06 vs. 09 TRD Sport

Looking into buying my first tacoma! I've wanted one forever, and finally getting ready to do it! Right now I'm looking at a 2006 prerunner trd sport (black) and a 2009 prerunner trd sport (white). Both have 60k miles and are in good shape. So my question is, with the LSD in the 06 and whatever it was that switched in the 09 model, which one is better for me? If i go with the prerunner instead of 4x4, i'm looking to do some mild off roading like going up the mountain a few times a year for snowboarding, down some trails for camping, and maybe through light sand going to the lake. One of my buddies is a huge off roader, and he says 06 sport with LSD will suit me better. Agree or disagree? I'm still trying to decide if i want to go with a 4wd, but i don't think i can make a good enough argument for it. Plus i've heard that getting good tires (i've been recommended the BGF all terrain) and putting weight in the back will be pretty much get me everywhere I need to go.

I appreciate the advice!

 

If you are going through snow get a 4x4 or you will be sorry

 

Go 4x4 and don't look back. If you spend any amount of time on this site you'll be introduced to things you didn't even know about. Get the 4x4 and hang on to your wallet. Trust me 6 months from now you'll thank me

 

My question about which model to get, the 06 or 09, still wasn't answered..

 

Get an 09

 

Get whichever one is 4x4

 

Go with the 09 4x4. I have a 2006 prerunner and love it but wish i got a 4x4. Plus you will always get your money back in the resale.

 

Can someone please answer my actual question....differences between the 06 and 09 sport package? They're both prerunners and if i wanted to hear everyone say I should get 4wd in a place like NM where I might use it once a year, then I would have asked that

 

The 2006 TRD Sport has a mechanical limited slip system. The 2009 has a brake-activated limited slip system. The 2006 is mechanical so once one wheel starts to slip, the differential tries to step in and force power to go to both rear tires. The 2009 works on computers so when one wheel starts to slip, it holds the brake on that wheel forcing power back across the open differential to the other side. I would say the brake-activated system in the 2009 would be more predictable but would argue that the mechanical LSD is more useful.

In snow, you'll want the 2009 so you can use the truck as an open differential. Limited slip is not great for driving in the snow.

What's the price difference you're looking at between the 2009 and 2006, that would be a big consideration for me. If they were around the same price, I'd get the 2009.

 

Thanks!

Well the 06 I'm looking at for about $17k, and my neighbor is selling the 09 and he drives a hard bargain so i'm guessing he's gonna be $21-22k firm. the 06 has less miles/yr, but isn't in quite as good of condition. the 06 has good all terrain and off roading tires that are less than a yr old, and the 09 has new road tires which i don't really care for. so i'm kinda leaning towards the 06 if i get a prerunner and can't get the right price on the 09

 

Are they double cabs? That sounds like a lot for the 2006. I would have guessed $1-2,000 less on both of them. Do some research on local pricing to make sure they're good deals.

 

Yeah they're both double cabs and fairly accurate for private party blue book. Tacomas seem to be a little more expensive here in New Mexico for some reason, high demand and not that many for sale where I live in Albuquerque