Which to buy

Hello everyone,
I am new to the Tacoma world. I am trying to figure out which truck to purchase. A 2009 sr5 all trail with 124,000 for $16,995
Or a 2011 TRD off road with 70,000 for $23,995.
The first problem is that I can't seem to find any other Tacoma or information on one that says all trail sr5 on the side. Also there is no tow package on it. Besides that all I would like is a LSD read end and I can't find any info if the 2009 has one or not. The truck was very well maintained with all service history 30k 60k and 90k services included also just had new 4 leafs, shackles, u-bolts and retainer plates done 3 months ago and it is also a 6 ft bed.
The 2011 has many more options and much less mileage. But I don't know the history of it besides its already had two owners. I just don't know since I've never owned one if I really need to spend the money on the TRD offroad or if the options really aren't worth it. I do all of my own mechanic work so a hitch, 7pin wiring, tranny cooler, fan cooler really doesn't bother me if I have to install it, but would that bring me almost to the price of the off road.
Ah decisions decisions.....
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

There is no such thing as an "all trail" I've never heard that term before, what you got there is a base model sr5 long bed.
The offroad gets you better seats, locking rear dif in 4low, short bed (if thats what you like), thats just for starters.

 

Yeah, no such thing as an "All Trail." Id stay away from anyone trying to make more money with some stickers. All that person is doing is tricking others into paying extra.

TRD Sports have LSD rears.

To determine if you want a TRD OffRoad, then you have to know what the package has, if it pertains to you, and if you're willing to pay the extra for it.

 

IIRC after 08 the sports went to computer traction control leaving the rear open.

 

Depends on what your plans are for the truck. As others mentioned there is no "All Trail" package.

The TRD will have:
Upgraded trim
Upgraded seats
Rear locker
ATRAC - Off road traction control (biggest seller)
Tow package
Tranny cooler
Lower temp cooling fan
High amp alternator
Higher performance electronically boosted brakes
Off road suspension w/softer sway bar
Rear bed power outlet
Down hill decent control and hill start assist if auto

If you plan on using your truck off road, the OR is well worth it IMO.

 

2011.

 

I'd stay away from that "All Trail" whatever the hell that is. I'd go with the OR depending on your budget. Can always keep shopping.

 

both

 

I'm sure the "All Trail" is something the dealership made up by getting an S5 and adding a few minor upgrades, probably cosmetic, and slapping a cool-sounding sticker on it. I'd go with the OR, if you can afford it.

 

I would go with 2011. You will also get oil cooler with tow pkg. Only concern would be 2 owners in short time

 

Well thank you very much everyone. The OR is on the high end of my scale of affordability. I was just really wondering since I don't own one. If the OR options were worth it for what I need. I'm not going to be doing any off roading might take it down a little dirt trail once in a blue moon but nothing my 99 v6 dakota can't handle so I would think the Tacoma wouldn't have a problem with it either. However the only real option I was interested in was the rear end. My dakota has an open diff and with different tire, rim size combs I would still spin single wheel even in a light rain with a slight incline. Just didn't want to end up in the same boat.

I went and checked both of them out. The 11 had a dead battery which had me worried since the old owner had fog light and rear fogs wire in to switch son the center console and there was also another switch which said stealth mode. What ever the hell that meant. It also had a viper alarm and an automatic starter. But the wireing seemed pretty good from what I saw with inline fuses and disable links and look pretty neat.

But once again. Is all that stuff worth the money to mean well no. Except that rear end lol.

 

Is the 2011 a private party, if so I say get him to buy a new battery before you buy it

 

I'd go with the OR if you can afford it. I wouldn't pay what they are asking for either though.

 

Everyone seems concerned about the "All Trail" sticker. I don't know if that should be a deal breaker simply cuz it wasnt put on at the factory.

@CBoy808 has made hundred of custom TRD and SR5 decals for Tacomas(i.e. Punisher Edition, Call of Duty Edition, Wyoming Edition, Mountain Edition, etc) For all we know someone had him make that one.

 

A stock Tacoma will handle dirt trails fine. The 2009 SR5 will have an electronic simulated Auto LSD, so your wheel spin will be mitigated in the same scenario. It will be an improvement over the open diff on the Dakota.

I would guess stealth mode kills the brake lights and/or all the lights.

 

If you're only going OffRoad on dirt roads, then you definitely don't need the TRD OffRoad. It doesn't offer a rear LSD. It has a locker that is NOT meant for pavement. Buy the TRD Sport for the LSD.

 

Thanks for the Tag. Totally possible the previous owner had them made (not by me tho!)

 

The 2009+ 2nd gens have the electronic "Auto LSD" that could be turned on or off, including the Off Road. The Pre-2009 Sports had a mechanical LSD.

 

Ok, so after reading everyone's comments (and I appreciate all of them) I think I have settled on the 2009 SR5. Now is the price. Seems to be in the ball park for what it should be according to KBB and NADA. But who would know best then you guys/gals. The truck is at a used car lot. Do you think it is a fair price? When I went there last time they said the price on the window is the lowest they will go but I didn't push them either. Also thank you for the heads up on the lsd. I was hopping they were optioned with them. Good to know they are.

 

My 2009 had the electronic brake activated LS. I rarely spun a tire on a boat ramp.