smaller size pickup choices
10-20-2016, 03:36 PM
#1
smaller size pickup choices
Looking to purchase a smaller size pickup (to tow a 997.2 on an open trailer.
For various reasons, a full size is out and I want the utility of a pickup for other utilitarian reasons (so SUVs are out either on capacity and/or preference for a bed).
Looking at the Colorado/Canyon Diesel and the Tacoma.
In order to get the max safety features on both, one needs to go essentially top of the line.
It seems like the Colorado diesel is better for towing (greater tow capacity, payload, plus exhaust brake, built in brake controller, etc.).
On the other hand the Taco has a stronger, longer standing reputation and is just a nicer little truck IMHO.
Now the questions:
Which of those choices are preferred?
Other considerations?
In the Taco, TRD Pro (looks cool, but I'll never use the off road capability) v. Limited?
Thnaks
db
For various reasons, a full size is out and I want the utility of a pickup for other utilitarian reasons (so SUVs are out either on capacity and/or preference for a bed).
Looking at the Colorado/Canyon Diesel and the Tacoma.
In order to get the max safety features on both, one needs to go essentially top of the line.
It seems like the Colorado diesel is better for towing (greater tow capacity, payload, plus exhaust brake, built in brake controller, etc.).
On the other hand the Taco has a stronger, longer standing reputation and is just a nicer little truck IMHO.
Now the questions:
Which of those choices are preferred?
Other considerations?
In the Taco, TRD Pro (looks cool, but I'll never use the off road capability) v. Limited?
Thnaks
db
10-20-2016, 04:54 PM
#2
Been using a Taco SR5 for the last 4 years to tow my track toy on an open trailer. Never saw the need to get the upgraded luxury type stuff that others say is necessary. Also look at the rear springs. When I bought there was a difference that made mine better than the upgraded versions. Look on the taco forums for info.
Regarding the GM diesel. If cost is no object ..... otherwise do a cost - benefit ratio analysis. A lot of places diesel cost is way higher than regular and the mpg difference won't justify the cost differential.
Regarding the GM diesel. If cost is no object ..... otherwise do a cost - benefit ratio analysis. A lot of places diesel cost is way higher than regular and the mpg difference won't justify the cost differential.
Last edited by ExMB; 10-20-2016 at 09:25 PM.
10-20-2016, 05:50 PM
#3
One side benefit of a gasser if your track car runs unleaded gas is any extra gas at the end of the weekend can just be dumped into the truck - can't do that with a diesel.
For relatively flat lands and a light open trailer, gas does just fine. YMMV.
-Mike
10-20-2016, 07:12 PM
#4
Anyone have a sense of how the Taco TRD Pro will compare with the Limited (regular suspension) for (1)on-road manners and (2)towing manners. Obviously, the TRD PRO will be far more capable for off-road and I am wondering how much this capability compromises on-road and towing performance.
db
db
10-20-2016, 10:36 PM
#5
The TRD off road packages nets you HD long travel shocks, different
(or no), sway bars, more off road oriented tires and wheels, bash
plates, etc. Nothing on that list is beneficial for towing, so you
are better off with the SR5 or limited.
With that said, I would go with the Canyon or Colorado. A crew cab
with the long bed will get you a decent length wheelbase (more stable
when towing). The desel engine and six speed will tow much better
than the Toyota V6. The Diesel engine option also comes with
numerous features to improve the towing experience. The little GM
diesels are great engines. Working off of the tried and true Isuzu
design that is found in a bunch of different work trucks, GM tweaks
it to work within the EPA guidelines here in the U.S.
Toyota has gone back and forth about offering a diesel option for the
Tundra and the Taco. For some reason, it never happens. Maybe now
that Nissan is offering a diesel Titan, Toyota will finally get off the pot.
(or no), sway bars, more off road oriented tires and wheels, bash
plates, etc. Nothing on that list is beneficial for towing, so you
are better off with the SR5 or limited.
With that said, I would go with the Canyon or Colorado. A crew cab
with the long bed will get you a decent length wheelbase (more stable
when towing). The desel engine and six speed will tow much better
than the Toyota V6. The Diesel engine option also comes with
numerous features to improve the towing experience. The little GM
diesels are great engines. Working off of the tried and true Isuzu
design that is found in a bunch of different work trucks, GM tweaks
it to work within the EPA guidelines here in the U.S.
Toyota has gone back and forth about offering a diesel option for the
Tundra and the Taco. For some reason, it never happens. Maybe now
that Nissan is offering a diesel Titan, Toyota will finally get off the pot.
Last edited by dogger15; 10-21-2016 at 08:26 AM.
10-29-2016, 11:47 AM
#6
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Had a Taco that I finally gave up after she had 210K miles.....bulletproof! It had the V6, 5 Spd, 4WD, extended cab........towed an open steel trailer with my 911 for a few years. The stick helped, for sure, and it was a momentum set-up.......build up a head of steam for the uphills, but by taking it easy, worked just fine....certainly not ideal, but worked fine. (It was also my daily driver).
A diesel might have been a nice option, I'm sure the purchase costs are higher and, as has been pointed out above, much higher maintenance costs........ let alone the more expensive fuel.
Just my .02 GL with the search.
A diesel might have been a nice option, I'm sure the purchase costs are higher and, as has been pointed out above, much higher maintenance costs........ let alone the more expensive fuel.
Just my .02 GL with the search.
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10-31-2016, 08:11 PM
#8
A related issue:
Looking at specs of the Colorado and Tacoma, the Tacoma appears to have lower payload capacity than the Colorado (double cab, short bed, 4x4, Auto, etc. on both):
Tacoma: 1175lbs
Colorado: 1470
The interesting thing is that many other vehicles including mid size SUVs have substantially greater payload capacity than the Tacoma (although their towing capability is less).
F-150: 1590 (for comparison)
Taureg: 1287
Highlander: 1531
GLE350: 1532
etc.
The Taco is very much an outlier. Could it be that one of its ratings (e.g., Curb Weight) is specified with a passenger and fuel (doesn't say in spec) or some other factory making the comparisons apples to oranges?
db
Looking at specs of the Colorado and Tacoma, the Tacoma appears to have lower payload capacity than the Colorado (double cab, short bed, 4x4, Auto, etc. on both):
Tacoma: 1175lbs
Colorado: 1470
The interesting thing is that many other vehicles including mid size SUVs have substantially greater payload capacity than the Tacoma (although their towing capability is less).
F-150: 1590 (for comparison)
Taureg: 1287
Highlander: 1531
GLE350: 1532
etc.
The Taco is very much an outlier. Could it be that one of its ratings (e.g., Curb Weight) is specified with a passenger and fuel (doesn't say in spec) or some other factory making the comparisons apples to oranges?
db