Thinking of Leaving Chevy For A 2021 Tacoma. Convince me?

I currently own a 2018 Chevy Colorado Z71. And while I truly like my truck I am a victim of the "GM Shudder" that owners experience with the 8 Speed Trans. One dealer lied to me and said they had no idea about it. Another was honest and showed me the service report. This has severely soured me on GM products! GM knows about this transmission issue, which is in several vehicles, and they are doing nothing about it.

SO, I am currently looking at buying a 2021 Tacoma TRD Off Road or Sport.

I can't afford the JBL upgrade, or the Leather Package. I have been told the audio system, regardless of "premium" or JBL is underwhelming. And while this isn't a huge deal to some, I spend 4+ hours in my truck a day. So nice audio is important.

Also, is there that much of a difference between the Sport and Off Road when it comes to ride and handling? I have a big commute so ride and road noise is an important factor as well.

That all being said, I appreciate any and all advice, hints, tips and guidance I can get before I spend $40,000 on something I may regret.

Thank you in advance!

-Sammo219

 

Welcome to TW. Every manufacturer/truck has their issues. The Colorado trans shudders, the Tacoma trans programing sucks. A Tacoma will probably be less refined and comfortable than your Colorado. GM will probably (I would hope) address the shutter sooner than later. I think the industry is still learning about pulse locking the torque converter. I would not sell just because of that. The Tacoma has it's own quirks, many of which can be fixed with a ~$300 tune if you are willing. Other issues like frame rust are still around. No truck is perfect, except for the one that does what you need it to AND is paid off.

 

I’ve spent many 8+ hour days in my TRD OR. Great truck for the long days. I was doing 1000+ miles a week for about 2 years.

 

Mine is by far the most comfortable vehicle I have (02 CRV, 12 Prius V, 16 F350) but the seating position seems to be a common complaint.

 

RAM 1500 if you are looking for a comfortable pick up truck.

 

If your truck is reliable and no failures, I would say keep it, unless you really want to move it. You will take a bath on a trade in or even purchase right now. Have you done research on the shudder and is it something that has caused failures?

 

The audio systems in these trucks are akin to something you'd find in an econobox. I'd budget for a major upgrade if you end up with a Tacoma. The front speaker bias is stupid, the rear speakers have basically no output. There's going to be people that will try and sell you on upgrading the speakers, when really it's the head unit.

 

My 2006 Colorado puked the head at 70K (Google that, it was a common failure). Did it within the powertrain plus their special warranty (that nobody knew about until I showed them, ho ho ho). Ended up almost $2k for a "free fix" and the dealer and corporate each said the other did it.

So this is why I will never buy another GM. Tacoma or not, I wouldn't stand for this OP

 

Resale value.
If you don’t like the tacoma after a year or two or hell even three, you can sell it for a few pennies less than what you paid brand new.

 

I traded a 19 Z71 Colorado about a month ago for a TRD off road. The timing actually worked out ok for me. The trade in value of the Colorado was just slightly less than I paid for it a little over 2 years ago and I got a little off the Tacoma. Otherwise under normal circumstances I probably would have just kept the Colorado.

When I was shopping for a truck a couple years ago I really wanted a Tacoma but was turned off on the wonky shifting. When I test drove a 21 a few months ago, it still wasn’t ideal but I felt like it was better than the 18 or 19 I test drove a few years ago. But maybe that’s all in my head I don’t know.

Anyway, I grew to hate the Colorado because I had the 8 speed shudder, a couple of electronic failures, a head unit that would reboot about 10 minutes into a phone call, and a few other annoying things that happened over the course of 28k miles.

In my opinion, the Colorado interior is horrendous. I much prefer the Tacoma interior. I’m not very tall so the Tacoma driver seat position is fine for me. Ive heard others find it uncomfortable.

I feel like the Colorado was a bit more refined on the street. But the Tacoma, at least in off road trim, is quite a bit better off pavement in the little off roading I’ve done with it.

I like the Tacoma bed height much better than the tall Colorado bed. Wouldn’t be an issue if I were taller lol.

The Tacoma is definitely slower but I just ride my motorcycles when I feel like having fun so not an issue for me.

Hoping the Tacoma is more reliable than the Colorado. So far I’m really happy with it.

 

I still have dreams about owning a full size truck again. The ride is just ok and the power is blah. If your a big guy forget it. I am glad I don't own a gas guzzler right now though.

 

And if you like to take your truck in for a lot of recalls. At least it seemed that way with our 2016 Ram work trucks

 

Just leave your chevy on the levy until it's dry.

 

My Ram 1500 had no recalls that I know of, but the transmission died at 90k ish miles. But that could have been an anomaly. I won't fault dodge for one bad sample I guess.

 

Good one....

 

I don't know if TFL Truck has ever done a comparison on full size truck consoles. They could call it the desk on wheels challenge. The RAM out performs both GM, and Ford in that regaurd. RAM cabs are also more spacious.

 

It depends on what your needs are . The sport has a stiffer ride the off road is more bouncy . Both are nice trucks .Sound u will get a lot of it in both trucks . I just turn up the stereo doesn’t bother me .

 

LOL. Buying a Tacoma for the quiet noise and sound system. Killing me Smalls.

 

You'll get neither for $40k out the door... more like $45k... if you can find one.

And per another response if you find you don't like it you can probably sell it for what you paid for it
and if things keep going the way they are you'll probably get MORE than you paid for it.

Treat it right and you'll drive it for 200,000+ miles... and while any new vehicle will have issues, I
bet a crisp $1.00 bill that you'll have better luck long-term with any Toyota product.

Toyota:
Eats Dodge
Farts Fords
Sh*ts Chevy's

 

Is dodge even making a mid size these days? The Dakota was a total POS back in the day. I do like the new power wagons though.