gen guys do is wine about all the stupid issues they go through with them. While the 1st and 2nd gen owners revel in the well known reliable toughness these trucks are known for.
I purchased mine new, and have never had to do anything to it except for change the oil. (Still on the same plugs, battery, and tires).
On the Nissan, I don't have much to say bout them. Though I did rent a Pathfinder once, and though it was cushy it was a pig on gas (v6)
Oh FWIW, I just had to get mine smog tested to renew the registration. It passed easily, and the tech went over the diagnostic report my truck produced through his equipment. He said that my truck is still well below the limit the EPA regulates on, and he went on to say that he see's these trucks all the time and that they are always an easy pass. Though he did tell me that I should plan on replacing the plugs, and I told him they were still the originals - He just laughed, and said that just proves his point that he told me that they are solid performers when it comes to passing the smog test.