Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

[jinx]

Any feedback on the Chevy Colorado light truck? Aluminum blocks and GM remind me of the Vega, but I'm interested in an errand runner, and since I have a farm truck I don't need brute force.<br /><br />Secondly, it's tough to be a cheapskate sometimes. Last month the rebate was a thousand dollars more if I lived in Southern Virginia rather than in Western Virginia, so I didn't do anything. Now the rebates are the same nationally, but they say the will give and extra $1500 rebate if you already own a GM product. Sort of doesn't make me want to break out the checkbook with my driveway full of Chrysler Corp. products. I understand rewarding loyalty, but don't they want to capture a conquest sale too?<br /><br />Jinx

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

What kind of errands you going to run? Heavy stuff or just general errands, small packages etc?

 

[jinx]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

Just tools and general stuff. For lumber and drywall and pipe etc. I have the 1 ton dumper.<br /><br />I was thinking about a double cab because I often have the boys with me, and 4WD because my roads are terrible and I could use it as a yard jockey to pull the boat up my ramp. Those boards get slippery for a 2wd pick up.<br /><br />I want a manual transmission and something easy to park and that sips gas.<br /><br />Thanks, <br /><br />Jinx

 

[dick]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

moving to 'Non-Boating Technical topics"<br /><br />Just getting you ready.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

I have a 2004 Colorado and really like it. With a four door crew cab and auto trans I get 20 MPG going to work, and 23 on long highway miles.<br /><br />go to www.coloradofans.com for more info.<br /><br />There are no major issues with the trucks so far, only monor ones. Engine is proven, it is a 5 clyinder version of the Trailblazer engine.<br /><br />Great acceleration, and 4 doors with plenty of room.<br /><br />I can fit my dirt bike in the back with the tailgate down.<br /><br />Only complaignt really is 4000 lbs tow limit. I dont have anything that big, so no prob for me.<br /><br />Ken

 

[JB]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

As Richard says. . . .

 

[jinx]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

Thanks, Ken for the feedback. Do you remember the Vega?<br /><br />Jinx

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

Ahhh the Vega. Rusted on the showroom floor. I vaguely remember they had problems with the blocks being pourus.<br /><br />Ken

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

The Vega engine was cast in the same manner that the big block Chevy engines were cast for the old Can-Am series. They were cast with a high silica content aluminum. The aluminum was then chemically etched from the interior of the cylinders leaving a thin film of silica for the rings/pistons to travel in. This was done in lieu of using steel sleeves which would have added several pounds to a Can-Am engine. Unfortunately, the silica film wasn't near as durable as steel sleeves. This was a monumental mistake by Chevrolet to use this technique on a production engine.

 

[KM2]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

I saw in a interview with a GM executive on some tv show that they did not design a higher towing capacity because customers for a mid size truck don't tow over 4000 lbs, most have small boats, dirt bikes, snowmobiles... the customers told them in survey's that if that had to tow over 4k they would buy a full size truck. <br /><br />Make sense to me and it's a nice looking truck. 23mpg isn't bad either.

 

[jinx]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

Ken: thanks for the information<br />BoatBouy: Thanks for the answer to a question I've wondered about.<br /><br />I'm sort of stuck on the purchase, because I am, to put it bluntly, a cheapskate on buying things. I have a hard time swallowing paying $1500 more because I don't currently have a GM product (the amount of the owner loyalty rebate).<br /><br />Other than that, it looks like it might be a handy little errand runner.<br /><br />Jinx

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

jinx, if you're so cheap (nothing wrong with that!), why are looking for a brand new truck? Why not a used S-10? They should have taken a hit in value, due to the debut of the Colorado. Just a thought.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

I would buy 1 but for two things. The Headlights dont look right to me, its better on the TrailBlazer. The Wheel wells are strange they are tilted. I was looking the the wheel well and the tire was so small. The 5 Cylinder seems so strange when they have a perfectly good 6 as in a trailblazer.

 

[jinx]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

TilliamWe: I wanted a double cab with a manual tranny. The S-10 was only automatic in a double cab. I'll buy something new, but I keep it for a long time. I'm not much on frills either--most base models have enough standard equipment to keep me happy.<br /><br />Realgun: The 6-cyl block is too long to fit. Maybe a V6 someday. Also, the headlights were described as looking like they came off the Emperor Ming!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

I don't know why, but they are not selling around here.<br />The dealers only have a couple on the lots, and I have only seen 2 of them in my town so far. Both were fleet service vehicles.<br /><br />My uncle bought one just before he went to Texas for the winter, so I have no review from him.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

Roscoe they is butt ugly thats why they are not selling. To bad Ford has not redesigned the Ranger. Toyota screwed up their small truck too. Nissan on the other hand looks good, the Frontier, the Titan came out a little wrong in front.

 

[KM2]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

Somebody correct me if this is wrong since it's been a while since I read reviews on this truck and I'm too lazy to go look it up. The 5cyl is the same engine as the 6 with a cylinder cut off. It's an inline 5 (6 in the trailblazer) <br />I agree it's a little unconventual, not any other 5's on the market.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

Lots of turbo deisel Mercedes 5 cylinders around the world.<br /><br />The Blazer still comes with the 4.3 v6.<br />The Trailblazer comes with a 4200 inline 6, or an optional 5300 v8.<br /><br />The Colorado inline 5 is supposed to put out 220hp.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

Volvo used 5 cylinder engines for a long time, it is a proven format. If a person can get past the looks, the Colorado seems to be a fine truck. If you think it will do the job, just buy it.

 

[spratt]

Re: Chevy Colorado: 2 questions

The Colorado certainly looks better than that sick SSL thing they are selling!!! Just MHO, of course....