NEW MEMBER w/ Question: Difference in OFFROAD and SR5

Hey,

First and foremost, I apologize for the redundancy in this thread topic. I have been sifting through old threads and trying to find the answer but I still would like some clarification and some advice. What are the major differences between offroad and SR5? I am unsure which one to get so maybe you guys could offer me some recommendations.

I live in Jackson, WY and am way into skiing, climbing and biking. I plan on living in my truck as soon as I buy it. Going to buy a A/C 6 Speed. I will be driving on dirt roads for ski, climbing and biking access but I don't go "off roading". Mostly will be driving on city roads and mountain passes. I am currently looking at 2 trucks right now:

1: 2005 OFFROAD 100,000+ miles $15,500

2: 2009 SR5 20,000 miles $19,900

The price difference is pretty big, but I am willing to sack up and pay the extra for a newer truck. These are being offered from a dealer so I will be playing some hardball and will try to knock the prices down a bit. I will offer $10,500 for the '05 and maybe $16,000 for the '09.

So my new friends, what do you think?

Thanks,

Max

 

Hey, I appreciate your response!!! Rear locker...? What is that? A bed outlet? So there is a power source in the bed on the off road? I am sorry for the idiotic questions, I am a total noob!

 

As for pricing, don't be frustrated if the seller doesn't move much on the price. You'll find these trucks hold their value extremely well. I recently sold a 2011 TRD off-road with about 45k miles for about $24k. Doesn't hurt to try and negotiate though.

 

A rear locking differential splits drive power evenly between both rear tires. Otherwise, the standard (open) differential will divert power to the tire that spins the easiest (which makes steering easy).

Why is a locker good to have?: If you get just one of the rear tires on a patch of ice, snow, mud, sand... then just one tire will spin and you may not move. The locker will give the other tire just as much power and off you drive! Another benefit of the locker is climbing steep grades.

Only having four wheel drive is better than a rear locker... four wheel drive with a rear locker is even better!

Not as strong as a locker is LIMITED SLIP, and in 2009 all Tacomas got electronic/ brake created limited slip systems (called TRAC & AUTO LSD) also known as Traction Control.

If you ever go off pavement, or live in areas where there is snow, the rear locker is a great item, unless you get a 4WD. The 2009 + Tacomas with TRAC (and AUTO LSD) would be the next best choice, again unless you get a 4WD.