Colorado owner thinking about switching

Hello TacomaWorld,

As the title suggests, I’m not a Tacoma owner, but I’ve come here to get your guys’ honest opinion...

Back in June, I purchased a new Chevy Colorado Crew (double) Cab Short Bed V6 4x4. I considered Tacoma, but frankly you just got more for your money with the Colorado. I’m not an overlander or rock crawler, but more of a weekend warrior that enjoys driving hours down some dirt roads to get some camping solitude and find some good trails (mtb, hiking, etc). I want something that would be comfortable doing that, and also as a daily driver.

HOWEVER, in the 6 months time and 6k miles, I’ve already needed to take the Colorado into the dealer multiple times for various reasons from transmission lurching to suspension clunking, which are still being addressed by the dealer. If this is the way things are going to go, I’m wondering if I should switch.

I’ve come here to get your guys’ honest opinion about Tacoma ownership. I’ve heard Taco’s can have their own share of “issues” but want to hear some firsthand experiences. My current Colorado has a V6, 4x4, and a locking diff, so it sounds like the TRD OR would be the comparable choice. And money-wise I probably couldn’t afford a TRD OR with less than 30K miles.

Please don’t post something unproductive like “You made a mistake. Chevy’s suck, buy a Taco,” but something more informative about ownership experience, common problems, etc.

Thanks a ton!

 

As a brand new Tacoma owner, having owned two Tundras in the past, I'm perfectly happy with my choice. I also am not extreme when it comes to the activities I plan to do with the truck - mainly camping, light trails, some snow trips, etc.

As far as issues go, I have an '18 and it appears Toyota has ironed out most of them by now, and even so they aren't issues that involve major repair and replacement - it's more personal preference of the owner on what is lacking with the drivetrain. My transmission is interesting, but it isn't as bad as most make it out to be. Want more power? OV Tune has a tune that shores up 99.9% of complaints and is also releasing a twin turbo kit if you're really craving more power.

My suggestion is to see if you can convince a dealership to lend you an OR for a day or two and test it out!

 

I bought my taco with 23k miles for about 30k. I looked at the Colorado and couldn't find a price comparable to the Taco. Also, Toyota's are known for their reliability, my Dad's 05 has 200k miles on it and still runs strong. The OR is great for anything you throw at it. My S/Os dad was always a Chevy guy and talked a bunch of shit about Yota's cause they are not "American," he made the switch and hasn't looked back.

The 3rd gens have had some issues, but for the most part Toyota has been great with figuring things out and working with their customers. TS-Bs are somewhat normally released, but not all owners experience the same issues.

I wish you the best with your decision.

 

So, if you are considering a used TRD OR, look at the minor differences. In 2016 they did not have a power rear sliding glass, that came in 2017.
Also look at the costs comparison, because sometimes you will find that the used price is within a couple thousand of new, plus you get better rates on a new vehicle loan. If you are not picky on color you may get a good deal on a 2018.
In 2018 TSS ( toyota safety sense) became standard. Some people like it, some hate it, and some are just whatever. I fall in the just whatever category, it doesnt bother me to have it, but it doesnt make me excited either.
I have a 2wd Sport, so I cant make any comments on the 4wd system, but I can tell you my truck does not hunt for gears or have the rear diff howl that some earlier trucks have had.
This place is good for lots of research, but keep in mind when reading some of the problems threads, if you read enough you will see that quite a few issues come about when people start tampering with electrical systems or modding certain items. So, dont be alarmed if you come across threads with lights not working or blown fuses, as the majority of those are user created.
Test drive a few different trucks to see if you can tell any difference in the way it shifts or handles and decide from there. The power is there, but it's in the upper rpm range. The engine trans combo was designed for fuel efficiency, so you may find that it lacks in low end torque, but trust me, give her some gas and she will react.
Good luck in your search for the right truck.

 

I have owned Toyotas since 1988 and have probably spent under 2k for all the problems I have had combined. Most mechanics I know don't really know much about them because they rarely have to work on them. The auto transmission on my truck is "different" than I am use to but I always drive in s mode and it's not a factor. I would recommend the longest test drive you can get away with and make your decision from there. The jury is still out on longevity, but my guess would be normal Toyota reliability. Good luck and enjoy shopping for a new truck.
And welcome to TW!

 

I’ve had mine for about 1 1/2 years and have zero complaints. This is my first Tacoma. Mine is a manual. The power delivery was a little weird at first, but since I got the T-SB done, it’s much better.
I like to take it off road and bang it up a little and it’s handled everything great so far.
Like @JWongy said, see if you can get an extended test drive and see if you like it.

 

The Tacos are far from problem free. Some are better than others. Based on what you've described as your usage, I'd opt for a full-size truck (half ton) or larger SUV. Both will be better daily drivers than either Colorado or Tacoma, and will still do everything you want from them.

 

Thanks for all the input!

I failed to mention my price range if I decide to switch to a Tacoma. I’m looking at getting about $27k (tops) to trade in my Colorado. I could maybe justify putting in another grand or two, so it would have to be around 29k. That’s why I was thinking about 2016 TRD OR with about 30k miles or so, but even that’s hard to come by for that price. I am not sure about the Gen 2, as I haven’t researched it that much.

 

I would say even at that price a 3rd gen wouldn't be too difficult to come by, like I said I got mine for about 30k. I would just be as patient as possible, I spent a good while waiting and looking, but I also knew I wanted a TRDOR 4x4 in inferno, without the tech package....just something to consider.

 

For the sake of not making too huge of an original post, I left out that the reason we opted for a midsize truck was because of limited driveway space, and just the general nuisance of navigating city streets with a full size truck. We also like the utility of an open bed for hauling various odd sized items like furniture, firewood, chainsaws, etc.

 

Test drive as much as possible. Most complaints are about the transmission shifting too much and the truck feeling sluggish. It tries to keep the RPMs low and it doesn't make a lot of power down low. Get the RPMs up and it has plenty of power. So make sure you're okay with the way it drives. Another common complaint is the rear diff whine. There's a TSB that helps, but doesn't seem to completely eliminate it.

Also make sure you're okay with the seating position. There's no height adjustment and a lot of people don't like that it sits so close to the floor. Personally, I love the seating position of my truck and I think the seats are really comfortable. This past summer we drove from Georgia to West Virginia and I was comfortable the entire trip. Not everybody feels that way though.

Most other issues seem to be hit or miss and Toyota has been releasing TSBs to help, so it's nice to know they are working to improve things. My truck has a quirky transmission, but it's nothing to really complain about. I do have some interior rattles that are starting to drive me crazy, but I'm trying to figure those out. The Tacoma is a great truck and will likely be very reliable, but you should definitely make sure it fits your needs and that it's something you will be comfortable driving. If you find that you don't like the Taco and you don't really need a bed, you could also look at the 4Runner.

 

That’s promising. Most of the Double Cab TRD OR 4x4 that I’ve seen have been in the 33-34k range. But maybe that’s because they have options? Not just the base TRD OR? What does the Tech Package include?

Edit: Added last question.

 

I test drove both the colorado and Tacoma just minutes apart before ordering my TRD OR in 2016. Mine is a manual trans so can’t speak for the autos but have not had a problem with the power other than the high reverse gear. Looks wise on exterior I thought the colorado won. Interior went to the Taco. Driving comfort and handling all went to Tacoma for me. Both Are capable enough for what you are doing. I have zero doubt that Toyota’s reliability will greatly surpass the Colorado. If I was considering a trade though at this point, I would wait for the Ranger release, just a month or so and compare it with the others. I believe the Ford will be a strong contender with the Tacoma. Good luck with your decision.

 

I would shop around your area, I looked all over and ended up buying mine in Texas (and they delivered it for free). Tech package has the sunroof, blind spot monitoring, and some other stuff. I didn't want a sunroof so I gave up the other stuff.

 

I say keep the Colorado and enjoy the truck you already have. Buying a used Third Gen is not going to be the best financial decision because you are most likely going to over pay right after you lose a bunch of money trading/selling the Chevy with 6000 miles.

If you are set on the Tacoma be patient and take your time. Maybe you can get lucky and snag a leftover 2018??

In the end its your money, spend it how you like.

 

Nice. I’m in northern Arizona so Phoenix, Tucson, Southern Utah, and Vegas are the main areas.

I have noticed that some TRD OR have remote start and heated seats. Are those part of the Tech Pkg or standard with TRD OR?

 

Very true.

At this point, it boils down to, is a 2016 TRD OR with 30k miles significantly “better” than a 2018 Colorado with 6k miles? So much that it would even be worth the switch? Idk. With the issues that we’ve had with the Colorado so far, I’m just worried we will be paying for it in the long run with maintenance etc. But maybe after we get the initial issues sorted, it’ll be in the clear for awhile? Who knows.

Besides the issues I described in the original post, it’s really a great truck. I like the aesthetics, has great power, it’s comfortable, Apple CarPlay is really nice, frankly does everything we need. I’m just a little concerned about it’s longevity with my experience so far.

Edit: for spelling.

 

What kinda warranty do you have on the Colorado? My wife has a Cruze that I'm not overly keen on, but she has an 8 year warranty.

Do the issues you are having seem to be something that all Colorado's have, or is it just something odd with your truck that will be fixed, and prolly be fine for the rest of the time the truck is on the road?

 

You only live once. Drive the best.

 

I love my truck. They do have their own 'issues' if you want to call em that but as does any vehicle. Just test drive the truck for a bit..try and find some hills to go up and you'll get a feel for how the transmission really is.