Before I start I did a search but they are from way back that I found, so.
I wasn't going to start another thread and ask but hey ya know me, I can't help myself and do value everyones thoughts and comments so here goes.
I looked at in length and had a drive of a Holden Colorado today. First registered in January this year, 2,500km on the clock and a demo model with heaps of goodies on board, I would like to get some opinions from all you Colorado drivers please.
Yuglamron said
06:57 PM May 13, 2014
Make sure they will give you a full factory warranty if you buy it and it has been registered before.
deverall11 said
07:10 PM May 13, 2014
Yep, factory warranty may well have started in January.
Larry
oldbobsbus said
07:30 PM May 13, 2014
The most important consideration is.........
Will it take a Wombat scoop?????
ozjohn said
08:12 PM May 13, 2014
Happy as a pig in the preverbal with by RWD auto model. Ozjohn.
villatranquilla said
08:32 PM May 13, 2014
we bought a 4x4 manual in Dec and love it - tows our 23' van with ease.
walwal said
09:15 PM May 13, 2014
i have had two colorados the six speed auto goes well towing my 21 ft van had no problems maybe the 130 litre fuel tank wood be good like i had in my first car wally
rockylizard said
09:40 PM May 13, 2014
Gday...
Sounds like an idea - although the Prado is still serving you well ?
Which "Colorado" are you interested in? Petrol or diesel? Auto or Manual?
UTE: or Colorado 7?
Cheers - John
Dougwe said
09:20 AM May 14, 2014
Howdy John (RL)
The Prado has been costing a bit and is probably THE most UNecomical vehicle on the road mate. I am not saying all Prado's are like that though.
As I said just thinking at this stage but did really like the Colorado I test drove at length.
The one I was really keen on is LT twin cab ute but I did look at LT space cab ute as well, both diesel and 6speed auto. The reason for looking at thae space cab was the extra SPACE in the back. I want a canopy on the back though.
Having said that my first thoughts were to just get the single cab and get a body builder to build on the back for me to my specs, still thinking that way.
I have overnight decided I will do what I was originally going to do and look at all the other similar vehicles and possibly even the new Prado, might even have a look at a Disco. There are plenty of options out there and at this stage there is no rush (depends on how Prado behaves itself). I might even look at going on the road full time and get rid of base camp, so would update Avan to something bigger. Decisions Decisions. Who said retirement was fun. Ok then, it is.
Whatever I decide I want Diesel, Auto and 3-3.5t towing. The towing bit allows for any future developments.
Of course this is like work so will have to be done in grey nomad work hours 10.00am to Midday with a 1 hour break.
rockylizard said
09:37 AM May 14, 2014
Gday...
Ah yes -decisions ... decisions .... and the long hours pondering over a cold frothy. It's a hard life Doug - but you seem to be able to fulfil the job description quite well but make sure you adhere strictly to the Grey Nomad working hours. The one hour break is critical - and have a few 10 minute breathers too - just in case
It is interesting - a 'space cab' gives much better 'tray space' and with a canopy is VERY usable. A 'dual cab' gives less 'tray space' but extra 'people space'. I think a diesel/auto would be the better way to go whichever way you choose - especially if one of the utes.
At least there are plenty of reviews/comparisons in the magazine world with different testers giving each of them a top mark from time to time.
My opinion (which I share too often ) is that each of the utes are very similar but different. Ultimately, I believe the final decision on which vehicle is chosen is an 'emotional' one - AFTER all the research and specification dissection.
The only problem, if you would like the extra storage space provided by a ute, is that the new Prado and/or a Discovery will just give you 'station wagon' space - which is sort of what you have now.
Don't envy you the decision process. I occasionally sit and think about what vehicle I would have next ... and I always just woos out and decide to stay with the Discovery I have
Cheers - and enjoy the decision process - John
ken thomas said
02:59 PM May 14, 2014
Hello Doug
Depending on size of your next van, even the Triton is worth looking at
It is in the range of 30K but if you are towing well under 3t could be an option
Ken
Dougwe said
03:23 PM May 14, 2014
Thanks Ken, it is on the list but at the bottom. I think I will be well under the 3t whatever I decide on. Very early days yet.
elliemike said
07:55 PM May 14, 2014
We have the Dmax which is smilar to the Colarado.
Very impressed with ours and it's economy towing. 9.8 last trip and that included off the bitumen.
If you get a canopy consider having a scupper vent installed as well. I just recently put an ARB vent in mine to pressurise the canopy/tray area, to combat the dust that comes through the tail gate. Made a huge difference, I also fitted pinchweld seals around the tailgate, but still got a far bit of dust in there. So bought a vent from ARB. Fitted it myself.
-- Edited by elliemike on Wednesday 14th of May 2014 08:00:07 PM
Dougwe said
08:13 PM May 14, 2014
Yep the Dmax is 3rd on the list Mike and Ellie. Thanks for the vent tip too.
Rayza said
04:35 PM May 15, 2014
I have a LT dual cab. To get more space and if not needed just remove the rear seats when touring. This makes a very handy and large secure storage area. Works well for me. This leaves the back of the ute for all the dirty stuff. Annex flooring, extra fuel, firewood, choofer etc etc. the only criticism is they need bigger fuel tank, although I still get around 550 kms on a full tank.
Haji-Baba said
09:21 PM May 15, 2014
Hi! Dougwe,
We have a 2013 Colorado done 14000 ks at the moment. Tows our van, 16 foot Golf with ease.
2.8 l. Diesel 6 speed outo. Turbo.
Loaded up our rig is about 4.8 - 5 tonnes, boat on top and all the gear. Ours is the Space cab model with the bigger alloy tray,
1.8 x 1.8 meters. ++
We usually carry our Engel fridge in the rear cargo area plus an Esky and all the valuables, Cameras etc.
One big advantage of our setup is the full length hood rack mounted on brackets fixed above the tray.
Supports the tinnie very well.
We don't have an "alluminium box" on the tray but I have raised the sides 85 mm. and have a le-taurnae??? cover which allows the ute to be used as a ute. By raising the sides all round We can accommodate most of the plastic boxes etc that we use for storage when travelling.
I also have storage boxes fitted under the tray for tools and the aux. battery is charged from the alternator when travelling. This one battery runs the 3 way fridge when travelling as well as the engel all the time never a wo
With the drop sides we can access any part of the tray for outboard and fuel containers etc.
In my opinion I would never attempt to tow much more than a three tonne Van.
I like to keep the towing vehicle a bit heavier than the trailer thus the load in the tray. Just my opinion.
We replaced our original 80 Series Cruiser with this one and I must say it drives and handles much better.
As for durability I don't expect that it will last as well as the old 80, I am concerned about all the electronic do-dads.
So far so good.
Most of the new 3 liter turbos are very similar, price, fuel usage, towing ability, choice is up to you.
Have fun Haji-Baba
Haji-Baba said
09:30 PM May 15, 2014
Dougwe, Just another consideration, for what ever reason, a lot of buyers are removing the tubs from their twin cab utes and replacing them with alluminium trays.
It seems to be fairly common for what ever reason.
Have fun Haji-Baba
Dougwe said
09:43 AM May 16, 2014
Hi HB, I would think to get rid of the wheel hubs. Must admit I didn't think of that but not what I would do.
Thanks for your input and extra thought, must appreciated as are all the other's before and above.
goldcoaster said
02:30 PM May 16, 2014
They can take the style side of the dual cab and replace with alloy tray and canopy,a mate of mine is going that way at the moment. Cheers
goldcoaster said
02:32 PM May 16, 2014
Good deals at the moment on the Colarado , free upgrade to Auto and 3 year free servicing.
Dougwe said
02:51 PM May 16, 2014
Haji-Baba wrote:
Dougwe, Just another consideration, for what ever reason, a lot of buyers are removing the tubs from their twin cab utes and replacing them with alluminium trays.
It seems to be fairly common for what ever reason.
Have fun Haji-Baba
I would like to thank you very much Jeff for that idea. Now you have added to my problems as to what to do and get. So thanks mate
I have never thought or seen that before you mentioned it but while out and about this morning I noticed heaps of them. Not a bad idea really. I saw a few with a aluminium boxed in area on back of a couple too.
Thanks again Jeff
Edit....forgot to mention, they were all Toyota Hi Aces though. They seem to be very popular up her in Townsville.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Friday 16th of May 2014 02:53:08 PM
villatranquilla said
03:03 PM May 16, 2014
when we bought our Colorado in Dec we had the option of tub or tray - no price difference
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Friday 16th of May 2014 03:04:45 PM
Dougwe said
12:59 PM May 17, 2014
Oooops, should have said "Hi Lux" not Hi Ace but I can't edit that comment as gone pats the use by date.
navynurse said
09:37 PM May 17, 2014
Gidday mate, I bought a new colorado this year (traded the prado for 15,000). I installed a 130 lt tank & without the van I'm averageimg 8 lt per 100 k. Very pleased with it so far heaps of power and tows the van really well, and I can fit the grand kids in.
Allan
Dougwe said
07:34 AM May 18, 2014
Shut the front gate!!
8 lt per 100. Allan, that is fantastic, I only get 17 lt per 100 and that's on a good day.
I say it again, I was impressed during the test drive though.
Phil C said
10:02 AM May 18, 2014
Being an avid ford fan, im probably the wrong person to enter this thread. However I have a 2012 XL Ranger dual cab, on a recent trip the little 4 cylender diesel returned 13.9 litres per 100Km towing a 2500KG caravan behind it. Ive got to say how delighted and surprised I was with that ute. I admit we looked at the colorado and went to ford. Too many bad write ups, I suggest go on line and do a toe to toe on both vehicles.
Dougwe said
10:35 AM May 18, 2014
Thanks Phil, I will be checking out the Ranger for sure, maybe even this week. I have always liked the Ranger from the beginning.
As I have said, plenty of time for home work. At least I like this home work, unlike in my younger years.
Phil C said
10:39 AM May 18, 2014
No worries, as I said I am a one eyed blue oval driver and as such cant handle the rusties. I can only say how delighted we are with the Ranger, It drives well and returns 8.2 Litres per 100KM around town. I have read a few write ups on the rusty stuff and it cant touch the Ford. Take care and travel safe.
Haji-Baba said
08:41 PM May 18, 2014
I am not too sure on "The Rusty Stuff" you refer to PhilC, they will all rust if you put the on a beach, I have no faith in rust prevention methods on any vehicle if it is abused.
I have had one boat trailer which was never Galvanised under a 21 footer, very well painted though and serviced every Xmas, new paint killrust silver and never any rust.
Hollow tube chassis partially filled with Sump Oil and chassis plugged to retain the oil.
That trailer was still under the same boat after 4 four owners and something like 20 years. Sure, the springs were replaced, rollers and spindles, but the main frame was never touched.
You can't paint the parts of any motor car to the extent required to totally prevent rust. Especially near or in salty locations.
My Colorado has this "u beaut" electronic rust management system which to be effective must be serviced every year.
Any vehicle with this system or similar would need to be serviced on a regular basis.
So whilst you may have a valid point about rust I personally think the way you use any vehicle and maintain it will be the secret to durability.
As I suggested all the modern small diesels will do a good job, but in my opinion they are overated with the stated towing capacities. Not just the Motors but the Chassis as well.
Have a good look at the thickness of metal in the rear end of the chassis on all of them. Colorado, Ford, Mazda.
I don't know about the others.
I eventually settled on the Colorado because the Mazda BT50 / Ford was not available in the big tray, Space Cab and Auto.
The price was also better on the Colorado.
Any way Dougwe asked for opinions and he got some.
Have fun Haji-Baba
Dougwe said
08:47 PM May 18, 2014
Sure did HB and appreciate the input and comments from everyone. That's what's so good about this forum.
I will have a look at a couple of similar tugs this week to compare.
Before I start I did a search but they are from way back that I found, so.
I wasn't going to start another thread and ask but hey ya know me, I can't help myself and do value everyones thoughts and comments so here goes.
I looked at in length and had a drive of a Holden Colorado today. First registered in January this year, 2,500km on the clock and a demo model with heaps of goodies on board, I would like to get some opinions from all you Colorado drivers please.
Make sure they will give you a full factory warranty if you buy it and it has been registered before.
Larry
The most important consideration is.........
Will it take a Wombat scoop?????
Happy as a pig in the preverbal with by RWD auto model.
Ozjohn.
i have had two colorados the six speed auto goes well towing my 21 ft van had no problems maybe the 130 litre fuel tank wood be good like i had in my first car wally
Gday...
Sounds like an idea - although the Prado is still serving you well ?
Which "Colorado" are you interested in? Petrol or diesel? Auto or Manual?
UTE: or Colorado 7?
Cheers - John
The Prado has been costing a bit and is probably THE most UNecomical vehicle on the road mate. I am not saying all Prado's are like that though.
As I said just thinking at this stage but did really like the Colorado I test drove at length.
The one I was really keen on is LT twin cab ute but I did look at LT space cab ute as well, both diesel and 6speed auto. The reason for looking at thae space cab was the extra SPACE in the back. I want a canopy on the back though.
Having said that my first thoughts were to just get the single cab and get a body builder to build on the back for me to my specs, still thinking that way.
I have overnight decided I will do what I was originally going to do and look at all the other similar vehicles and possibly even the new Prado, might even have a look at a Disco. There are plenty of options out there and at this stage there is no rush (depends on how Prado behaves itself). I might even look at going on the road full time and get rid of base camp, so would update Avan to something bigger. Decisions Decisions. Who said retirement was fun. Ok then, it is.
Whatever I decide I want Diesel, Auto and 3-3.5t towing. The towing bit allows for any future developments.
Of course this is like work so will have to be done in grey nomad work hours 10.00am to Midday with a 1 hour break.
Gday...
Ah yes -decisions ... decisions .... and the long hours pondering over a cold frothy. It's a hard life Doug - but you seem to be able to fulfil the job description quite well
but make sure you adhere strictly to the Grey Nomad working hours. The one hour break is critical - and have a few 10 minute breathers too - just in case 
It is interesting - a 'space cab' gives much better 'tray space' and with a canopy is VERY usable. A 'dual cab' gives less 'tray space' but extra 'people space'. I think a diesel/auto would be the better way to go whichever way you choose - especially if one of the utes.
At least there are plenty of reviews/comparisons in the magazine world with different testers giving each of them a top mark from time to time.
My opinion (which I share too often
) is that each of the utes are very similar but different. Ultimately, I believe the final decision on which vehicle is chosen is an 'emotional' one - AFTER all the research and specification dissection.
The only problem, if you would like the extra storage space provided by a ute, is that the new Prado and/or a Discovery will just give you 'station wagon' space - which is sort of what you have now.
Don't envy you the decision process. I occasionally sit and think about what vehicle I would have next ... and I always just woos out and decide to stay with the Discovery I have
Cheers - and enjoy the decision process - John
Depending on size of your next van, even the Triton is worth looking at
It is in the range of 30K but if you are towing well under 3t could be an option
Ken
We have the Dmax which is smilar to the Colarado.
Very impressed with ours and it's economy towing. 9.8 last trip and that included off the bitumen.
If you get a canopy consider having a scupper vent installed as well. I just recently put an ARB vent in mine to pressurise the canopy/tray area, to combat the dust that comes through the tail gate. Made a huge difference, I also fitted pinchweld seals around the tailgate, but still got a far bit of dust in there. So bought a vent from ARB. Fitted it myself.
-- Edited by elliemike on Wednesday 14th of May 2014 08:00:07 PM
Hi! Dougwe,
We have a 2013 Colorado done 14000 ks at the moment. Tows our van, 16 foot Golf with ease.
2.8 l. Diesel 6 speed outo. Turbo.
Loaded up our rig is about 4.8 - 5 tonnes, boat on top and all the gear. Ours is the Space cab model with the bigger alloy tray,
1.8 x 1.8 meters. ++
We usually carry our Engel fridge in the rear cargo area plus an Esky and all the valuables, Cameras etc.
One big advantage of our setup is the full length hood rack mounted on brackets fixed above the tray.
Supports the tinnie very well.
We don't have an "alluminium box" on the tray but I have raised the sides 85 mm. and have a le-taurnae??? cover which allows the ute to be used as a ute. By raising the sides all round We can accommodate most of the plastic boxes etc that we use for storage when travelling.
I also have storage boxes fitted under the tray for tools and the aux. battery is charged from the alternator when travelling. This one battery runs the 3 way fridge when travelling as well as the engel all the time never a wo
With the drop sides we can access any part of the tray for outboard and fuel containers etc.
In my opinion I would never attempt to tow much more than a three tonne Van.
I like to keep the towing vehicle a bit heavier than the trailer thus the load in the tray. Just my opinion.
We replaced our original 80 Series Cruiser with this one and I must say it drives and handles much better.
As for durability I don't expect that it will last as well as the old 80, I am concerned about all the electronic do-dads.
So far so good.
Most of the new 3 liter turbos are very similar, price, fuel usage, towing ability, choice is up to you.
Have fun Haji-Baba
Dougwe, Just another consideration, for what ever reason, a lot of buyers are removing the tubs from their twin cab utes and replacing them with alluminium trays.
It seems to be fairly common for what ever reason.
Have fun Haji-Baba
Thanks for your input and extra thought, must appreciated as are all the other's before and above.
They can take the style side of the dual cab and replace with alloy tray and canopy,a mate of mine is going that way at the moment. Cheers
I would like to thank you very much Jeff for that idea. Now you have added to my problems as to what to do and get. So thanks mate
I have never thought or seen that before you mentioned it but while out and about this morning I noticed heaps of them. Not a bad idea really. I saw a few with a aluminium boxed in area on back of a couple too.
Thanks again Jeff
Edit....forgot to mention, they were all Toyota Hi Aces though. They seem to be very popular up her in Townsville.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Friday 16th of May 2014 02:53:08 PM
when we bought our Colorado in Dec we had the option of tub or tray - no price difference
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Friday 16th of May 2014 03:04:45 PM
Allan
8 lt per 100. Allan, that is fantastic, I only get 17 lt per 100 and that's on a good day.
I say it again, I was impressed during the test drive though.
As I have said, plenty of time for home work. At least I like this home work, unlike in my younger years.
No worries, as I said I am a one eyed blue oval driver and as such cant handle the rusties. I can only say how delighted we are with the Ranger, It drives well and returns 8.2 Litres per 100KM around town. I have read a few write ups on the rusty stuff and it cant touch the Ford. Take care and travel safe.
I am not too sure on "The Rusty Stuff" you refer to PhilC, they will all rust if you put the on a beach, I have no faith in rust prevention methods on any vehicle if it is abused.
I have had one boat trailer which was never Galvanised under a 21 footer, very well painted though and serviced every Xmas, new paint killrust silver and never any rust.
Hollow tube chassis partially filled with Sump Oil and chassis plugged to retain the oil.
That trailer was still under the same boat after 4 four owners and something like 20 years. Sure, the springs were replaced, rollers and spindles, but the main frame was never touched.
You can't paint the parts of any motor car to the extent required to totally prevent rust. Especially near or in salty locations.
My Colorado has this "u beaut" electronic rust management system which to be effective must be serviced every year.
Any vehicle with this system or similar would need to be serviced on a regular basis.
So whilst you may have a valid point about rust I personally think the way you use any vehicle and maintain it will be the secret to durability.
As I suggested all the modern small diesels will do a good job, but in my opinion they are overated with the stated towing capacities. Not just the Motors but the Chassis as well.
Have a good look at the thickness of metal in the rear end of the chassis on all of them. Colorado, Ford, Mazda.
I don't know about the others.
I eventually settled on the Colorado because the Mazda BT50 / Ford was not available in the big tray, Space Cab and Auto.
The price was also better on the Colorado.
Any way Dougwe asked for opinions and he got some.
Have fun Haji-Baba
I will have a look at a couple of similar tugs this week to compare.