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Browse all trucksThe Chevrolet Colorado sits in the same trap as every midsize truck. People expect full-size capability in a smaller package, then act surprised when it doesn’t deliver.
Most used Colorados in Nebraska fall between 2015 and 2022. Prices range from $18,000 to $36,000 depending on trim, engine, and mileage. You’ll see a lot in the 80,000 to 140,000 mile range. That’s where the problems stop being theoretical.
It’s easier to deal with than a full-size truck. Narrower, lighter, simpler to park. In towns like Lincoln or Omaha, that matters more than people admit.
You won’t fight it in tight spaces. That’s the appeal.
The 2.8L Duramax is the strongest version of this truck. Around 369 lb-ft of torque. Real pulling power for the size.
Fuel economy can hit mid-to-high 20s on the highway. That’s a real advantage over gas trucks.
It also holds value. Diesel Colorados routinely list $3,000–$5,000 higher than gas versions with similar mileage. Buyers pay it.
Compared to something like a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the Colorado is cheaper to get into. That’s why people buy them.
The 8-speed automatic in 2016–2019 models is a known issue.
Shudder at highway speeds. Rough shifts. Delayed engagement. GM pushed fluid changes and updates, but not every truck was fixed properly.
You’ll feel it between 45–70 mph under light throttle. If it’s there, it doesn’t go away on its own.
Repair can be a simple fluid service or turn into a $3,000+ rebuild. That’s the spread.
It’s not built like a premium truck. Hard plastics. Cheap trim. Seats wear faster than they should.
A Colorado with 100,000 miles often looks more worn inside than a larger truck with more miles. That’s just how they age.
On paper, towing looks decent—up to around 7,000 pounds depending on configuration.
In reality, it feels strained near that limit. Wind, hills, and highway speeds expose the gap between midsize and full-size trucks quickly.
More downshifting. More engine noise. Less stability.
It’ll do the job. It won’t feel comfortable doing it.
A lot of Colorados were bought as “lifestyle trucks.”
Not heavy work. More daily driving, light hauling, occasional towing. Sounds good, but it often means inconsistent maintenance.
Oil changes get delayed. Transmission service gets ignored. Then issues show up right after 80,000–100,000 miles.
You’re inheriting that pattern.
A 2017 Chevrolet Colorado LT in Omaha, 112,000 miles, listed at $21,500.
Looked clean. No obvious abuse. On the highway, slight transmission shudder at 60 mph. Not aggressive, but constant.
Interior showed worn seat edges and faded buttons. Normal for the mileage, but not impressive.
Truck needed a transmission fluid update at minimum. Possibly more later. Price didn’t reflect that risk.
Midsize trucks are overpriced for what they deliver. That includes the Colorado.
You’ll often see them priced within $3,000–$5,000 of older full-size trucks with more capability. Buyers pay for size convenience, not performance.
That gap doesn’t make sense if you actually need a truck.
You get a truck that’s easier to drive and cheaper to enter than a full-size. Diesel option adds real value if maintained.
You give up towing confidence, interior durability, and long-term transmission reliability in certain model years.
It works if you stay within its limits. Push it like a full-size, and it starts costing you.
Our Nebraska team knows Colorado trucks inside out. Call, text, or email — we’ll get you an answer today.