1. The Colorado is "new" so it generated some enthusiasm for smaller trucks. But when you actually go to look at one you find out that the Chevy dealers (at least where I live) want to charge a lot of money for them and don't discount them to the degree that they do the Silverado 1500's. When I compare a comparably equipped Silverado Vs Colorado at my local Chevy dealer, the 1500 with a 5.3L V8 can be had for less than a Colorado after factoring in discounts. Could be cause they seem to get a lot more 1500's but for whatever reason the Colorado's don't seem to get discounted much.
2. After being disappointed with the price of the Chevy, the buyer still likes the idea of a smaller truck so he starts looking for something less expensive. He then finds out that he can get a Frontier for at least $5,000 or more less
I can't tell you how true this is, from experience. I tried to go in to two dealerships for a Colorado, pretty much got this treatment.
Personally, I would like a truck that can do right around 7,000lbs towing, which is just outside of the Frontier's comfort zone. Colorado Diesel would be perfect to me. I DO NOT want to live with / deal with a full size monstrosity that barely fits in my garage. Also....****ing Diesel 30MPG Highway, 15MPG TOWING!!
So....I walked into the dealership, asked for the salesman by name (friend of a friend). There were supposedly 2 colorado diesels on the lot, hopped on the golf cart, did circles on the lot, couldn't find them. Passed about 50 Silverados and 4 Gas Colorados, looked in windows, couldn't find what was supposed to be on the lot (they either sold or were on order).
We talked a little (approximate conversation):
Sales: So why would you want the Colorado Diesel? The Silverado is about the same price.
Me: I really don't want a Full size.
Sales: Yea, but they're cheaper than the Colorado Diesel?
Sales: Why not just a regular Colorado?
Me: Because I already have a truck with about the same specs, I need an upgrade.
Sales: Well, they're hard to come by, Chevy's not producing them very fast.
Me: How many do you guys get?
Sales: We've only had a few this year, and they sell immediately.
Sales: There's really no incentives on the Colorado Diesel, supply and demand. You're better off with a Silverado.
Me: That's unfortunate, I really don't want the Silverado.
I gave him my card, asked him to call me if any Diesels came in. I never heard from him. I'm sure a few came and went, but I can understand, he would have no reason to go out of his way and call me when I'm specifically looking for something that he already can't keep on the lot.
At this point, the Colorado Diesel is a Unicorn that isn't worth my time or money.