Hey Scotty, I’m heading to college soon and I’m thinking of getting a midsize truck because I need 4wd and enough ground clearance for the winter since my 2018 Maxima isn’t going to help me in that much. I’m thinking of trading it in for a newer GMC Canyon. I know you’re not a big fan of modern GM but I’m only going to drive it around for about 4 years and It will be more practical when moving my stuff around to new apartments and getting around in the snow. Which engine option should I get the v6 or the diesel or does it really matter?
Only buy a Colorado or Canyon if you can get it dirt cheap. If you have to pay any kind of serious money for it than you get into the situation where you can get better for the same amount.
The V6 is quite durable
4 years isn't much. I'd start by putting the Maxima on craigslist and see what you get offered, and if you can't sell it then trade it in.
Which years Canyon are you looking at? And how many miles in those 4 years do you my expect to put on (rough estimate)? Have you also considered a used Nissan Frontier?
Or a Ford Ranger
If you are set on the Canyon, I would avoid the 3.6 L V6 as it is mated to the GM designed 8-speed AT (8L45). That transmission is bad enough that that is reason alone not to get the V6 engine since the two are paired together. There had been class action lawsuits against that 8-speed transmission:
Also, that V6 engine (LGZ) features cylinder deactivation (what GM calls Active Fuel Management or AFM) which puts further stress on the transmission when it activates. I would recommend going with the 2.5L Duramax Diesel which is mated to a GM designed 6-sped AT (6L50) which is better than the 8-speed.
But I still recommend a MY 2019 or earlier Nissan Frontier and save some money. Also less likely to give you issues than the GM truck.
Good point. I thought we were talking about a Gen1 4.3