Ongoing General Automotive Thread 2.0

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by timun

I have a 2010 2.5 L; generally city economy is about 10 L/100 km in the winter, 8.5ish in the summer. Not great. Any other engine is much better for fuel economy; anecdotally I know a couple people with the Skyactiv engine and 6-speed, and it's much much better.

Cool, 8.5 I'm the city is about what I expected and around a 20% improvement over my mom's everyday car now. I think she can do better for fuel economy but she seems to really like the Mazda for some reason.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

Cool, 8.5 I'm the city is about what I expected and around a 20% improvement over my mom's everyday car now. I think she can do better for fuel economy but she seems to really like the Mazda for some reason.

Maybe she likes rust?

[Treycal]

Originally Posted by metallicat

Does anyone have any personal experience with newer GMC Canyons/Chevy Colorado’s or the Ford Ranger?

I had a 2019 Chevy Colorado Z71. Just traded it in a new 4Runner.

I was quite happy overall with the truck. It was a comfortable ride and got decent gas mileage both in and out of the city. We cross shopped it against the Tacoma but found the Colorado had much more usable space in the rear seat and drove 100x better on the highway (Tacoma 6 speed transmission was always hunting for the right gear).

In the end we traded it in because this was the first truck we’d ever owned and decided that an SUV just worked better for us.

No real issues in the time we owned it other than having to do a transmission fluid swap to solve a “shudder” issue that was apparently quite common across GM vehicles with the same transmission. After that we had no problems.

Feel free to ask me any other questions about it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by metallicat

Does anyone have any personal experience with newer GMC Canyons/Chevy Colorado’s or the Ford Ranger?

What information are you looking for? Reliable engines and powertrains, overpriced for what they are, not comfortable but they hold their value really well. The back seats are super tight, both are still more comfortable then the highly over rated Tacomas. New incentives are virtually non existent. These trucks are typically purchased by old guys who are wanting to down size because they've sold their rv's or have moved and their old truck doesn't fit in the garage. Divorced single ladies are the next most common customer for theses trucks.

Why are you considering one of these?

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

What information are you looking for? Reliable engines and powertrains, overpriced for what they are, not comfortable and they hold their value really good. The back seats are tight, both are still more comfortable then the highly over rated Tacomas. New incentives are virtually non existent These trucks are typically purchased by old guys who are wanting to down size because they've sold their rv's or have moved and their old truck doesn't fit in the garage. Divorced single ladies are the next most common customer for theses trucks.

Why are you considering one of these?

Some people really do think to themselves "I want a truck no cheaper than a half-ton, no better on gas, but is much much less capable and useful"

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

What information are you looking for? Reliable engines and powertrains, overpriced for what they are, not comfortable and they hold their value really good. The back seats are tight, both are still more comfortable than the highly over rated Tacomas. New incentives are virtually non existent These trucks are typically purchased by old guys who are wanting to down size because they've sold their rv's or have moved and their old truck doesn't fit in the garage. Divorced single ladies are the next most common customer for theses trucks.

Why are you considering one of these?

I've had two rangers, two F-150s, two Frontiers, a GMC 1500 and a Tacoma. The Tacoma was the best vehicle and held its value better than any of the others. On no planet is the Tacoma overrated. It's way better than the Ranger or the Colorado, plus it looks cooler. The Ranger looks like it's straight out of 20 years ago to me. Very dull truck.

My current F-150 is better for me because of its size. I don't want a small truck right now.

And I'm not some Toyota fanboy or anything. I would take an F-150 all day long before an outdated Tundra. But for the smaller trucks, the Tacoma is king.

Also, what about the new F-150? That's way better than the Ranger. I think the extended cab F-150 might even have the same or better rear seat legroom than the crew cab Ranger. Prices are probably comparable, too.

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I've had two rangers, two F-150s, two Frontiers, a GMC 1500 and a Tacoma. The Tacoma was the best vehicle and held its value better than any of the others. On no planet is the Tacoma overrated. It's way better than the Ranger or the Colorado, plus it looks cooler. The Ranger looks like it's straight out of 20 years ago to me. Very dull truck.

My current F-150 is better for me because of its size. I don't want a small truck right now.

And I'm not some Toyota fanboy or anything. I would take an F-150 all day long before an outdated Tundra. But for the smaller trucks, the Tacoma is king.

Also, what about the new F-150? That's way better than the Ranger. I think the extended cab F-150 might even have the same or better rear seat legroom than the crew cab Ranger. Prices are probably comparable, too.

Why do you consider the Tacoma to be the best?


They didn't even offer a power drivers seat until 2020 in the Tacoma. Comfort wise, for me the Tacomas lagged way behind. I just don't get the hard ons for Tacomas. Working now selling Fords, and GM previously to this, Ive learned the many flaws to point out with Tacomas, revolving predominantly around comfort, 2nd row access, head clearance when entering and exiting etc.... Tacomas also have more road noise, vehicle noise, less horse power and until recently really lacked in technology. There are many faults in the Tacoma that get over looked because its a Toyota. I know they hold their value well, crazy good.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

Why do you consider the Tacoma to be the best?

They didn't even offer a power drivers seat until 2020 in the Tacoma. Comfort wise, for me the Tacomas lagged way behind. I just don't get the hard ons for Tacomas. Working now selling Fords, and GM previously to this, Ive learned the many flaws to point out with Tacomas, revolving predominantly around comfort, 2nd row access, head clearance when entering and exiting etc.... There are many faults in the Tacoma that get over looked because its a Toyota. I know they hold their value well.

Power drivers seats are the worst. My wife is 5'3" and I'm 6'4". Give me a lever to rocket the seat back in 0.5 seconds any day before standing outside the vehicle with my finger on a button as the seat slowly crawls back.

But what's better about the Tacoma? I wasn't even aware there was a debate here. And I guess we'll start by setting aside the looks since that's subjective, although I know exactly zero people who think the Ranger looks better than the Tacoma.

First, I like manual transmissions and the Tacoma is the only one with a stick. My '08 was manual and it was fun to shift versus the automatic Ranger I had before that (I realize both models are updated as we talk here in 2021; just pointing out that for somebody who prefers a manual transmission, the Tacoma is really all there is).

Base infotainment screen in a Ranger is 4.2" versus 7" in the Tacoma. Interior quality is better in the Tacoma. Interior is nicer looking in the Tacoma.

The Tacoma holds its value WAY better than the Ranger. Basically, you're nuts to buy a new Ranger if resale is important to you.

But, don't take my word for it. I'm having trouble finding literally any automotive site that would rank a Ranger above a Tacoma.

"The 2020 Ford Ranger might be the more practical choice for everyday needs, but the 2020 Toyota Tacoma stands out more in physical presence, standard features, and overall value."

"But for those who want a rugged workhorse and a truck that can handle anything, the Tacoma is the only choice."

"But as the pick to buy, the Tacoma might be less fun, but it’s more truck. It’s the more rugged-feeling option, is less car-like to drive, and will cost less to own in the long run. If camping, boating, or biking is the way you choose to have fun, the Tacoma is the gateway to playtime."

"However, maybe J.D. Power and Associates can offer some more to the conversation. According to 2019 surveys of owners of 3-year-old vehicles, Toyota is ranked second among all manufacturers in overall dependability. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 16th."

Tacoma outsells the Ranger 4 to 1. Only get a Ranger if the incentives are insane. The Tacoma is the superior truck except in the mind of a Ford salesman, I guess.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Power drivers seats are the worst. My wife is 5'3" and I'm 6'4". Give me a lever to rocket the seat back in 0.5 seconds any day before standing outside the vehicle with my finger on a button as the seat slowly crawls back.

Pretty sure I (well my parents) had a GM vehicle in the late 90s where the keyless entry remotes were assigned to seat memory positions (and power mirrors, and radio stations even), as did my last Mercedes. Is this still not a common thing these days?

As for re-sale, the Tacoma carries a premium over the Ranger anyway, so I would hope it would sell for a bit more on the back end.

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Power drivers seats are the worst. My wife is 5'3" and I'm 6'4". Give me a lever to rocket the seat back in 0.5 seconds any day before standing outside the vehicle with my finger on a button as the seat slowly crawls back.

But what's better about the Tacoma? I wasn't even aware there was a debate here. And I guess we'll start by setting aside the looks since that's subjective, although I know exactly zero people who think the Ranger looks better than the Tacoma.

First, I like manual transmissions and the Tacoma is the only one with a stick. My '08 was manual and it was fun to shift versus the automatic Ranger I had before that (I realize both models are updated as we talk here in 2021; just pointing out that for somebody who prefers a manual transmission, the Tacoma is really all there is).

Base infotainment screen in a Ranger is 4.2" versus 7" in the Tacoma. Interior quality is better in the Tacoma. Interior is nicer looking in the Tacoma.

The Tacoma holds its value WAY better than the Ranger. Basically, you're nuts to buy a new Ranger if resale is important to you.

But, don't take my word for it. I'm having trouble finding literally any automotive site that would rank a Ranger above a Tacoma.

"The 2020 Ford Ranger might be the more practical choice for everyday needs, but the 2020 Toyota Tacoma stands out more in physical presence, standard features, and overall value."

"But for those who want a rugged workhorse and a truck that can handle anything, the Tacoma is the only choice."

"But as the pick to buy, the Tacoma might be less fun, but it’s more truck. It’s the more rugged-feeling option, is less car-like to drive, and will cost less to own in the long run. If camping, boating, or biking is the way you choose to have fun, the Tacoma is the gateway to playtime."

"However, maybe J.D. Power and Associates can offer some more to the conversation. According to 2019 surveys of owners of 3-year-old vehicles, Toyota is ranked second among all manufacturers in overall dependability. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 16th."

Tacoma outsells the Ranger 4 to 1. Only get a Ranger if the incentives are insane. The Tacoma is the superior truck except in the mind of a Ford salesman, I guess.

I've read many of these publications, I asked why YOU liked the Tacoma better. You can poll anyone outside of a Toyota dealership and they will not have an answer other then strong consumer loyalty, and fanboys. They make a ton of aftermarket parts and accessories for the Tacomas but very few people give that as an answer.

Those who say its "more truck" couldn't be further from the truth. The Tacoma is behind both the Ranger and Canyon/ Colorado in towing capacity AND payload. Being more rugged (noisier, less comfortable more clunky) does not mean more truck. I also wouldn't worry too much about the base 4.2" screen, these only exist on the XL models, which are basically a fleet spec.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by btimbit

Some people really do think to themselves "I want a truck no cheaper than a half-ton, no better on gas, but is much much less capable and useful"

Keep in mind that a lot of the full-size trucks don't fit in a garage and can be a pain in the ass to drive/park in the city. A more compact size can be a big selling feature in itself. Not everyone wants a chromed-out Tonka, regardless of the value per pound.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

Pretty sure I (well my parents) had a GM vehicle in the late 90s where the keyless entry remotes were assigned to seat memory positions (and power mirrors, and radio stations even), as did my last Mercedes. Is this still not a common thing these days?

As for re-sale, the Tacoma carries a premium over the Ranger anyway, so I would hope it would sell for a bit more on the back end.

For re-sale, it's the percent difference that is important. Tacoma depreciates 29% over five years. Ranger is expected to depreciate 40% in the same timeframe.

The Tacoma depreciates less than any other truck. Maybe even any other vehicle.

You probably buy just top trims. I have memory seats in my Mercedes, too, but they're still slower than I would like for going from all the way forward to all the way back. Not something you'd notice if you swap cars with people with just a few inches of height difference, but I share my vehicles with somebody more than a foot shorter than me and waiting for power seats to fata around is the bane of my existence.

My Sienna XLE is a high trim, just shy of the top Limited, and even it doesn't have memory seats. You have to stand there like a moron waiting for the seat to crawl forward or back.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

I've read many of these publications, I asked why YOU liked the Tacoma better.

Those who say its "more truck" couldn't be further from the truth. The Tacoma is behind both the Ranger and Canyon/ Colorado in towing capacity AND payload. Being more rugged (noisier, less comfortable more clunky) does not mean more truck. I also wouldn't worry too much about the base 4.2" screen, these only exist on the XL models, which are basically a fleet spec.

I know you asked me. I gave you some reasons. Then I also supported what I said by citing some sources. I went the extra mile for you.

Towing capacity. We're talking a difference of 700 pounds. That's nothing - not to mention I highly doubt many Tacoma or Ranger buyers are towing often, let alone bumping up to that limit.

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I know you asked me. I gave you some reasons. Then I also supported what I said by citing some sources. I went the extra mile for you.

Towing capacity. We're talking a difference of 700 pounds. That's nothing - not to mention I highly doubt many Tacoma or Ranger buyers are towing often, let alone bumping up to that limit.

It was by far the best because you prefer a manual transmission and manual moving seats, great, the dated Tacoma sounds like perfect truck for you.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Keep in mind that a lot of the full-size trucks don't fit in a garage and can be a pain in the ass to drive/park in the city. A more compact size can be a big selling feature in itself. Not everyone wants a chromed-out Tonka, regardless of the value per pound.

My neighbour's truck is literally half a foot too long to park in his garage.

It was fine until his battery gave out during one of those lovely days when it was ungodly cold outside.

Originally Posted by Sliver

You probably buy just top trims.

Of course I do. What am I, a peasant?

[Scroopy Noopers]

I find it funny that I found someone else who hates power seats in car. What an unnecessarily ridiculous feature. And of course it was Sliver.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

It was by far the best because you prefer a manual transmission and manual moving seats, great, the dated Tacoma sounds like perfect truck for you.

Dated? Current generation of the Tacoma was released as a 2016. Current Ranger is from 2011, isn't it? I realize it was sold as a 2019 in North America, but my understanding is it's the 2011 truck from elsewhere in the world.

[81MC]

New ranger is out btw. I still get a good chuckle out of a truck with a 5 foot box and a 38 foot cab.

[Canadianman]

Originally Posted by Sliver

... On no planet is the Tacoma overrated. It's way better than the Ranger or the Colorado, plus it looks cooler. The Ranger looks like it's straight out of 20 years ago to me. ....

Whereas the Tacoma is ACTUALLY straight out of 20 years ago. They've been the market leader for so long, they haven't had an innovative thought in at least 20 years.


Don't get me wrong, they are incredibly reliable small trucks, but it is hardly cooler.

[WhiteTiger]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

I find it funny that I found someone else who hates power seats in car. What an unnecessarily ridiculous feature. And of course it was Sliver.

I don't hate power seats in a car, but after an experience during that crazy cold snap, I'm not as fond of them as I used to be.

I like to use the option that automatically moves the seat all the way back when you turn the car off, and then moves it forward to a pre-set location when you get in and sit down.

During the cold snap, the motor that drives the seat froze and broke...so now my seat was stuck as far back as it could go. With no way at all to move it forward, without tearing the seat apart to get at the screw rails myself.

It was then that I learned that the manual adjustment I had assumed existed, did not. Luckily, I was able to make things work enough to get to garage to get it fixed, but it was really annoying all of the sudden to have a seat you can't control.

I don't "hate" power seats, but I think that there should/needs to be a manual override.