What should I buy?

Hi there, I'm new here so I'll just throw out what I need. I own a 92 Pick Up with almost 200,000 that has served me well,. but it's time to upgrade. We want to get a new 2010 Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 truck. We live in the snow country in the foothills of the Sierras in California so we need to get through the muck, snow and ice in winter, but we also like to do some dirt travelling in the summer in the Sierras on some funky roads but nothing much more than my old 92 2WD P/U couldn't handle.

We're torn between a few options. Manual vs. automatic. I love my old manual but my wife wants the auto. I've read that there are a lot of issues with the auto tranny in the 09 and 10 models for some folks. ANy manaul issues? We'd like a bit more than the base model. Should we go with SR5 package or the TRD off road pacakge? Cost is not an issue here as we are looking for the truck that will best serve our purposes and a few thousand bones won't sway us one way or another. Mostly street driving, but need the 4WD when we get the snow and ice and occasional trips into the mountains in the summer to tackle some dirt roads but not climb walls.

Thanks for your input here.

 

Im alittle simular to you. Im in buffalo and snow can become a major problem. Im on my 3rd toyota pick-up. I have loved everyone of them. I was really impressed with the safety features and stability/traction controls on my latest model.
As far as manual or automatic, i would say it owners choice. my previous trucks were manual and i love driving manual. but this one came with a automatic and im fine with it. I heard both types have had some issue's, but mine seems to be learning my driving habits and i have not noticed the strange shifting pattern i noticed earlier. with the auto i was able to get a starter installed, i really like the starter.
I found the SR5 was the best way to go. It provides most if not all of the features i wanted at a group price. the only thing i would of liked on the trd is the locking diff, but I really had no need for it. With the SR5, all you really need to do is replace the stock tires with a good all-terrain (my goodyear Duratracs have been outstanding in the snow and street ) and your set for most off-road or snow applications.
I would also look at double cab, it is nice having the extra interior room.

 

Not an offroader here, but if money's not an issue, it'd probably be more fun to have the locker in the Off Road model... And my Auto's been fine. I'd have bought the manual if they offered the long box double cab with a manual transmission, though.

A few thousand bones would creep me the $#&@ out.

 

I say get an automatic.

Also, if you want a locker in the rear get the trd OR. Plus, the trd seats are nicer than the non trd ones.

 

That last is a good point, forgot that...

I think I need a cushion for my thigh in my SR5 truck... legs too long for the seat position, and the steering wheel won't go back further...

 

i would say get the TRD sport. For normal street driving the locker is worthless. The LSD serves you WAY better in the snow. I wish i would have bought a sport.

If your thinking about a 6 speed. Test drive one......FOR A LONG TIME. The drive by wire throttle SUCKS. If you dont shift like someone with Alzheimer who forgets what he is doing in between shifts then your in for a jerky ride.

It goes like this

Clutch in
Move the gear selector to neutral
Take a sip of your drink while you wait for the rev's to drop
Move the gear selector to the next gear
Clutch out provided you have given the ecu enough time to close the throttle body

/end rant

 

For his location and uses that he mentioned the locker would probably suit him way better.

x2 on the manual.

 

How do you figure on the locker? You can only use it in 4lo unless you put a relay in. Then when it snows out or rains just a little you have an open diff that constantly spins up the rear. If you are in a tight spot off roading with an LSD it is almost doing the same thing as a locker.


I could only see the locker coming into good use if you are in a situation like you're in your signature....

 

Trd sport 4wd dc is all you need man. Plus it looks alot better(opinion)

 

If you ever get stuck, it will save your life. That's why they put the locker in the Off-Road, and the LSD in the Sport, an on road street prerunner.

Im not downing the LSD. I have seen them in action.

But it doesn't compare to the locker.

 

I see where your coming from but if your doing 90% of driving on road i would say go with the LSD. None of this bullshit one tire fire.

To quote the OP "Mostly street driving, but need the 4WD when we get the snow and ice and occasional trips into the mountains in the summer to tackle some dirt roads but not climb walls."

Seems to me like a locker would do him no good. IMO

 

He will be happy either way. Very capable trucks.

 

I just picked up an '06 4X4 with the TRD package. Because I've got a car too, this is going to be a weekender mostly for when I go dirtbiking. I went with extra cab (not double cab) and 6 speed stick. Oh, and I needed a long bed so I can sleep in mine.

RZ Rob