Any V8 Colorado/Canyon Experience?

WhiteHawk

WhiteHawk

Club Member
Since the days of cheap truck leases seem to be ending, I am looking at buying something. Not interested in buying out my lease for $34,500 plus tax (if anyone is interested in it PM me - 2020 Silverado V8 4WD 14k miles nice options). If I spend $500 a month on a lease, that is $18,000 over three years - plus repairs I know! - but insurance should be cheaper in order to offset fixing it. It is the third vehicle in my household, with my Camaro being a 9 month driver, and my wife will still lease a new SUV every couple years for reliable winter transpo. With work from home, even though we have to start going in three days a week, it becomes less important to have a full time driver, so I might as well take advantage and get something to have some fun with!

I always wanted one of the V8 last gen Colorados. I see them going in the $15-20k range both 2WD and 4WD. Saw a few warnings about trans issues but nothing specific. I figure that Darko can probably get me a motor if I have issues - the 5.3 motor is plentiful, and Jegs even sells reman short blocks. Was thinking of 2WD too, just to save repair issues that come with 4WD. I am fine getting snow tires and running 2WD in winter - I drove my 2012 Camaro in the winter for two years with snow tires with no issues, so I am not worried. Anyone ever have one of these? just looking for some experience - they are a bit rare, but they are available.

Tx.

-Geoff
 
I looked into them briefly before I bought my Ram. I didn't "need" a full size truck. But something that would haul the kids and my bikes (in the bed or hook my trailer to it) was my main interest. Unfortunately I found them to cost close to if not as much as a full size truck depending on options/condition. They're a standard 5.3 LS based with 4L60E combo. The one I test drove I found to feel "cramped" (I'm 5'11" 240 lbs for reference) in the driver seat. Not something I couldn't get used to, but wasn't reassuring if I had the kids in the backseat and possibly had to move my seat forward. Knowing they're based along the same class as the S10/Sonoma platform I thought it'd be perfect as I loved my S series trucks. My opinion is to go check one out (even if it's a 3.5 model) to give you an idea of it's size. The 5.3 model won't let you down as long as it's been maintained properly. I was between a 5.3 Colorado, Sierra, F150 and Ram. I finally set my focus on a Ram after driving all 4.
 
1fstfox said:
The one I test drove I found to feel "cramped" (I'm 5'11" 240 lbs for reference) in the driver seat. Not something I couldn't get used to, but wasn't reassuring if I had the kids in the backseat and possibly had to move my seat forward. Knowing they're based along the same class as the S10/Sonoma platform I thought it'd be perfect as I loved my S series trucks
Click to expand...

Good point Ryan on size, I am 6'4" so I need to get some seat time. I spent a few months working on the more recent (not the brand new) Colorado and didn't have any issues, but I think they are a little bit bigger than the older ones.

Atrus said:
I honestly never knew there was a V8 Colorado option.
Click to expand...

LOL. Yea, it flew under the radar! It's not that I want to race it, is is just that I am pretty familiar with the platform and I still have a ton of random parts laying around for it. From a horsepower standpoint, the current V6 is rated 8 more than the 5.3, but I think having an LS based V8 would be more "Fun".

-Geoff
 
About a month ago I bought a 2011 GMC Canyon 4wd crew cab with the 5.3. I bought it with a bad transmission. I had the trans rebuilt and have had it back on the road for about a week now. At first wasn't crazy about it. But it's definitely growing on me. Pro's I like the size, handles good, has plenty of power for everyday driving. Con maybe it's just me but the A post seem kind of big causing a blind spot. The rear seats are high back non removable headrest they block most of the rear window. Like I said I'm getting more used to it and like it more and more everyday. Geoff I'm in Clinton township if you want to take it for a drive and see what you think of it.

I think the 5.3L was only offered in 2009-2011 model years.

QnPWegU.jpg
 
Last edited:
capone said:
About a month ago I bought a 2011 GMC Canyon 4wd crew cab with the 5.3. I bought it with a bad transmission. I had the trans rebuilt and have had it back on the road for about a week now. At first wasn't crazy about it. But it's definitely growing on me. Pro's I like the size, handles good, has plenty of power for everyday driving. Con maybe it's just me but the A post seem kind of big causing a blind spot. The rear seats are high back non removable headrest they block most of the rear window. Like I said I'm getting more used to it and like it more and more everyday. Geoff I'm in Clinton township if you want to take it for a drive and see what you think of it.
Click to expand...

Awesome find - I would love to get a runner like that as a project! That truck looks good too! Thank you for the offer on checking it out - I will let you know, my lease isn't up until May. Just trying to get a plan together.

As far as the visibility - after driving my Camaro with the "Pill box" view, I think anything will be an improvement!

-Geoff
 
We really screw the pooch on marketing some of these things. A 5.3L in one of those would be a riot. I am a big fan of the 5.3 - I have (2) GMT800 SUV's and they just keep on going.
 
Atrus said:
We really screw the pooch on marketing some of these things. A 5.3L in one of those would be a riot. I am a big fan of the 5.3 - I have (2) GMT800 SUV's and they just keep on going.
Click to expand...

It didn't help that GM declared bankruptcy during the production run...

-Geoff
 
Found this one on Autotrader, most of them seem to be in the $20k range. Crazy. Still cheaper than a three year lease on a 2023 Silverado though!

-Geoff

co53.jpg
 
You better test drive one, Jeff! These are mini trucks that got pushed aside by half tons! That seems like a good buy to me, I'd definitely check it out.
 
AutoRoc said:
You better test drive one, Jeff! These are mini trucks that got pushed aside by half tons! That seems like a good buy to me, I'd definitely check it out.
Click to expand...

Yea, no hurry. I have until mid-May. Already started looking at 2007-2013 Avalanches and Escalades - always wanted one of those too! And pricewise, they are in the same wheelhouse. The problem with finding a Colorado/Canyon V8 is that they are so rare, people who have them want top dollar.

-Geoff
 
Also in this arena/platform is the Hummer H3T Alpha with a 5.3... it might have a little more elbow room. Maybe. Definitely rare.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

beertestr
2013 Suburban 2500
Replies
0
Views
1K
beertestr
beertestr
A
Where to go for small boat rewiring - east side
Replies
4
Views
3K
mustangmike6996
mustangmike6996
Krazybones
Getting out of Ford Lease?
Replies
9
Views
2K
Krazybones
Krazybones
WhiteHawk
Buying a Car or Truck Sucks Right Now!
2 3 4
Replies
74
Views
239K
little2v
little2v
dline
Friends selling this Yukon in gaylord
Replies
0
Views
4K
dline
dline
Back
Top