Chev Colorado w/ Duramax Diesel as a toad?

[msmith1199]

Anybody using the Colorado with the diesel engine as a toad? If so do you like it? Any problems at all with the engine?

I'm getting ready to replace two vehicles, my commuter car and my Dodge Dakota, with one vehicle. I don't commute anymore so I just need one vehicle other than my wife's car. So it's a daily driver that needs to be toad capable. I looked at SUV's and others, but I decided I want to keep a pickup. I was looking at the Ford F-150 with the new aluminum body as they are almost as light as the Colorado and almost the same price too. But I decided I don't want that big of a toad. So I've almost decided on the Colorado and I like the idea of that diesel engine in it, but the engine has only been in use a year.

[ChooChooMan74]

DSDP Don wrote:
My neighbor recently drove his new diesel Canyon from Southern California to Oregon and couldn't break the 30 mpg mark. He was getting about 28.5mpg - 29mp.

I intend to buy a Canyon when the 2017's come out. For me, the gas model will be fine. My neighbor specifically bought the diesel because it was light enough to tow behind his gasser, but big enough to tow his large boat. For that reason, the diesel was needed.

Those fuel economy quotes, are they hand calculated? How was his speeds? What is his driving style? How was traffic?

[cvbdsl]

msmith1199 wrote:
Yeah but that will only last for about 3 weeks and then the glaciers come back don't they?

Nope, that's why I moved from Nfld to ON (sorry to all the Newfs including my DW:) Actually I was posted back and forth a few times. ON doesn't get the glaciers back until Nov/Dec!

However, in about 3 years(maybe two) I intend to be a snowbird!! Then I won't need heated mirrors either.

Might even make to to California then.

Chris

[msmith1199]

Yeah but that will only last for about 3 weeks and then the glaciers come back don't they?

[cvbdsl]

msmith1199 wrote:

cvbdsl wrote:
Forgot, my biggest complaint(only minor really) on the Colorado Z71, no heated mirrors!
They included a rear window defrost but forgot about the mirrors. Should have been the other way around.

Chris

I'm in California so I can live without the heated mirrors.

Sure, rub it in:), so can I for now, its over 90 here.

[msmith1199]

SoCalDesertRider wrote:

msmith1199 wrote:
On the negative cable disconnect, I wonder if there is a way to put some type of switch in the line that you could use versus disconnecting the cable?

I'm sure a typical battery cable disconnect throw bar would work just fine. About $20 at NAPA. I put them on all my vehicles, so I can quickly shut off the batteries, in the event of an electrical short/fire.

There are various kinds of these switches out there, but I guess I'll need to look under the hood of a Colorado next time I find a diesel one. Have you seen the lack of space in the engine compartments of many of the new vehicles? Would have to make sure there is even room for a switch.

[msmith1199]

Is there going to be any thing different or improved with the 17 model? My plan is usually get the 16 model about the time the 17's come out and get a much better deal. But that will depend on how popular the diesel engines are and if there are any left. I have the VW Jetta TDI so I have to wait until October when VW buys it back and gives me a $7000 check for my troubles!

[DSDP_Don]

My neighbor recently drove his new diesel Canyon from Southern California to Oregon and couldn't break the 30 mpg mark. He was getting about 28.5mpg - 29mp.

I intend to buy a Canyon when the 2017's come out. For me, the gas model will be fine. My neighbor specifically bought the diesel because it was light enough to tow behind his gasser, but big enough to tow his large boat. For that reason, the diesel was needed.

[msmith1199]

If all you're looking at is MPG, then I don't think the diesel is worth it either. But MPG is just one of the things that gives the diesel an advantage. And people are reporting getting 30 mpg on the freeway. My VW Jetta TDI gets about 43 mpg per tank, but if I go out on I-5 and set the cruise control at 65 mpg and reset the trip computer, it will get over 50 mpg. I think that is the same for the 30 mpg on the diesel canyon.

But there is also the more towing capacity and the fact that diesel engines last a lot longer and hold their value.

[msmith1199]

cvbdsl wrote:
Forgot, my biggest complaint(only minor really) on the Colorado Z71, no heated mirrors!
They included a rear window defrost but forgot about the mirrors. Should have been the other way around.

Chris

I'm in California so I can live without the heated mirrors.

[cvbdsl]

Forgot, my biggest complaint(only minor really) on the Colorado Z71, no heated mirrors!
They included a rear window defrost but forgot about the mirrors. Should have been the other way around.

Chris

[DSDP_Don]

The Canyon will also be offered in a Denali version in 2017. It looks like it just some chrome items and bigger wheels. That's fine, but apparently the Denali price tag will be much higher.

One of the three things that people complained about on the current Canyon....no "HomeLink", no driver seat presets and only a 4 way versus 6 way driver's seat. In a smaller truck, often the extra seating movement gives the larger guys more room/comfort.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

msmith1199 wrote:
On the negative cable disconnect, I wonder if there is a way to put some type of switch in the line that you could use versus disconnecting the cable?

I'm sure a typical battery cable disconnect throw bar would work just fine. About $20 at NAPA. I put them on all my vehicles, so I can quickly shut off the batteries, in the event of an electrical short/fire.

[cvbdsl]

Also a whole discussion on another forum with both the pros and cons.
Lots of reading, up to 22 pages.I read a lot of them when I was looking.


Colorado/Canyon as toads

Chris

[cvbdsl]

I have a 2016 Colorado Z71 but have not towed it yet, but did buy it to eventually replace my 2013 Edge toad.
In the owners manual and on-line I do not see that he diesel cannot be towed. The only criteria listed is that you must have a 4X4 with a neutral setting.

And you must disconnect the negative from the battery due to the electric steering but that is easily done with a disconnect switch.

I did not spring for the diesel as the extra cost vs fule milage did not seem worth it ( I also only occasionally tow a utility trailer).

After 5K miles I get between 21-23 mpg and according to the link below the diesel does not get a whole lot better in combined driving.

fuel economy 2016 colorado

If they are right it would take you 30-40 years to make up a $4K price difference.

As for the comments that you could buy a full size Silverado for the same money, it's really apples to oranges when you include the same features. Yep. You can get a basic Silverado for the same price, but not with the same options.

I had a full size F150 for a short while, my wife wouldn't drive it (too big to park when shopping), it didn't fit in my garage and the gas mileage sucked as a daily driver. The Colorado has negated all of that.

Yes it is pricey, but that is driven my lower production and high demand. MY local dealer says GM is restricting the number they can buy. helping to keep demand up.
But it sure does look good!

2016 Colorado Z71:B


Have fun looking and test driving, don't forget the GMC Canyon if you like their style.

Chris