Colorado ZR2 Duramax Diesel LONG TERM In Depth Review | Should you buy it? 4K
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- Опубликовано: 23 июл 2024
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After owning my Colorado ZR2 for over 2 years, towing with it, going off road with it, I want to share my thoughts on the good, the bad and the ugly that the ZR2 brings. Is this diesel truck the right one to buy?
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I got the GDE engine and trans tune on my 2018 ZR2 Diesel just a couple of months before the crackdown. It really does make a big difference! I spoke with the guys from GDE the other day and they said that they are working on a EPA certified tune that should be available in June 2020.
I love my 2019 Diesel ZR2! Best truck I’ve ever owned.
It's really been a great truck
@@FlyinGato still going strong?
Even my 2015 WT drives like a small car getting into parking spaces, which surprised me a lot... They really have the steering geometry worked out perfectly on these trucks...
Great vid! ,Colorado Zr2 is my favorite truck.
Love my '16 Canyon CCSB SLT 4X4 DMax. Solid 30 MPG on old Pa. 4 lanes, 25 MPG on old two lane hilly and curvy state roads like shown in your video. No tune or delete but do use a Pedal Commander which gets rid of the throttle dead spot, zero issues, had emission recalls done by dealer. Been looking for a new ECLB ZR2 DMax which are rare here but w/ Covid that sets everything way back, might have to order one or go gasser. Was a FS truck guy forever but way too large anymore, gotta love the GMT-700's.
SCCA road racing, how frickin' cool. I ran D Sports Racer back in the '90's. Member since '89.
small world! I'm in PA as well. the duramax is harder to find now because production has stopped at the engine plant. And yes, SCCA member! I've been a member for about 6 years now
I have 40K miles on my 18 diesel ZR2. I've had zero issues at this point. It's does great for my commute and does great off-road.
How do you like the zr2 vs the jku in your profile pic?
Thank you for taking the time to make this video
Glad it was helpful!
Been in the market for a new truck a midsize with almost the towing capacity of a full-size and the bison seems to be the best choice for my application and it having good fuel economy unlike a full-size because it will be my daily
I have a 2019 ZR2 Bison Diesel and have done quite a bit too. And love the truck would not trade it for another. It rides beautifully long drives are very comfortable. I put 35’s on mine with a 4” lift it looks awesome Love my ZR2 Diesel
im just looking at a regular colorado or canyon used with the 2,8L duramax but i heard about them stopping production on the engine itself is it still worth getting then incase someone needs parts or a new engine? or no id get a ZR2 but no 6 foot box sadly
I recently retired and want to travel full time with a ZR2 pulling a travel trailer. The trailer box size will be 8 ft X 16.5 ft with a total hitch to bumper length of 21 ft, and total weight of 5000 lbs (I know it maxed out according to mfg specs). I'll be driving about 16,000+ miles per year with about 50% of that towing. I want the ZR2 because I want to do a lot of back country exploring where a regular Colorado Z71 or full size truck will struggle. Your thoughts on this? Handling and braking safety? WD anti sway hitch set up? I've been told no problem and also NO WAY!? Thanks in advance.
I have a 2019 zr2 it has been great the only thing that I was dissapointed in was the left rear shock broke on me when it only had 25,000 miles. I will tell you though I am an avid bird hunter and big game hunter it tears it up on the off road its no joke best truck I have off roaded in the shocks havent had any problems since I replaced the one so hopefully it stays like that. The bed is a bit small but I mean its a little truck what else would you exepect overall it has been great!!!
I have a 2018 zr2 awesome gas mileage 20 to 21 pulling a 17ft boat and 25-27 hwy.
diesel im guessing
Agree with your view on the EPA and tuning vehicles! Look up the impact of the meat industry vs the car industry....it will blow your mind!
We’re happy with our 2019. We were towing our Casita travel trailer (maybe 3400 lbs loaded) with an Audi Q5 TDI which we LOVED but proved a little small during an 11 week transcontinental trip. I looked around to see what else would get the same mileage towing our trailer, and NEVER planned to ever own a truck, but found the Colorado online, went to look at a used one and traded our beloved Audi on the spot. We get 20-21 mpg towing at freeway speeds towing our trailer, same as the Audi, and have been very happy. I’m sad they’re no longer offered, so ours has to last until I’m too old to tow ;-)
Great review. It's nice to hear the perspective of a car driver.
Thanks!
Have you had any transmission issues? I wanna by a ‘17 Colorado v6 but ive heard that they have transmission issues
Doing great from Tampa Florida area and love the truck/color.
Pretty timely review for me. I've been looking at a GMC Sierra with the same engine and a long term owner's review is a lot more helpful than short term professional ones. I have zero interest in "diesel tuning" so that con is not an issue for me. I plan on keep it for many, many years so resale isn't a huge issue either.
Glad I could help!
GMC Sierra does not have the same engine. The new diesel in the half tons is a 3.0 inline six.
So I bought a 94 s10 xcab 4x4 auto 4.3 new I just put new breaks shocks on it today it's all manual window locks interior is shot body is hammered and it's got 487k on the odometer I did put a starter and a new water pump in it about 5k miles past that other then change fluids still going strong I'm looking at one of these just because I want the 4 door since I have kids and I want the diesel and the front locking Def I pull a small single axle trailer for 4 wheeler and a mower and I have a 14 foot boat I'm hoping to make it last 20 us year like my old truck
Heck yeah I like the truck I've got the same one in kinetic blue minus the diesel which now that fuel prices are through the roof I'm glad I don't have one I like my little V6
Add a fass fuel system, that gives you more power and reduces the regens.
Ive always liked the of that Grand Prix
You mentioned a lift. Do you have an aftermarket lift, or were you referring to the lift it comes with from the factory? Excellent video!! 👍🏻
I have the factory lift. For my purposes, it's more than good enough. The type of off roading we do here is muddy "trails", so the front and rear lockers with the wrangler duratrac tries REALLY help
That is an awesome little diesel !
Great video. I'm thinking about one of these if I can find it used. I want the diesel. I won't buy it if it doesn't have it. I'm worried the delete and tune also. I've seen some pretty impressive tuner numbers out there without doing anything. I;m going to do more research and decide what's best. Keep truckin"!
I had a 2018 Z71 diesel and it was a great truck. I only traded it in because of the deals dealerships have going on right now because of Covid. I was going to delete mine when the warranty ran out but now it's hard to find guys that will still do it. I went to a Silverado now but still miss my Colorado at times.
Go for it! I love my ZR2
I was thinking of going with a Silverado Trail boss myself, but I wanted to wait for the upcoming ZRX Silverado, supposed to be a raptor killer. If it comes with the diesel, sign me up!
That would be nice if GM really does come out with a raptor killer. My Silverado is RST 6.2 litter Black Widow so I am pretty set. That was my raptor killer.
The rust would kill me!
You should get it fluid filmed if you want that rust underneath to stop.
I have 2017 ZR2 and it’s the best truck I’ve ever owned.
I've really been impressed, everything about my experience has been great
I’m impressed too.
Josh H do you own the V6 or Duramax? How’s the reliability?
Saul Murillo It’s 3.6L v6 its fun to drive. And in my opinion I think reliability 7/10 still good car.
Any problems with the diesel filters clogging up? I'm thinkin of getting a z71 diesel, but I've heard about problems with the filters. Thanks for your video.
Just change the fuel filter once a year and you'll be alright honestly
@@FlyinGato Thanks man.
Do you feel a stock 2.8L has enough get up any go, or power for passing on freeway?
The duramax has the torque to get you going. But once the freeway the lack of HP will be slow after 2K rpms. Passing power would be pretty bad on this motor with only 181 HP. But still IMO, low end torque is more important for truck applications. Plus this still has the 6 speed which is reliable. The 8 speed used in the 3.6 gas has ALLOT of issues. Avoid like the plague. This is a good truck capable of 30 MPG's.
It's not fast, but it's plenty fast enough, and a new map sensor will help you boost turbo, you get about 300 hp out of it
I really like the Colorado ZR2 I'd like to get one with the V6
V6 has issues
Any of your DSSV shocks leaking? I heard that’s been an issue for some. I have a 2019 ZR2 Duramax and it has been really fun to drive!
no leaking and I've been pretty hard on them. I think it was more of a "first year" problem with those that took them off road
Have they been recalled or are they replaceable under factory warranty if we buy one used?
I've had to replace the left rear DSSV shock on my 2019 TWICE. First time was about 9k miles, then again 2k miles later. I've been keeping an eye on them really really well now. Thankfully, the 3-year 36k mile warranty covered them no questions asked.
As long as you have warranty they will get replaced
I keep waiting but none of mine are leaking yet. 40K miles and quite a bit of hard wheeling.
Nice review and I want a diesel but, I'm not sure I understand that last part about emissions. So you modified the truck from stock, not getting why the emissions are a problem? Can't you just take it back to stock?
What he meant was that he deleted the def system in the truck. People do that to gain more power from the truck. You don't have to worry about any of that stuff.
This guy is all over the place.
That is a sweet truck, wish I could afford one.
I think it's the best truck for those of us who like to take random turns into the bush, and not worry about getting stuck
@@FlyinGato Thats exactly what I think too. I drive a Raptor, same concept of just turning in, but its a bit wide for some trails. Which is why I checked out your vid. Looking at possibly trading in for a ZR2, or even just finding a used one.
Is this electric blue metallic? I wanna get a 21 but wanna see the exact color before I order it
no it is kind of dark blue, get it in blue it's great
2:42 ... wonder if the racing gloves make you faster or add more horsepower... 🤔🤔🤔
I have a 2018 Colorado diesel followed the maintenance never missed oil change engine blew at 170000 kliks truck was never abused needed engine replacement
That’s unfortunate, these engines are known to be good outside the US
So are we going to talk about the offroad video part is a complete different color truck?
That's been the only time I've had time to film, it was when bigfrogs4x4 took his out to the off road park. I go off road a lot, but not for fun, for necessity
Love the Chev diesel.Almost bought a Chev.Have to worry about DEF fluid and must run the truck hard to regen the exhaust.Otherwise the exhaust will plug.The pre-DEF fluid trucks are better and more reliable.Agree with you this Chev diesel is probably not a truck to keep permanently.
Any issues with the transmission? I have read so many negative posts about issues with the transmission hunting or surging it may be worse in 2016 models but I’m not sure the issue has been resolved. That is the one thing that would keep me away from the truck. I hear good things about the 2.8 litre diesel and am seriously considering one for towing a travel trailer.
Well, the transmission isn't smooth at all, you have to be a little patient when shifting into drive or reverse, and sometimes the shifts are a little bit odd if you're used to the modern BMW transmissions, for example, but for a truck, it's what I expected, no issues from me at all
Ok thanks I appreciate it.
It’s the 8 speed in the gas truck that people are complaining about. Not the 6 speed in the diesel.....
In March (2021) I plan to get a 2021 ZR2...for several reasons, I'm going with the V6 gas engine, not the diesel.
And apparently that's just in time as I've hear both the V6 and diesel engines will be gone for 2023 model Colorados.
-- BR
They closed down the Thailand plant where the diesels were being built, but GM has confirmed that the 2.8 Duramax for the canyon/Colorado will continue to be built.
V6 is a different experience, WAY more power and more of a sporty feel for sure. For me, a truck needs to be diesel, love that easy torque
Stay away from the gas one. It has the crappy 8 speed which has a ton of issues. The 2023 will get the 2.7 Turbo which will have a ton more low end torque. Its a good engine and has V8 like power. Worth waiting for IMO. The question is whether they will use their 10 speed which is a good transmission or double down and re use the crappola 8 speed again. The diesel option is the best since they use the 6 speed which is a great transmission. Lots of power off the line with all that torque but will not give you much power at speed with only 181 HP. I do allot of short commutes so the diesel it out for me. I'd get a ton of clogged filter regen errors no doubt. Just waiting to see if the next gen Ford Ranger and colorado. I think the Ranger will be the best if they use their 2.7 eco with 400 lbs of torque using the 10 speed.
How would you rate the ZR2 against the Tacoma? Tacoma fans tout the reliability of the Tacoma, but the new Colorados are supposed to be pretty reliable, comparable to the Tacoma. Any thoughts?
I no longer own my Colorado, but I would not get a Tacoma, the diesel Colorado holds its value well, drives better, tows more, and is more comfortable than the Taco
I’m going to be getting a z71 duramax Colorado used, but I’m having a very hard time finding a good deal a couple more grand I can have a new one... then at 40k I can buy a 1500 duramax!
I guess my question is is what’s a fair price??????
Thing is, used and new car inventory is really low, so prices are super inflated unfortunately
Love the engine, love the exterior styling, but the interior is so bad (1990's Cavalier-ish) I just can't get past it. Would've popped on one here recently but the inside just isn't up to 2020s vehicle standards.
Looking good man. Its not a Honda but still.
Thanks! I'll hopefully be seeing you on track soon
Great review man. Looking to get one as well. Debating on gas or diesel.
I'm a big fan of diesel
The DEF system on these are not good for short commutes. The exhaust filter clogs up and you get REGEN error message. If you drive allot of hwy with longer commutes this is not an issue. I love this truck but the DEF emissions system takes what is otherwise a reliable diesel to one that is problematic. You can delete the DEF but might fail emission testing in your area. Its why Diesels are dying in America. EPA has crippled diesels. I love diesels but not after all the crap they put on the engine.
@@HiPlains1 actually that's where your wrong bud cause I do alot of short commutes with my 16 Z71 diesel and have never had that issue. So far she's been great whether it's short or long commutes it's been the same.
Had a 2004 honda prelude type S from japan and a SH from the US. Will always miss them
They stopped the prelude production in 2001
I think deleting is awesome! Do it anyways. Chances are more likely that its a fear based threat. Diesel burns clean especially compared to gas
Nice truck, whats the longest time you idle this 2.8 Duramax?
I try to avoid idling it at all, but I leave it 2-5 minutes sometimes
I'd buy it, if not for the truck itself, but certainly for the Duramax 2.8 *"Baby Duramax"* Diesel engine. I can think of a few vehicles that would benefit from such a small displacement turbo diesel. It may not deliver the same amount of horsepower or torque as its big brother, the Duramax 6.6 litre Turbo Diesel, but so what? This is a smaller diesel engine, for smaller vehicles.
I'd be worried about that plug being so low. 4:37
Those infotainments are hilarious bro.. I don’t need giant screens like the 2024 fords but that tiny little thing on a big truck is kinda funny. I love zr2s but in 2024 they’ve become overpriced like most trucks.. the Colorado trail boss and the frontier are the last tried and true that won’t kill your wallet. Anyhow, I found a used diesel for sale and was wondering now.. 3 years later.. how’s it running?
Eh, it did the job
It's rare at this price range it doesn't have push button start
You cannot have a push button start on a diesel. There is a warm up process when its cold that is initiated when the key is in the on position
Actually the X5 diesel is a push start, it just takes a bit to get the glow plugs to go, but it works ok
did you get rid of it?
I did, needed a mom wagon, got a diesel X5
Good report. However, I have really hard time listening to anybody who calls a Prelude a "sports car."
@Doug Haner what do you call it?
@@sschevmale24 ass
@@sschevmale24 A 20+ year old FWD coupe. The first thing a sports car must be is RWD.
I think I'll call it a "sporty" car
I own a 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR1 Duramax. It is stock with no special tuning. Have about the same miles on it as in this video. Been great, have about the same mileage. Towed a car trailer from Southern California to Florida and back, brought back a 1971 Torino Big Block car with a total weight of about 6,000 LB, worked out great. One correction on your feelings about the emissions systems. The stock set-up will give you about 300,000 miles of service as long as you maintain it. The trick tuning will likely end up shortening the life of the engine for a multitude of reasons. The OEM engineers things to be able to drive anyplace in America at any time of the year. Those tuning experts do not; they don't have to be responsible for it if it breaks it.
I love my 2016 Colorado Z-71 Diesel with 53k problem free miles
they are small but so capable
Will it cruise at 90mph all day?
yea though MPG will suffer greatly
The V6 cruises nicely at 90mph at 2250rpm
You mentioned getting rid of it at 100k. Why?
It's getting hard to find diesel deletes and tunes. While you can still find them, I have a better solution for a long term diesel "truck"
FlyinGato meaning just get rid of it at 100k?
Brett Forguson probably because the power train warranty is only to 80k. So, once the warranty is up, dump it before you have to pay for all the def/egr servicing. It gets pricy. If the dpf plugs up, it’s not serviceable.
Dave's Model Works I just don’t see the point of having a diesel currently. The main reason anyone should own a pricing diesel upgrade is for the longevity that diesel are historically known for in the past. It takes years just to pay off the upgrade.
@@brett639 normally 40k miles
60,000 miles on my Tuned ( tune only no delete) 2016 Chevy Colorado Z71 diesel Trail Boss. No problems yet. I even towed a Jeep 1600 miles to California and got 19 mpg.
Normally I get 23 to 29 mph. My max mpg in a 50 miles range is 42.9 mpg. I suggest diching the Duramax Tires. They are terrible in the rain. ( The Trail Boss come standard with them.)
ah, the duratrac tires? I've heard some people don't like them in the rain, they do tend to slip a little bit more in the rain, but honestly I like them in the snow, the mud etc..
I bet you would have liked the V6 better then the diesel seeing you use to drive the sports cars. The V6 308 HP really gets up and goes compared to the diesel. Tow rating is the same to at 5000. Oh and no emissions crap. So maybe an option if you ditch the diesel. Yes you will lose the MPG but you will also save $3500 from the start because it’s the Standard motor.
Yea that's a good point. I had always planned to delete it, and after a delete it REALLY opens up and gets fun, but it's getting hard and harder to do
@@FlyinGato i might be able to help you out. Been reading forums
Truck is great and nice but it’s not you lol u do t look happy driving it how u do in ur manual cars
My wife is a CPA, that's so random that I'm here getting info on a ZR2 and you work for an accounting firm lmao
If you think that's a small bed, look at the Jeep Gladiator
I know! I'm ok with it though
THE EPA STARTED OUT TO BE A GOOD THING, MAKING VEHICLES GET BETTER MILAGE AND MORE RELIABLE. NOW DAYS THEY ARE A WEAPONIZED AGINST, WE THE PEOPLE. UNTIL THAT DOG GETS PUT ON A SHORTER CHAIN, THIS IS OUR MERICA!! SADLY! GREAT INFORMATIONAL VIDEO! THUMBS UP!!!
I know who could of tuned this for ya! Weight reduced and all haha
diesel emissions aren't as much as regular Gasoline. seriously diesel is more refined than gas and its not flammable so them trying to cut diesel emissions isn't going to do anything
Diesel is LESS refined than gas. That is why it’s not as flammable. Diesel is an oil. You need to refine oil to get gas..........
You need to fluid film the undercarriage
His shit is rusty AF, when I lived in SW Michigan working on cars was a PITA
yea a bit of rust started to form, not too worried about it
@@FlyinGato fluid film is worth it. We put it on cars at work, a year later still looking good. Just did a 2017 5.0 mustang last year. Film is still sticking good.
Trucks got no pull on the highway
2 yrs in 7 months? First truck ever? Not a lot of basis for any kind of comparison.
it's a great truck for sure
5000 Max Tow...Not 7000???
That's right, unfortunately
Was a good truck till a injector failed and grenaded my motor very disappointed chevy made a motor that can be tooken out and can trash this motor ,beaware of the or be like me a pay 18000 dollars for a new motor milage was 52000. Still a chevy guy but very disappointed !
90% of the environmental cost is in the manufacture of anything you buy. The best thing you can do from the environmental aspect is to drive the truck into the ground
No more diesel after 2021
Not true !
Long term 🤣
All roads suck ass
Not interested in the other cars focus on the truck please.
If you stopped buying gamma male cars, you'd probably have better experiences.
I honestly hate diesel fuel, it stinks and I cant breathe when the fumes are up and around. Makes the air very dirty and unbreathable.
You obviously know nothing about the new diesels motors.
@@georges4562 tell that to all the big company truckers that are on the road today! Plus ambulance, firetrucks, boats, planes etc...🤨🤨🤨
mazda man 09 the new diesels have to use DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) and there’s no odor the the exhaust is clean. Also moron, planes don’t run on diesel fuel . That’s ok though, you sticks with your Mazda POS
@@georges4562 🖕 choke on this with all the trucks with their black exhaust and diesel fuel ! DEF. Wtf 😂😂 obviously no body knows about that or cares to use it
I can tell by Mazda man’s comment that he wears skinny-jeans, has a man bun and drinks craft beers and soy lattes.😆
Boring, I don’t care about your other car or your trips to the airport. Lost me half way through, talk about the truck already.
All yu did was change what yi said over & over, nuthing made sence at all garbled bs