Help: buying a new truck

[Tbob]

Hey guys,
I was hoping to get some opinions on trucks (I know this could be a dangerous question) lol.. I'm going to be buying one at the end of the summer and could use any help or advise you all might have. I'm looking at a crew cab short bed (I'll be having to park this puppy in Seattle). So I like the looks of the
1. Toyota Tacoma
2. Nissan Frontier
3. Chevy Colorado
4. GMC Canyon.
It's also going to be my hunting rig and road trip truck. It's also going to need to be 4x4.
    So what do you guys like or dislike? Anyone have any first hand experience with any of these and maintenance issues? Of course I'm looking for very reliable.
   So far for me, the Tacoma is waaaay expensive. I know everyone says it will hold its re-sale value, but I don't plan on re-selling this truck so that doesn't really help me out justifying spending that much.
I'm leaning a little towards the Nissan at this point. I like the way it looks and it seems a little smaller for city driving than the Colorado or canyon, but that's just by my eye, I haven't looked at the actual specs yet..
   So what would you guys get?

[JakeLand]

Toyota = reliability and resale

[Snakeriver10]

To me it sounds as if your looking for a great dealer over a great truck.  Based on what you listed though the Toyota is superior with a superior price tag!

[KFhunter]

I went with the Colorado crew cab short box trail boss z71

I had some issues starting at 500 miles that was a serious pain in the butt and almost caused a lemon law case.  The issue was fully resolved by the dealer tech who discovered a loose wire in the fuse box causing havoc.  The wire was fixed and the truck has been flawless and I'm now at 25,000 miles.

likes:

21-22 mpg on the factory Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, they've held up well too. 
wifi - I did a 5,000 mile road trip with teens and kids, that wifi was pretty awesome
turns sharp!  turning radius seems very tight I love it
comfortable for me, after 500 mile days I was still feeling good.  The seats are getting complaints from others though, so make sure they fit you.

dislike
transmission tries to keep in too low of a gear in the woods so it falls on it's face some, then downshifts too late then gases to pick it back up.  I use the manual shifter a lot in the backroads
AC doesn't blast you out with cold.  I get in a hot truck I want instant COLD air and it's hohum



any questions ask, I'll tell it like it is

[KFhunter]

The new Colorado's have nothing in common with the old Colorado's except the name.

[JeffRaines]

I've had a 2015 Tacoma and now a 2017 Colorado Crew Cab.

The only reason I got rid of the Tacoma is because is was an Access cab and there was no way a carseat was going in there, which hampered me from taking my family on scouting trips with me over the summers.

I don't really have any complaints about either one, the Tacoma was great, and so far my Colorado is great.

The gas mileage on the Tacoma was terrible. It was a 4 cyl and I was getting around 20/21. I regularly get 26+ on the highway in the Colorado. Its a truck, and I get it isn't going to get great gas mileage, but it sure doesn't hurt - especially if its going to be your daily driver as well.

The Tacoma is also really noisy(road noise). Not sure if thats an important issue for you or not, but it seems like a lot of people care. My Colorado is pretty quiet in comparison.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one of those. In my research, it doesn't seem like the Nissan has gotten a significant update in a long time. You can google more info on that.

Another thing I found was that Toyota dealers are pretty cut and dried on their prices - don't expect to walk out of there with a 'deal'. They might wiggle a little on the price, but thats it. The Chevrolet dealers are much more willing to play... you still gotta work them, but they'll wiggle more.

RE: Colorados - KFHunter hit it on the head. The colorados disappeared for a few years in the states... 2013-2015. With that said, I'd be willing to bet most of those Colorados that superdown is referring to is the older ones. The 2015 models are only 2.5-3 years old at this point... and in my extensive research I didn't see too many negative reviews from the 2015-current model year.

[meatwhack]

Toyota without a question. No other trucks can compare with Toyota reliability. I've driven multiple toyotas now for the past 20 years and have always had excellent reliability. The only time Toyota has strayed from being a great vehicle was with their 3.0 V6 other than that all of their engines have been excellent.

[Tbob]

Loving all the opinions! Please keep em coming! It definitely helps!

[Scheindogg]

Check out consumer reports. You'll notice that all toyotas have green (the best) ratings on just about everything in every category throughout all models back to 06 (how many years it goes back) you'll notice trucks like the Colorado, sierra have very good ratings for this year and last but before that all models start having major engine AND/or transmission problems. Showing how the colustomer loves it but they just don't hold up. You may also notice the last 2 years of the Tacoma have had (predicted) reliability ratings because no one likes the latest generation of transmission on it. If I were you I'd get a '14 tacoma lightly used or wait until the tranny issue gets fixed and toyota is back to their reliable self 

[Taco280AI]

The 3rd gen Tacoma transmission isn't a reliability issue, it just kind of sucks in how it shifts/when it shifts/when it doesn't shift/when it should shift. It's basically just stupid and doesn't know what to do.

[Scheindogg]

The 3rd gen Tacoma transmission isn't a reliability issue, it just kind of sucks in how it shifts/when it shifts/when it doesn't shift/when it should shift. It's basically just stupid and doesn't know what to do.

I'm personally not calling it a reliability issue, but consumer reports is giving it a bad predicted reliability rating. They could very well be wrong.
Also- if you drive stick then no prob just get a new taco whatever year you want

[Taco280AI]

One potential long-term issue is the fact that many, including mine, came low on transmission fluid from the factory. Is how I got a free 6 year 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.

[thinkingman]

Do a quick search on this forum for Toyota reliability.
Pm me if you'd like for some actual information.
Chev/GMC would be my pick of the ones you listed.

[Scheindogg]

Do a quick search on this forum for Toyota reliability.
Pm me if you'd like for some actual information.
Chev/GMC would be my pick of the ones you listed.

Do you have a chev/gmc that has lasted 10+ years with zero engine/transmission work?
Just wondering..

[Woodchuck]

Do a quick search on this forum for Toyota reliability.
Pm me if you'd like for some actual information.
Chev/GMC would be my pick of the ones you listed.

Do you have a chev/gmc that has lasted 10+ years with zero engine/transmission work?
Just wondering..

Yes I do.

[bobcat]

Do a quick search on this forum for Toyota reliability.
Pm me if you'd like for some actual information.
Chev/GMC would be my pick of the ones you listed.

Do you have a chev/gmc that has lasted 10+ years with zero engine/transmission work?
Just wondering..

I do. My 2002 Silverado has only had two issues, in almost 16 years. The fuel pump went out and was replaced, and the alternator has been replaced. That's it. Got about 155,000 miles on it. Pretty good reliability if you ask me.

[Miles]

Do a quick search on this forum for Toyota reliability.
Pm me if you'd like for some actual information.
Chev/GMC would be my pick of the ones you listed.

Do you have a chev/gmc that has lasted 10+ years with zero engine/transmission work?
Just wondering..

Just sold my 06 a year ago and never had anything other then oil changes, brakes, a front hub assy, and a blower motor module for repairs.   

[thinkingman]

Do a quick search on this forum for Toyota reliability.
Pm me if you'd like for some actual information.
Chev/GMC would be my pick of the ones you listed.

Do you have a chev/gmc that has lasted 10+ years with zero engine/transmission work?
Just wondering..

No. Never owned one.
My buddy's 03 Tahoe drives like new with 210k and lots of mountain and backcountry use.
My 06 Taco rode on the frame rails at 60k but Toyota denied any problems with rear springs until the recall 6 years later.
Google Toyota frame replacement.
Engines and trannies fall off if the frame is rotten.

[Tbob]

Love all the info here guys! Thanks so much..

[Hilltophustler]

I have worked for a Nissan dealer going on 10 years now. Frontiers are pretty nice trucks. I have owned both Toyotas and Nissans. Just worked on a Frontier with 330k. They will last if you take care of them. There are a few things to look out for in the earlier years...like 2010 and older...pm me if  we want some details. 

[Stein]

Do a quick search on this forum for Toyota reliability.
Pm me if you'd like for some actual information.
Chev/GMC would be my pick of the ones you listed.

Do you have a chev/gmc that has lasted 10+ years with zero engine/transmission work?
Just wondering..

I have a 2000 Suburban with 238k and the original engine and transmission, used to pull the boat and hunting.
Next to it is my 2000 Silverado with $180k with the original engine and transmission, used to pull an rv before I bought it and now my boat and hunting rig. 

Neither have had any major work done outside of minor part wearing out.

Before those two, I had a 1993 Suburban that I sold with 199K that had no major work during it's life (I bought it from my dad, so I can vouch for all 200k worry free miles).

[follow maggie]

Do a quick search on this forum for Toyota reliability.
Pm me if you'd like for some actual information.
Chev/GMC would be my pick of the ones you listed.

Do you have a chev/gmc that has lasted 10+ years with zero engine/transmission work?

Just wondering..

I do. 13 years actually

[Scheindogg]

What truck, what work has been done other than oil changes?
Just so you guys know I wasn't asking to be snooty I just haven't heard much good about reliability in many brands outside of Toyota.

[Scheindogg]

Do a quick search on this forum for Toyota reliability.
Pm me if you'd like for some actual information.
Chev/GMC would be my pick of the ones you listed.

Do you have a chev/gmc that has lasted 10+ years with zero engine/transmission work?
Just wondering..

No. Never owned one.
My buddy's 03 Tahoe drives like new with 210k and lots of mountain and backcountry use.
My 06 Taco rode on the frame rails at 60k but Toyota denied any problems with rear springs until the recall 6 years later.
Google Toyota frame replacement.
Engines and trannies fall off if the frame is rotten.

I see, so you had a lemon of a toyota and got treated badly in the process, that would seriously p*** me off too. I have 2 friends with tacos (one '03 and one '06) and both of them love them and say they have had no engine work or major repairs at all

[follow maggie]

I drive a 2004 Chevy 2500hd with the 8.1 & Allison 5 speed. It was my dad's before mine, so I know it's history. I change the oil & filters when it's time & take it for a transmission service when it's time.  That's all that's ever been done to it. It has a 3,000+ lb camper on it from august to February, and I tow heavy loads with it, so it gets used like a truck. I don't give it anything other than regular maintenance

[Stein]

I think most vehicles lately are very reliable.  Every manufacturer has their certain year/model/engine/tranny issue pop up.  One of the reasons I don't buy new is that you never know if the latest and greatest is going to be one of those.  After a few years, it is easy to figure which ones to avoid.  If I was to buy new, it wouldn't be the first year or two of a new engine or drivetrain.

[follow maggie]

They're all good trucks if you stay within their design limits. If you buy a truck meant for running around town & occasional camping trips or dump runs and then load it down & flog it, you're not of to be happy with it.

[pianoman9701]

I searched for a reasonable deal on a Tacoma for a month or so and finally settled on a Coyote Mesa 350 gallon hot tub. My Jeep still sucks but I have a tub with a cigar every morning before work and I'm a new man! Get a tub, dude. 

[thinkingman]

Do a quick search on this forum for Toyota reliability.
Pm me if you'd like for some actual information.
Chev/GMC would be my pick of the ones you listed.

Do you have a chev/gmc that has lasted 10+ years with zero engine/transmission work?
Just wondering..

No. Never owned one.
My buddy's 03 Tahoe drives like new with 210k and lots of mountain and backcountry use.
My 06 Taco rode on the frame rails at 60k but Toyota denied any problems with rear springs until the recall 6 years later.
Google Toyota frame replacement.
Engines and trannies fall off if the frame is rotten.

I see, so you had a lemon of a toyota and got treated badly in the process, that would seriously p*** me off too. I have 2 friends with tacos (one '03 and one '06) and both of them love them and say they have had no engine work or major repairs at all

No, you missed the point.
I did not get a lemon, I got a Toyota Tacoma, which has serious inherent design and manufacturing flaws and Toyota is too arrogant to make it right.
Recalls and class-action lawsuits indicate wayyyyy more than a lemon.
All the fanboy koolaid does not change those facts.
This is the short list.....I could go on and on.

[Alchase]

I searched for a reasonable deal on a Tacoma for a month or so and finally settled on a Coyote Mesa 350 gallon hot tub. My Jeep still sucks but I have a tub with a cigar every morning before work and I'm a new man! Get a tub, dude. 

I actually did the same, ended up with a 2007 Dodge Dakota and $15K in my pocket, LOL

[Tbob]

I'm going to be taking this truck on multiple road trips (one of them next summer across the country) so I definitely want to get something new with a good warranty and no miles to start with.

[Alchase]

Here are a few reviews to wade through

https://www.edmunds.com/truck/#edm-entry-type-buying-guide