Long time fan new user! I just watched the recent video Chevy Colorado I was very interested and just wanted to ask a follow up questions
should I avoid the 3.6 and find a 2.4?
Will the auto transmissions last?
would a newer ford ranger also last?
I take care of my cars. I’m in the army needs something to get me from point a to b and can haul/tow small loads when need be
I would consider a Frontier.
Welcome new user!
Just to clarify, are you talking new or used (and what model years?)
Regarding new: Up to 2022, there are 3 motor choices (a 2.5 4-cyl, a 3.6 V6, and a 2.8 turbo diesel), but what little inventory is left out there is almost all the 3.6. The 3.6L is a very good engine, but the problem is the 8-speed transmission, or to be specific, the torque converter, which has been going out on people at an alarming rate. You can take your chances with it, but I would not.
If you can find one, the baby Duramax is the way to go. It comes only with a 6-speed transmission, and the combo is about as reliable a powertrain as you can get in a midsize truck (Toyota included). But that of course is a big "'if". There are very few left out there, and you will probably have to conduct a nationwide search to find one you want. And since there are so few sold, finding a mechanic with experience servicing it might be an effort. [Personal experience: a year ago, I looked at the GMC Canyon. After researching the problems with the 8-speed transmission, I put in an order for one with the diesel. A couple months later, the dealer called and said GM cancelled my order. I gave up and bought a Sierra with the 3.0L Duramax.]
2023 (which I think will not be available until Spring) is a complete redesign. Very nice looking truck, with excellent fit and finish on the pre-production media units. It comes with only 1 engine - a 2.7L turbo I4 - but 3 different tune levels. I predict it will be very smooth and torquey, especially with the upper level tunes. But now let's address the elephant in the room: it's a GM product with a small turbocharged engine... something is going to go wrong, the only question is what? On the famous "TFL scale of buy it-lease it-rent it-or forget it"(TM) it's probably a lease it.
Regarding the Ranger: I am seeing a lot of them in my area, but hearing rumors of some significant quality problems. Not necessarily wrong to get one, but do your homework and only get one if your local dealer has an absolutely stellar reputation of standing behind their products.
Thank you for this answer and yea I should have been more specific I am not looking for a new new model but semi new like 15k-20k miles on it I’ll keep my eye out on the 6 speed transmissions. In regards to the rangers I’ve heard mixed reviews on the 10 speed trans and the of course Ecoboost engines from Scotty I kind of have an opposite opinion as I’ve seen them go for a long time on some of the older ones but thanks for the input.