Which Tacoma should I get???

I'm in the market for a used Tacoma.

I found a 2004 extra cab, 6 speed manual, Silver, 37k miles, 4x4, SR5 package.. This truck would be perfect if it had the TRD Off Road Package with the diff lock! It has no power windows also..

I also found a 2004 extra cab, Silver, 44k miles, 4x4, TRD Package, power windows, etc.. But this one has an automatic tranny!

Both are in MINT condition..

I REALLY want a Manual.. I dont know what to do.. Get the manual with no diff lock.. or get the auto with diff lock?? The auto my wife can drive it.. Since I will be purchasing a sports car next year with a manual tranny.. That would make it 2 manuals in my garage..

I keep going back and forth between auto or manual...

If it worth getting the SR5 package without the diff lock and adding it later??

 

Is the truck going to be an offroad toy or a daily driver?? And how often will the wife be using it??

I'd get the manual and add a locker- It requires some special tools and know how (read: professional install by someone else unless you are a truck professional)

But my wife drives stick....

 

Yes I will be using it off road. I like to off road but not rock crawling stuff. Just trails, mud, snow, etc.. My wife has her own car, but if something happens to her car then she can drive it temporarily. She said she knows how to drive stick but I never saw her. lol.

It will be my daily driver for now. I have another car but I might sell it..

My dad is a mechanic and has his own shop so special stools and lift is not a problem.. I just like the OEM setup of the Diff Locker.. The gauge cluster light, abs off when its engaged.. I dont want to cheap aftermarket setup.

 

If you get it for off road use I would look for one with a locker. Well worth it in my opinion. And you can add a front locker if you get serious into the off road scene.

 

I would get the automatic if you plan on doing a sports car in the near future. You'll get to drive the car like you stole it and just cruise in the truck.

 

Yeah I might just wait for a manual tacoma with a locker..

2 weeks ago I was browsing autotrader and I found a 2004 Tacoma, 4x4, TRD Offroad Package, Silver, Manual, 40k miles, original owner, selling for $13,500! 40 minute drive from my house, Southern California.. I called right away.. But the owner told me a guy fedexed him a deposit of $1,000 and is flying in tomorrow to pick it up. He was from the east coast! So he flew to California and drive it back home. These things sell quickly if priced right..

I kicked myself in the ass. I should of checking autotrader earlier!

 

I would go for the auto with TRD

 

wait for the truck YOU want. It took me a while to find my truck (basically what you want) but if you look hard enough and long enough you will find the truck for you. dont settle for less than what you want when your spending that kind of cash. 02cents

 

I'll agree with that^^^. It took me months to find my truck and it's exactly what I wanted. So, go with what you want first and foremost...

 

auto with a locker. Its more fun to relax and crawl up a hill and not slip the clutch. plus u have a free hand for a cold beverage

 

Question for you guys.

Whey do some 2004's Tacoma's have a 4wd button the transfer case and some dont? What is the benefit of this button? Does it just shift 4wd HI on the fly?? Pros and Cons of this button?? What do some have this button and some dont?

Thanks!

 

Push button means you dont have to go outside your truck and lock the hubs to be able to use 4wd.

I'd +1 to everyone saying wait til the one you want shows up. You already have a vehicle to drive so this truck isn't a necessity (as much as you might disagree haha!)

Might want to check the for sale section on here and TTORA for trucks, too.

 

I'm not sure if you are correct or not.

My friend has a 2003 Toyota and he does not have a push 4wd button. Just a transfer case without this button and DOES not have to go outside to lock the hubs. I think this started around 2000+ Tacomas. Not sure.

Anyone else can answer my question?

 

the one that starts with "T" and ends with "OYOTA TACOMA"

 

buy both and swich the rear ends and sell the automatic

 

I have owned mostly manual transmissions throughout my life. To include a 1970 Stingray with a Muncie 4spd. However, I am very happy with my auto TRD Sport. This auto does a great job, but I do manual shift between 4th and overdrive. Between 45 and 55 it tends to "search" for the correct gear if you are in overdrive, or "D." It is certainly not a sports car, but I have a 2008 Can-Am Spyder that does 0-60 in less than 4.5 seconds to satisfy that need. Think about what you really need and what you'll really use, not just what sounds cool.

 

i own a manual tacoma and a manual sports car ...i would only get an automatic if i lived in a big city that is stop and go traffic everywhere you go...i dunno..i've just always owned manuals...autos i think i would fall asleep while driving...lol...it's just a personal thing...manuals are just funner to drive in my opinion..some people like to drive and others just drive because it's a way to get somewhere

 

Exactly, I cant drive a manual as my main vehicle. Not that I refuse to drive an auto, I just feel like I can't do as much in one and can't control the car as much. Plus autos are kinda boring