"cazzyodo" (cazzyodo)
10/27/2014 at 14:48 • Filed to: RANT
2
20|
"cazzyodo" (cazzyodo)
10/27/2014 at 14:48 • Filed to: RANT | 2
| 20 |
This weekend was dedicated to nothing in particular so I took the time to check out the new Colorado. I went in knowing that I wanted to test drive one and see what kind of price I could get out the door because if it was good I would seriously consider it.
First guy I talked to basically walked away after I told him I wanted to find out what my options were on the truck rather than me seriously buying it. That let me walk around and sit in the one on the floor, fiddle with things, check out the Z71 on the lot, etc. before finally walking up to a manager and said I was being ignored. Got taken care of after that.
So I took out a Z71 spec'd Colorado.
(but in black)
Inside felt very "car-like". It was fairly comfortable, pretty simple (even with the touch screen, etc.) and definitely familiar. The ride height was obviously not like a car at all but you don't feel tall. Visibility is good out the front and sides but looking back for blindspots is clearly a must.
I was the first person to drive this particular truck so I was on my best behavior. That meant no real test...but my quick impressions was that this would easily be a truck to own. The ride was smooth over slight irregularities. Steering was nothing impressive though and throttle felt stiff. Chalk it up to a massive difference between a FoST and the Colorado.
Overall, it was well put together. Though the dash was hard plastic and touch points weren't always pleasant there were not any seams and it all LOOKED better than the typical cheap plastic you find that matches the feel.
It became unfortunate when I asked about an out the door price. What's unfortunate? "Because it's a new vehicle there aren't any incentives available. Also, because it's intended to be such a low volume seller we won't be offering anything really. It's not like a Silverado."
Silverado. Nice truck but too large for anything I need right now. But it's what they steered me towards.
Basically, there were three Colorados on the lot...all V6 autos (one Z71). Two for about $33k and one for $39k. Nothing off MSRP. That's unfortunate because I could get a nice Z71 Silverado for about $31k...base would be about $25k. Greater MSRP, less out the door.
Went to Toyota to check out the Tacoma for a comparison. I'm not a Toyota fan by any stretch of the imagination but for a truck of such renown I would give it a fair shake.
I wanted to see a manual V6 Tacoma with a TRD preference. Key lock box was broken so no dice.
This is basically what they would have sent me out in as it was the only one that fit my description.
Seriously.
So many autos. I had a sad.
But anyways, while I was waiting to see if keys would magically be spit out of the holding machine I asked about the MSRP for different trims. The guy told me to expect, based on my desired specs, about $32k. So it beats the Colorado, cool. Then he said that this is just the MSRP and they would make a better deal. Naturally I asked what kind of incentives or rebates were available.
Nothing.
Zip.
Nada.
He just shook his head and said that they could work on financing, assuming good credit on my part.
The entire time we were talking and looking at trucks he had said "low volume" and "small market" so many times I knew it was coming. But it is still disappointing.
Listen, I studied economics...hell, it was my major. I understand economies of scale, supply and demand, etc. It makes sense. BUT IT IS FRUSTRATING AS HELL.
We all have thought about it: are there more full sized trucks sold each month because people don't want smaller ones or is it because dealers are incentivized to sell larger vehicles?
The larger vehicles carry a greater margin...and I was steered towards a Silverado. I told the guy I wanted to use a Colorado for camping, snowboarding and such hobbies that may require less than ideal roads. I was brought to look at a Silverado with "low" profile tires because of what I rolled up in. Most dealers won't even carry a lower end Colorado for months because the bread and butter trims are at $34k.
I love trucks. A small/medium sized truck would be great for me! When can we get excited about an affordable small truck that is actually affordable ($25k)?
...sigh...
ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 14:59 |
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I was super-duper excited about the prospects for the GM Truck-twins, until I saw their pricing.
Nope.
I'm not going to spend $42k for the GM version with the diesel. They really do need to sell a decent trucklet for ~$25 that would have a 4-cylinder, 4WD, and BT connectivity. ~$27 gets you extra seats/doors. That's all I want. I don't need massive payload or towing capacity, just someplace to throw some twigs and mulch on occasion.
I'll stick with my 94 Dakota with 155k miles for now.
OPPOsaurus WRX
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 15:01 |
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your not getting rid of the focus r u? sounds like you might need a 2 car garage.
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cazzyodo
> ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
10/27/2014 at 15:07 |
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See, that's exactly it. I love trucks but I have an apartment. I won't have a house for a while and when I do I'll move up to a full sized because I'm a freak that likes yard work.
Until then, a smaller truck that can carry lumber for projects, my 162cm snowboards, camping gear and be able to take not so nice dirt roads like a champ would be clutch!
I feel that the market is severely under estimated for these things BECAUSE of how the full sized ones are incentivized. A Jeep pickup on the Wrangler Unlimited frame would not face the same issues as an entirely new platform and likely be a hit for Chrysler. Just do it!
CalzoneGolem
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 15:07 |
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All the truck I need.
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cazzyodo
> OPPOsaurus WRX
10/27/2014 at 15:08 |
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I definitely need a 2 car garage but unless the stars align and I magically can afford both I'm kinda limited.
That being said, the stars would have to align for me to swap to a truck anyways.
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 15:10 |
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How we got here, as I see it: marginal costs on everything going into the car short of materials make for a really minimal cost difference between small and full-size. If the small truck isn't cheaper, you have people go for the full-size 80% of the time, which introduces difficulties for the remaining 20% getting trucks, which then erodes to 10% or even 5%...
The solution would be a small truck that's simpler, lighter (actually has an MPG difference), and lower capacity - cheaper to produce. But, crash ratings and a spoiled customer base make for that being damn hard, as do insurance/etc. costs for employees, and everything but the sheet steel and stock plastic.
I own what was in its day the cheapest "pickup" in America - the Falcon Ranchero. Metal dash, three-speed trans, limited towing, bench seat only, 800lb bed, and no "expense" spared as long as that could be done for pennies on the dollar. Chrome-ish trim (that makes the roof leak), AM radio with a push-button available, etc. etc. We'll never see its kind again, that's for sure, but it was proudly a *small truck*. Not full size, didn't pretend to be. Even the classic pre-Taco "Toyota Truck" didn't evolve unscathed.
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cazzyodo
> RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
10/27/2014 at 15:15 |
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It's an under-utilized market segment...and it continues to make me sad.
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ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 15:15 |
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Unfortunately, your Jeep pickup idea would also be priced like the GM Twins. Have you seen how much the Wrangler goes for lately!?!
Sadly the small truck is dead, and the only way you can get one is to find a used example on CL. I've seen many of the Commanche Jeep trucks from years ago listed, but the sellers usually want too much because they are 'rare.' *stink eye*
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cazzyodo
> ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
10/27/2014 at 15:18 |
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I didn't want to think of this because I am all to aware of how the Wrangler is priced. My browsing history is filled with Wrangler Unlimiteds, Colorados, Tacomas then legitimate SUVs from the late 90's and early 00's.
Hence the sad.
jariten1781
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 15:29 |
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The older small pickups were for light-utility roles...they were tools, not lifestyle vehicles. The new ones have flip flopped and are expensive lifestyle vehicles competing with CUVs with a little added utility. That's why the crew-cabs which were rare, if they were even available, back in the day are the big sellers now.
The light-utility role has been taken over by the Transit Connects and the City Express type vehicles. They're actually great vehicles for the home depoting/apartment moving that the little trucks used to do, but they do lack in the light off-roading department.
norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 15:30 |
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See: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/another-compla…
My complaint is base trucks being too pricy
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cazzyodo
> norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
10/27/2014 at 15:39 |
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In talking with the salesmen this weekend the dealers order the mid range and work up. Looking at inventories for other trucks it looks to be the same. A handful of base ones make that the low end of the spectrum for vehicles on the low end of the spectrum.
More sads for everyone.
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norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 15:43 |
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The sad thing is people buy trucks for style and looks not as a truck that's the sad thing
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cazzyodo
> norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
10/27/2014 at 15:58 |
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So the salesman that steered me towards the Silverado I mentioned (cuz of the FoST) didn't understand that about me. It was a "rally sport" or something...which I thought there is no rally there...just sport.
Sure I live in an apartment and may not beat the crap out of it on a construction site but I said I wanted a truck, not a living room with a V8.
ly2v8-Brian
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 16:14 |
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Messed around on the configurator. Made one I would want. 26k.
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cazzyodo
> ly2v8-Brian
10/27/2014 at 17:01 |
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The problem is that the ones dealers will have are $32k minimum at this point in time. At least that's what I've found.
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ly2v8-Brian
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 18:08 |
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then order one
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cazzyodo
> ly2v8-Brian
10/27/2014 at 21:59 |
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A 2wd truck in new england. Pass. I used to do that for fun but wouldnt do it full time.
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ly2v8-Brian
> cazzyodo
10/27/2014 at 22:14 |
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Different strokes. I've had no issues with 2wd in MN, so I'm not spending money for something I don't need.
Daywalker
> cazzyodo
02/04/2015 at 10:38 |
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I feel like it's incredibly hard to find any vehicle sitting on a dealer lot that's not decked out with options. I've been browsing new M3s and S3s lately. M3 starts around $62k, but it's about impossible to find one in stock for under $70k, and most of them are closer to $80k. S3 starts at $41k, but most of them in stock are around $50k. Definitely frustrating. Another frustrating thing is the lack of transparency about incentives/rebates/etc. TrueCar is maybe the best thing we have as far as trying to figure that out, but it'd be nice if the price was just the price. How are we to know that a Z71 Silverado goes for $31k?