"MY" 300 mile comparison.... Update

Ok, so a little background 1st.

I have rent houses, so a truck is a must for me.

2 years ago, I decided to find a new truck. I had a 2005 single cab ranger. I was getting married decided to get something a little nicer/bigger.

I did lots of research. It came down to the "mini" trucks, I didnt see a need for a full size. (tacoma/canyon/colorado/frontier) I ended up getting a 2015 GMC Canyon. It was a dead even heat for me. being more of a highway/mpg, needed the extra space, the colorado/canyon won out. I bought it in October (I think?) of last year.

2015 Canyon 4x4 SLT bought for 34500. I actually found a used one with 2100 miles. The leather seats were great. heated steering and seats. comfortable on long trips IMO. Got about 28 mpg on a 1500 mile trip from Tulsa to Houston and back. Bed height really did get to me. I am 5'10". I play hockey (goalie), getting my bag in and out was a chore at times. AC/HEAT worked like a beast. (this matters later on) It was fast/accelerated enough. Didnt really notice how gutless it was until later... I was never really a fan of the look of the twins. The front just looks weird to me. Interior was too round, "newness" wore off pretty fast. Also, a TON of blind spots. I couldnt really see out the truck very easily. 4x4 worked fine for me. Not a whole lot of "off roading" here in Oklahoma. Truck was pretty bouncy and Steering felt "loose". I think after a few years it just wouldnt have held up well. Not a very "tightly" felt vehicle. (if that makes sense. lol)

3 months later.... the thing started squeaking like crazy. The brakes squealed constantly. NON STOP.... I complained (politely) so much to the dealership, that they ended up giving me 34000 trade in towards a brand new 2016 Sierra SLT 4x4 z71 in March of 2016.

The sierra was huge.. I really did enjoy it, but wasnt ready for something this big. tough to park, and fit in garage. I paid 42k for it with trade in of 34k from the canyon. I really did like the look of it over the canyon. I guess it be a tad longer and wider helped. Interior was VERY comfortable. Dash wasnt great, but was tolerable. I got 26 on the highway, and 18 or so around town. My oh my... it was powerful, as expected though. AC/HEAT worked better than I have ever felt. Of course the bed height was an issue. Truck did some crazy shifting early on, dealer fixed it. Got a loaner for 3 days. No issues with service department. They were a great experience with both vehicles. 4x4 once again, fit my life style. No issues with this truck. It was really a great truck. Even the visibility was better than the canyon.

7 months later... lady pulls out in front of me (in my commuter car). Forced to trade in Sierra for a commuter car and a truck.

Traded in the Sierra with 9k miles on it for 41k towards a 2017 Taco and a 2016 prius. Paid 35k for the Taco. 2017 TRD OR.

I have ALWAYS been a big fan of Tacomas. Not a fanboy level. But always loved the look.
So, far... obviously disappointed in the MPG, but its not that far off. in 300 miles avg is 19.5mpg. I am getting about 23/24 on highway and 15/16 in town. Interior in the Taco is much better IMO. Clean sharp lines. BUT the AC/HEAT isnt great. Maybe because its such a small engine it has a tough time? (I dunno) Bed height is GREAT! I can easily reach everything I need. The acceleration is much more better/noticeable from the canyon. Pedal is very touchy. Truck feels a LOT more solid though. Even from the sierra. Very tight, feels strong. not as bouncy over bumps. I feel like there is ZERO blind spots. Also, the power outlet in bed has already came in handy. So far, the dealership isnt working with me as well at the GMC. I ordered a bed cover when I bought it last week. They told me it would be in in 2 days. Bought it Monday. Called Friday, its not in. Was told they would call me Saturday with an update. I wait until 6 (closing time for parts department), nothing.. I had to contact them. Which kinda bothers me. GMC would contact me every day they had a part or my truck was in service. I do have the howling issue... working on getting it fixed.

All in all... I would buy all 3 trucks again. I feel a little shorted in the features department for the taco to canyon. both cost about the same, but the canyon came with leather, heated seats/steering, etc,etc. But its a wash considering I like the interior and look of the Tacoma more. I am not huge on leather, and I feel like this truck would hold up better in the long run. (oh and the outlet in the bed!)

I had ZERO problems finding any truck I wanted. Even toyota had 20 different tacos to look at.

Hope this helps others looking to buy! I will update as the "newness" wears off or any problems occur. As I type this, the dealership called. Bed cover is in!

 

I hope you enjoy your truck as much as you "enjoy" using quotes.

 

Leather seats are overrated. I was so glad the taco came in cloth and heated seats. If you really want the leather go for the covers.

My only gripe with the Taco is the composite bed and the lack of power seats. I had a 97 Ford XLT that had power seats..what gives.

 

lol thanks!

 

That a good point.. Wife is 5'1". power seats for her was a plus. I didnt even think about that one.

 

Not quite sure I understand why you traded in the GMC sierra? I understand you totaled your daily, but why not just go buy a daily?

Regardless, congratulations on the Tacoma!

 

Thanks!

We couldnt afford another car payment on top of the big truck payment for the sierra. Lady hit me without insurance. long story, I am out my 1500 deductible (we paid mostly cash for the car) and somehow the car according to geico deprecated 2k in 3 months. We spent our savings on that car. no down payment no money saved. got the taco/prius for about 125 more than I was paying for the Sierra alone.

 

So you're telling me you only lost $500 trading in a new truck and then only $1,000 trading in another new truck. The dealership just gave you your money back? Weird.

 

Dude there are 1 liter cars out there with A/C that will freeze your bits off.

I suspect it's probably more that the Taco is less aggressive with its thermostat.

 

I know! lol.

Maybe, but the prius AC/Heat is much better... I would think toyota would use the same thermostat in all vehicles except the larger ones... maybe not.. I am no expert...

 

The canyon/colorado has actaully done really well on resale value. Most people just dont want to admit it. Although mine was more of a "buy back" than a trade in. It was in the shop more than I had it the last 2 months with those dang squeaky brakes.

The Sierra I got some rebates most others dont get. Educator discounts, union memberships, etc.etc. The sticker was over 55k.

Just got to know how to wheel and deal. The salesman that got credit for my tacoma sale said this was the lowest she has ever seen their sales manger agree to letting a Tacoma go. Of course, they got a prius sale out of it too... I know the used car sales manager on that lot. He said he felt he could get 45k for the sierra.

 

Do you have the tech package or the manual climate control? I have had no problems with mine and in fact find the AC to be better than the Ford it replaced.

 

Oh I understand now. Hopefully the Tacoma sticks around much longer than the other 2.

 

Only gripe on climate control is when the air flow is set to both dash and feet. Seems way weaker than just out of dash vents only.

 

I do not have the tech package.

 

Rebates aside. Fullsize trucks can always be negotiated $12,000+ off sticker.

 

Good post. I believe that all the vehicles now a days are pretty good. Not like in the 70's when at 50,000 miles you needed to start changing just about everything...if they didn't rust out first.

 

Good post. If I could only have one vehicle- I think I would still choose a Tacoma. They are versatile.

 

Agreed, this was actually a big part of the reason I did not want a Pro. Much prefer cloth, glad we have options.