2008 vs 2009 models?

About to have by trusty 2000 bought back by Toyota, I've been talking to a couple dealers, new 2008 Tacos especially 4cyl manuals are getting to be a rare breed. So I'm probably going to be looking more towards a new 2009.
Anyone here own a 2009 Taco 4cyl, any updates to this model year, any packages I should consider SR5, TRD? I know at minimum I want extended cab, bedliner/mat. Possibly additional tiedowns.

Thanks for your feedback,
BY

 

No TRD option for any I4 model.

Toyota jumped the MSRP on the '09s considerably, I'd rather have an '08.

 

OK...thanks for the info.

BY

 

If you buy a 2009 4cyl, it'll most likely come with that SR5 package, regardless if you want it or not...the TRD package is not available with the 4cyl. There already is a liner in the truck bed but if you want a mat it is available to buy from Toyota if you wish. As for updates, there's really nothing significant...LED tail lights, few new colors, blah. But you are right, the 08 4 cyl trucks are very hard to find. I recently bought one and the dealer had to get it delivered from another dealer two states away....luckily they didn't charge me anything extra. Good luck with your search.

 

My advice, get a v6. You wont regret it!

 

One thing to note talking about a 4cyl in New England, if 2wd, and thinking ahead to winter...

The 09's will have Auto-LSD, traction /stability control standard. The 08's do not and have open diff rear. 4wd wont matter cause beleive all the aids shut off in 4wd anyway.

 

First off i saw that someone said that Toyota moved the MSRP up on them considerably for 09 which is BS! They barely went up $500! And do you know what you get for that $500 because the list is pretty impressive. In your configuration, Access cab 4 or 6 cyl, The 09 has a completely different rear seat configuration, more of a bucket type with center console and flip up headrests similar to the >04. That alone could make a world of difference for you. Then of course is the new front and rear lights (LED rear, slight change up front) and the upgraded non TRD seat fabric and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. You also get little thing like AUX input and the option of Satelite radio. And THE BIGGIES standard side and side curtain airbags, TRAC+VSC, and a backup cam integrated into the tailgate that displays through your auto dimming rear view mirror! That's right a back up cam in your back up mirror that is invisible to the naked eye till you put the vehicle in Reverse. That option alone is over $1000 if you tried to get it through parts dept., trust me i checked! Plus you'd be getting an 09 and the resale value will be that much higher when you do go to sell not to mention that everything NEW on the road has to have some sort of VSC starting in 2011 so a lot of buyers want that and standard airbags. Overall you're getting so much more truck for almost the same amount of coin, just my 2 cents worth spend it if you want. And if you want a new truck I'll give you a killer deal!!!!!!! I sell at a NOR CAL Toyota Honda dealership and have an 05 dc lb sport and was jealous as heck when I saw the 09 roll off the truck! Let me know what you decide!

 

Firstly, this is not an personal attack on you. But I can tell you sell cars.

MSRP went up roughly $1,500. Considering they made the access cab seats less useful (no longer fold flat) and added that damn alien thing, your losing versatility. The iPod thing is no big deal and can be added aftermarket for under $50. The back up camera is also no big deal, they have been adding them at my local dealer for a year and half now, and on a vehicle this small its hardly useful. Just another thing to break if you ask me. Bassicaly Toyota added a few things that can be done aftermarket with (possibly) better quality and for less money.

Your resale value point it moot. Resale on an '09 will be no different than the '08. The only reason an '09 would be worth more is because its newer. But then again buying an '08 halfway through '08 means it will generally have lower miles for its year.

What I do like is the addition of the standard curtain air bags. This NEVER should have been an option if you ask me. Atleast Toyota is finally stepping up in that reguards to that issue. In my opinion, full saftey equipment (air bags, stability control+trac) should be standerd equipment on ALL vehicles. You should not have to be rich to buy a safe vehicle.

 

^^^^ well said

 

Hey thanks for all this info... going to a local dealer on Monday, depending on what I can get for a good price I may go with either a 4 or 6 Cyl, the 4x4 is a must since I live in snow/ice country.
Is 4wd on demand standard with all the Tacos now?... my 1st 1988 Toyotruck had manual lockers.

Will keep you updated on my shopping adventures

BY

 

I don't know where you are getting your pricing info but it's way off. Check at Toyota.com and build and price and you'll see the difference is slim. I'm looking at an 08 vs 09 option for option on a 4 cyl 4x4 access and the diff is barely over 500. I'm not a fan of the new tail lights or the new back seat for that matter but obviously you've never driven a double cab LB w/ toolbox tinted up at night cause that lil cam could help. All of the additions are for niche buyers! It's all litlle crap to maintain a lead instead of sitting on it. I mean how many 4x4 owners even care about air bags (i do but not every customer does) and the ones that care about safety usually dont care about the i pod or sat radio. Bottom line is Toyota improved, overall, the best selling truck for little in cost and you can pick it apart if you want, I sure as hell did. Oh and always buying the newer model will result in higher resale because the mileage should be equivelent. Miles don't make as large a difference as model year according to KBB. Anyway I'm not arguing with you I actually agree with most of what you said, but you are not every buyer. I have some people who are coming in really excited about one or the other changes which is exactly what toyota wanted. Oh and just so you know i'm not some unrealistic salesman with my head where it can't see sunshine, asking you what it's going to take for you to drive outta here in one of these. That's why i'm here to give opinions and back door info to make a better tacoma world for us all!

 

All of my pricing info came from Toyota. It could because we are in different regions that we see a pricing difference.

 

Where are you guys seeing 2009 pricing on toyota.com?
When I click on build my Tacoma all I see is 2008 pricing options.

Thanks,
BY

 

Try the canadian website. www.toyota.ca I think.

 

thats not true at all, goes by mileage and condition, year means little except by body style.

 

Doubt it

Only if I live in Canada...>
This Toyota web site has the power to calculate the taxes and levies applicable in the province where you live. To reflect these charges, and to provide you with a more accurate vehicle price or payment, just choose one of the options below...


I live in a state, not a province!!


BY

 

I like the AUX plug. i wish they had that for the 08 sport. i was pissed when i heard that cause because i didn't want to pony up an extra $500+ for a crappy 6disc JBL system i got a bottom line factory radio that doesn't even play MP3 cds...seriously in this day and age...c'mon!
The camera is also a good feature i think just because when i park at home its a tight fit with a car in front and behind me. but i hat that its in the rearview mirror. i rather have it on a dash screen. and the fact that its standard on the trd sport pisses me off again because again i have a TRD sport.