I think the v6 was fine, but the early 8 speed trannies had issues. 2015-16. To my knowledge they are solid now. I was going to get one, but needed more room. So I bought a used suburban.
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I think the v6 was fine, but the early 8 speed trannies had issues. 2015-16. To my knowledge they are solid now. I was going to get one, but needed more room. So I bought a used suburban.
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The issue was the lack of fuel lubrication for the valves and more importantly, corrosion mitigation (especially in winter) as it's a GDI engine (LFX series). Some people were putting catch cans on them to help separate moisture and provide some top end oiling. In 2017/2018 they added an internal reservoir in the valley, so it's no longer and issue on '17 and newer (LGZ series). It's a pretty well thought out piece of kit and doesn't require draining like an aftermarket catch can.Originally Posted by C-grunt
That was an issue with torque converter shudder and was resolved by specifying a different ATF fluid for all the 8 speed autos. It also extended into the '18 production run. There were some other symptoms such as harsh low speed downshifts and "clunking", which for which reflashing the TCU was advised. They never did a recall, but there are a couple of TSB's covering them.
For reference, I have an '18 ZR2 V6/8spd. My truck has had both of the TSB's performed and has no more issues. Beyond that the biggest complaints center around the factory TCU programming, which causes a LOT of unnecessary downshifts at highway speeds, especially with the ZR2 which has more wind drag than the other trims. Even after the TSB's, my mostly highway 14 mile trip to work would have the trans downshifting to 7th and sometimes 6th gear 5-10 times, depending on headwinds. That's for a mostly flat trip with very little terrain or elevation change.
I bit the bullet and ordered a Trifecta Advantage+ tune, which reprograms the TCU as well as the ECU. It adds 19 lb ft of peak torque and up to 41 lb ft under the curve, which helps a lot. But the real advantage is the TCU shift programming, which is far superior to the factory program. Now downshifts at highway speeds on the same trip have dropped to 0, maybe a couple on really windy days. I figure that alone will do wonders for the longevity of the transmission, which doesn't get anywhere near "hot" temp wise (the DIC shows trans temp).
Sorry for the thread drift, but the current 3.6L V6 (LGZ) is solid. The one thing I have to add is that this engine was originally developed for the Camaro and Cadillac CTS. When they dropped it in the Colorado, they didn't bother to change the cam profiles. That means it's a high winding engine (7200 max RPM) that produces more HP than torque by quite a lot (308hp @ 6800 and 275lb ft @ 4000). It's kind of opposite of what works best in a truck for towing and hauling. It really lives best at 3,000-5,000 rpm. On the plus side, if you don't tow or haul much, it's surprisingly quick AND fast for a normally aspirated V6 truck. Pretty much everyone who's ridden in mine at WOT has been shocked how quick it is.
What if this whole crusade's a charade?
And behind it all there's a price to be paid
For the blood which we dine
Justified in the name of the holy and the divine…
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Thanks for the input. My only real reservation is the towing capacity is only 3500 lbs with the 4 cylinder manual. I’m stuck on manuals because they last forever and I can control the shifting and not worry about a goofy computer. New cars are too advanced and take away from the driving experience imo.
Senior Member
Buying a modern truck with a stick is about like getting one without AC. Your ass will be handed to you when you go to sell it. Don't know anything about the Colorado but the king of small/midsize trucks has been Toyota for many years. My Tacoma has been the best vehicle investment I have ever made.
Senior Member
When it came time to send that kid to Oklahoma for an education, I bit the bullet and gave him my Colorado.
I turned around and bought a new Tacoma.
Of the two, I would go with the Tacoma.
Senior Member
Echo the others. If you're just going to get a base 4 cylinder manual, go with the Taco.
What if this whole crusade's a charade?
And behind it all there's a price to be paid
For the blood which we dine
Justified in the name of the holy and the divine…
Member
Two things: I keep my cars forever. I still have the car I drove in high school. I’ve had my other car for 6 years.
Also, it’s probably one of the last American made with a stick. I actually expect it to hold its value well
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As a die hard Chevy guy, I agree with this message
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I had a 2019 4cyl, 2wd, auto as a work truck. I put nearly 50k on it in the 2 years I drove it. The interior is comfortable, even though the seating position is low. The base radio sucks. Loses radio signal way before other vehicles. Apple Car Play is glitchy at best.
The 4 cylinder is an absolute dog. The truck will barely get out of its own way. 0-60 happens eventually, getting on a busy freeway is nightmare. The auto shifts like pudding. The manual is only slightly better. In snow, the 4x2 absolutely sucks. When the wheels spin, the traction control kills all power, and you end you stuck. I turned TC off, and it did a little better.
The absolute worst part of the truck was front wheel bearings. We had 6 of these trucks in the company, and all of them needed wheel bearings about every 25k!
If you want a small truck with a manual, the Tacoma is the way to go. I have an '07 Access Cab, 4x4, 2.7L 4Cyl, 5Spd. It's got great power, a good transmission, and a better interior than the newer trucks. Mine has 160k, with very few problems.
Last edited by landrvrnut22; 06-22-20 at 09:54.
Senior Member
Toyota Tacoma, go for the TRD Off-road model or TRD Pro, get the V6, get the 6 speed manual.
Getting a 4 cylinder 4X2 truck of any description in this day and age is a great way to be miserable driving it, and unable sell it without taking a bath on it.
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