24' Tacoma vs 24' Colorado thoughts

Fair enough, I am just trying to put out information. There is no direct 1:1 between Colorado and Tacoma, as we know. The feature sets don't match. I think Colorado is more than price competitive to Tacoma, but if there is one feature that's a must have and Colorado doesn't have it, there you go.

 

I never understood why they don’t put relatively cheap and easily added features like a two speed transfer case or a locking rear deferential on the base, as if off-road performance is only an option that should be reserved for the highest tier models.

 

Auto locking rear end can be had on the base WT with the selection of one of the trailering packages. I forget how much it was, but it included more than just the locker and was like $1500 or so?

2 speed transfer case is not available as mentioned.

Edit, just looked it up, it is a $945 option that includes Rear locker, ITB controller, in vehicle trailering app, 4 & 7 pin connector and hitch.

Cheapest towing package on the Toyota is $540 and includes hitch and 4 & 7 pin connectors only. Most expensive towing package is $670 and includes hitch, wiring....and mudflaps and bed cleats lol.

 

IDK. Because a lot of midsize truck buyers don't use them as trucks, and for sure, never see mud or any offroad? 2 speed (or more) transfer case is something I don't need. With the turbo low down torque, Colorado has 430 lb-ft by about 1700rpm, so a 4:1 two speed transfer would be quite something! Locking rear diff has more utility for me. The GM G80 has a good reputation. YMMV.

 

After working on many vehicles, I would/ Ever buy a GM vehicle . I know the Taco will be worth more in the end when you go to sell it down the road you will get it all back and then some . I just think Toyota ( from a reliability stand point most of the time is better ) Now are there issues with everything…yes but overall, they are really the best . The down side is they can be a little boring sometimes, their tech is usually not the most advanced , they were NEVER as powerful as other brands, but they were always tough and long lasting with awesome aftermarket support and built tough . I have never had a bad one , or has my company . For me when I want to make a change I will stick with Toyota products . I also own a RX 350 which has been nothing but Stellar from day one . So until I get burnt bad … I’m good

 

The other thing is . Having been around the block a while , do you know how many times GM has said they had this great new motor that’s bullet proof ? Way too many . Only to find out later on your left with a total piece of junk . No thanks . All my Toyotas have been reasonably bullet proof . Perfect no but most of the time really good .

 

Ford lets you add a locker in the Ranger XL trim, if you want a 4x4 with a rear locker vinyl floors and just normal standard options to thrash around you can get the Ranger so equipped for about 38....still high considering thats what I bought my 2020 TRD OR for....but inflations gotta inflate I guess....lol

 

Or is it a case of, we will never know since they did not build it for the USA. I would have bought an TRD OR AC with a manual, but alas, that version is not built for the USA, only Canada in North America. Even called a few dealerships in Canada, but they would not sell it to me. That config is kinda how I in my second gen. Different strokes for different folks.

 

I would have purchased that configuration if it had been available too.

 

The fact that both major competitors have dropped the option kinda answers it for me

 

Toyota reliability (and Honda for that matter) is not what it used to be, yet the legend continues. I'm dumping our Rav4 hybrid as soon as it gets near its extended (90K) warranty on the hybrid system since the rear motor power cable is likely to fail and cost me thousands to replace. Lots of stories like this with Toyota in recent years.

 

Did Toyota ever fix that power cable corrosion problem or is it like the Tacoma frames? My wife was thinking about getting a PHEV RAV4 for a company car until we read about those problems.

 

I think they upped the warranty to 100 k miles , but I also think you can protect this area with some kind a corrosion protection and I think on the older models possibly modify the protection cover or remove to not hold water . In the end of the day all the bad stuff they put on the streets will destroy almost anything . No matter what brand we are talking about . It’s really bad for the environment also . There are much better ways to handle this kind of stuff but they won’t because of costs

 

So they basically did nothing? Toyota seems to ignore the fact that half of the US lives in an area that gets snow.

 

They modified the connector shell such that it doesn't pool water. If that is a good fix or not, well, it seems questionable. In the Corolla Cross Hybrid they routed the rear motor cable inside the trunk, losing the spare tire, but the connector is not exposed to road gunk. On my 2022 Rav4 Hybrid, which has the modified shell, I disconnected the cable, gooped it up with dielectric grease, reassembled, then blasted it with CRC Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor. Not concerned about it now!

 

In a round-about way I followed your logic. I called a bunch of Toyota dealers wanting get one of the new 2024’s even though the premium package is overpriced. Just about all of them were putting $2k - $5k markups on top of MSRP. I couldn’t bring myself to pay that price for a Taco or wait to see if demand softens. So I went all in on a major upgrade. 2024 GMC Sierra Denali. WOW what a difference. I love the truck and sure hope I don’t regret the decision. It’s been a great 13 years with my Prerunner but I've moved on. I drove the Canyon first and it seemed tighter/more cramped than my 2nd Gen Prerunner so I stepped up to the full size. It wasn't so much about the price as it was the value. Toyota is proud and it shows but I just couldn't buy a first-year release at premium prices.

 

How much was the Denali?

 

$70k. I went ahead and bought the 10-year extended warranty for $2200 for peace of mind. It's crazy how expensive they are but the Tacoma I wanted it would have been $55k MSRP or more when the PRO/Hybrid comes out. The markups are what really turned me off and I didn't feel like driving 200+ miles to get a deal.

 

Congrats! Nice looking truck . But in all fairness 20 k more . I would hope it’s nicer .