Thoughts on 2019 TRD Pro lineup?

Nothing, it is exactly the same on the tacoma.

 

Do I think the snorkel is a winner? No. Do I think it's terrible? No... and I see the reasoning behind it. Let me compare it to something I hear a lot of people clamoring about: a front locker.

First, it (and the roof rack for the 4Runner) are expo style gear that the overlanding crowd will appreciate and is simply much more popular than the smaller number of people that will tear the crap out of their Pro on trails that require a front locker.

Second, the snorkel is something that is used (and the driver benefits from) anytime it's turned on, as opposed to a front locker button that most might push once a year if they're lucky.

Third, it's a lower cost and lower complexity mod, and one that's easy for other people can buy aftermarket as well. $$$

I'm pretty ambivalent about it, and yes we can all nitpick the ways Toyota may have done better... especially the tires that come with it. But the bottom line is most people are going to buy a non-pro and build their vehicles up anyway, so it's a awkward marketing niche.

 

Agreed, and if forged BBS were offered on ALL the Pro models, it would justify the increased asking price.

 

But I have the same tech the PRO has in my OR.

 

Internal bypass instead of the typical external bypass that is traditionally used on offroad vehicles.

 

in this instance, just fancy PR/copy writing.

 

Why can't car manufacturers bring all their models current on features/options?

Example, Toyota can put LED headlights on the Tundra, Camry, etc. but cannot put them in vehicles (expensive ones too) like the 4Runner, Highlander, and Tacoma. Makes absolutely no sense.

Then you still have the strange options removed from the Pro's, like the JBL sound system and moonroof. It's like if you want anything performance related, you have to give up features and comforts. Why do manufacturers think this way? Toyota isn't the only OEM guilty of this either. I mean look at the 4Runner and how out of date the center screen is. There's absolutely no reason for that old school LCD screen.

Manual guys get the worst of it too. Seriously we can't have PTS just because it's a different transmission? Or proximity keys? Really?

Honestly, I like my Pro, but really would have liked to see Toyota add some really simple things like the tailgate lock linked to the electronic locks. (Yes aftermarket handles this quite well actually, but for a $40k+ vehicle - lame) Adjust the front cab mount to better clear the inner fender. Better headlights. Better adjustable seats. HEATED FUCKING STEERING WHEEL. Fuck the snorkel, when it's -20 outside I'd like a heated fucking steering wheel.

/Rant

 

The pro is a great vehicle, but if you think about it. You can get better parts and etc and get a better deal on an off road and make it the same.

 

The Tundra is especially disappointing. Same old powerplant, same design and no rear locker. Crappy tires. Bolt on suspension and 1K+ exhaust (it does sound good, but common man, its a frickin cat back)

 

All except for the resale value.

 

Very true. Pros will inherently retain more resale value due to the limited numbers, then a fully loaded TRD-OR 4x4 and on down the line. But in general, Tacoma's hold their resale value better than most other vehicles out there.

 

Tacoma is the best resealing vehicle on the market. Down the road for me a dealer has a 2011 with 89 thousand miles for like 26000. crazy!

 

I imagine they will be pretty close in percentage, the Pro will definitely be worth more at resale time but it was also more expensive to start with too.

 

the laws of relativity

 

I could sell my 05 with 80k for $20k on my own in the first day in my area.

 

I got my oil change recently on my 2001 and the guy in the service desk said they sold a 2003 with 190k miles on it for 15k+. I was floored!

 

I believe it. When I sold my 1st Gen, bluebook was like $8.5k. I listed for $14k and had 70 emails the first day. The first person to come out purchased and gave payment to hold until we could do a bank check.

 

https://youtu.be/4SEDzMnuTaU

 

anybody now how they're gaining the increased track width? back spacing on wheels or spacers?

 

Their not.