Midsize twins with a gas V6 or the 2.8 Duramax diesel. Timing-chain wear on the V6 and diesel emissions are the watch items.
The Colorado and its Canyon twin offer a 3.6 V6 or a 2.8 Duramax diesel, and the right checks depend entirely on which you're buying. The V6 can wear its timing chain at higher miles, while the small diesel brings modern emissions complexity into a midsize package.
High-mile V6s can stretch the timing chain and set codes.
CHECK Scan for camshaft-correlation codes and listen for chain rattle.
The diesel carries DPF, DEF, and EGR systems that fail and clog.
CHECK Scan after-treatment, verify regen, and confirm hardware is intact.
The 8-speed can shudder like its full-size siblings.
CHECK Feel for light-throttle vibration and check fluid.
Rear suspension sags and clunks on worked trucks.
CHECK Check ride height and listen for axle noise.
Bidirectional OBD-II scan tool · Paint depth gauge · Tire tread depth gauge & DOT date decoder · Brake pad & rotor calipers / measurement tools · Battery & charging system tester · Compression and cylinder leak-down testers · Digital borescope · Floor jack and jack stands …
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Pre-tagged for the Chevrolet / GMC Colorado / Canyon (2015–2022).