Premium Tech Package effects on off-roading

So my 2000 Tacoma has just shy of 240K on it and I’m in the market for a 2016 DCOR MT to replace it. I’m planning on keeping it for the next decade just like I have my current one.

It will be used 90% of the time as a daily driver with the hopes of getting my feet wet overlanding within the next year or so.

My main concerns are with the blind spot monitor, rear parking sonar, and the moon roof. All are welcomed features on a highway driven vehicle however, they raise some concerns for off road use.


1. I know many new vehicles have sensors built into the rear bumpers. If I decide to put and aftermarket one on the Tacoma am I going to have to deal with finding a home for wires that no longer have a place to go?

2. The moon roof wouldn’t limit my mounting options for a roof rack would it?

3. Any other reasons that should sway me towards or away from the tech package, I really like the idea of heated seats in the winter and a moon roof for summer drives?

Thanks for your help, I’ve done some mild off-roading but I’m still fairly new to the sport and trying to learn.

 

Get the premium package, it is worth it. Especially since it will be your daily driver, the heated seats and mirrors alone are worth it. The sunroof shouldn't get in the way because it doesn't lift up very high at all. I can offer no guidance on the bumpers because I havnt taken mine off yet to investigate.

Ps. You are making the right choice with the manual. Although you will have a tough time finding the truck you want.

 

Can't speak to the moon roof/roof rack concern, but the parking sonar and BSM both have on/off buttons with the tech package.

 

I have seen some aftermarket off road bumpers that have the cutout holes for the parking sensors, don't think that would be a problem at all if you were to upgrade

 

I had made up my mind that I wanted the P&T package, UNTIL a local dealer had the truck I wanted without it included. What I will say is that what's included with the standard Entune premium audio seems surprisingly above average. Full disclosure, I'm not that much of an audiophile. The BSM and parking sonar was over kill, since I never had a car with that feature and I know how to drive/park. The backup camera eliminates the sonar need IMO. Heated seats was really what I wanted living in the northeast, could take or leave the moonroof. Since my truck didn't have it, I talked myself into not needing it and saved a few G's.

 

I did the same thing. Wasn't aware the basic TRD OR had backup camera, nav, and touch screen. That was all I wanted originally (thought only the premium tech had it) saved me ~2500. I've seen some aftermarket seat heaters that worked well when I had my jeep. So i'll be on the lookout for that.

 

You might consider a different option if your current truck is solid.

Why not buy a much lower cost gussied up sedan for the daily duties, and build the old truck for the overland work?

Things that are more purpose focused are always more fun than ones loaded with compromise.

 

That is the EXACT scenario I found myself in when I purchased my truck. All I wanted was the heated seats. NOT buying the P&T allowed me to save a few thousand dollars and buy the wheels/tires I wanted. Moreso, I bought clazzio seat covers and their seat heater kit and will end up with the one option I wanted after all. And, I had the extra money to do the mods that were important to me!

 

Just FYI, they all have the same entune audio system. You have to get the tech package and then get the extra JBL package with that to get an upgraded audio system.

 

I have the Yakima Whispbar cross bars for a roof rack installed on mine and the sun roof doesn't affect it at all. Any of those aftermarket cross bars that fit go into the door frame will work fine.

 

Doesn't the P&T package also come with dual climate control?

 

yes

 

and the cross traffic warning when in reverse is really nice...

 

I could imagine that being nice.. idk about where you live but people around here... I swear they drive through parking lots with their eyes closed.

 

Good looking truck

 

Don't forget the upgraded running lights and color matched rear bumper with the premium.