Looking to buy new 2018, few questions

Hello all. I'm looking to buy a new 2018 tacoma. I've gone back and forth between the sport and the off road and i like the look of the sport better, but wish the off road had the sport hood! That's what really attracted me to this model vs the other one looks wise. I understand that the off road has a bit "better" shocks but that's easily remedied down the road so it's not the deciding factor, nor do i plan to really take it off road besides maybe a fishing or hunting trail here and there, mild anyways.

I'm planning on getting most of the options minus running boards and the little trinkets they offer. I have a few questions on some of the options in hopes that you all can help me a bit. So we've established i'm more than likely going with the sport (double cab, 6 foot bed)...

-I want it in white with leather seat material, but i would also like the PREMIUM package with the tri-fold tonneau cover... they don't offer this package with the white paint. Is this something i can special request or maybe buy and add later if i skip the tonneau at the dealership and would it cost more in the long run? Is the tonneau cover removeable altogether if i need the space for something large?

-Do the bed inserts protect the bed from rusting? It was my thinking that when trucks have the plastic bed liners sand and salt gets between them (i live in new england) and they end up rusting out underneath once the paint gets worn away. So would getting the rubber mat that goes in the bed be a waste, should i keep the plastic insert or should i get it sprayed with bed liner?

-Is the TRD exhaust really worth the money they ask for it? How about the radiator cap... oil cap... air filter. I know all of this i can buy on the aftermarket (but really... 57$ for a decorative oil cap!?). Is it all expensive because it's "TRD" or is there actually some development behind it (but really... an oil cap!?).

I've worked in the automotive industry for the last 8 years and toyotas are the one truck i see come through with minimal issues. The last question really is more of a... why would they do that lol. But i don't know much about specific toyota parts nor have i ever owned a truck so i only see what i've worked on. My grandfather has a silverado with bedliner that i like but if the plastic one will last me until it cracks and then i can get the sprayliner, i'm ok with that i'd just like to be preventative on the rust and such before hand if it will become an issue.

 

Only one I can answer is about the bed. It won’t rust because it’s not metal, the plastic (really more of a composite I believe) IS the bed.

Most will recommend a bed mat because it’s pretty slippery, but nothing to worry about rubbing the paint and rusting.

 

Should come in white just Toyota.com is local to your location and only shows what's inbound allocated to dealerships around you.
Bed is full composite there is no metal in the bed.

 

The TRD trinkets are really just for asthetics, which is fine, just don’t expect a performance boost.
I had a 16 Sport (for the reasons you mentioned) but when I got in an accident and had a chance to change trucks I went with an OR. It really offers a lot more for the same money. You can swap out the hood.

 

What does the OR offer over the sport that's worthwhile in day to day driving or snow/rain? I was under the impression the OR was more geared towards someone who wanted to go drive in the back country? Most of my driving will be on pavement, highway, backroads, etc. I want the 4x4 for the snow.

 

For every day commute I appreciate the more compliant suspension. Sport is more, 'sporty' and stiff.

 

You will gain very little on road with the off-road model. In fact you might not like the ride as much on road as it is a bit more wallowy. Sport model probably suits your needs more.

 

There is no factory leather option for sport or off-road. They it in the pros though.

Honestly, the trd exhaust is just a gimmick. If you have the cash flow then why not. Mine came with stainless steel tip for a bit more $, but when I get my rear bumper, it’ll be chopped off anyways.

With your kind of driving (trails, hunting/fishing), there really isn’t a need to for TRD Off-road.

I go hunting, fishing, and camping a lot but where I go, I need crawl control (sports don’t have it) sometimes (That little feature makes a huge difference when stuck in really soft sand or swamp mud like in my area). I can live without the crawl control, but that will mean winching myself out a lot, using maxtrax or other means which takes a lot longer and requires me to get out into knee+ deep mud/water so it was a no brainer I wanted the Off-road package.

My tonneau cover (see link in my signature) cost me 1200 for the cover + install and I like it better than the factory hands down. It’s also one of the more popular covers the market.

 

2018s have leather options across all TRD trims

 

What?! Didn’t know that. Guess dealer didn’t know either, but didn’t care to ask

Wouldnt want leather in my area anyway. Too hot lol.

 

Yeah leather is now available on the 18s, plus I think you now have a choice for Black Leather in the Limited instead of being stuck with that Diarrhea Leather.

 

Hey OP, it sounds like the sport is a good fit for you. Given what you have said about your requirements, the off-road's features don't add more value. Get the longer box, the hood you like, and upgrade for off-road capability (tires, suspension, etc) if you decide you want to down the road.

 

Oh man i should have figured i'd come to this forum and you guys would have my mind in many different directions! It sounds to me like i want a sport with crawl control or an off road with sport suspension haha. I do like having options . I think with the 4x4 and knowing my area and where i drive the sport would be fine for me.

Ok so we've established that bed liner would be a waste of my time but the rubber pad would be worth it. I may get the tonneau cover as well... i'm thinking i'll go with factory stuff since if anything goes wrong it's "here, you fix it" type stuff. the oil cap and such would be more for HAHA's than anything. I think the filter would be worth my time just because i've had CAI's and i find cleaning the filter easy enough to make having a cleanable filter worth the money. Does the exhaust aside from probably not providing much more than stock in the way of noise give it a bit better engine performance or is it just a gimmick altogether? Is there anything you guys recommend getting for this truck that toyota offers but not in the options or something to skip over and not waste money on? I also want to get a gun safe for a pistol or two, do you know any companies that make rear underseat lockable storage specifically for the tacoma? And how's the sound system? I had made a fully custom system for my previous car so i am somewhat spoiled, i may want to add a sub to this truck as well if i can find a premade enclosure. My girlfriend has a 2016 highlander, is the navigation the same in the 2018 as in hers?

 

This community knows more than 99% of dealership salesmen and 75% of dealership technicians.

 

I guess that’s true since I had to school the guy what ECT button was for since my significant other asked him and he didn’t know so I told him.

 

Yes the exhaust tip is just for show. There won’t be space under the seat for a gun lock since there is already built in storage (if you are talking about the back seat). If you are looking for pistol storage, I would look into the center console box. My XD-40 fits perfectly in there if I want to get a locking holder in there and seems like I can fit two.

Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the bed liners are standard.

From experience (have gone thru 9 vehicles in 6 years =p) I wouldn’t get anything from the dealership, options wise if I can get em aftermarket. Dealer overcharges by a lot.

 

Pretty much

There is in the NASCAR truck series. But it doesn't translate to what you see on the street. At. All.

Hmmmm. Maybe you should spend some more close up examination time before you drop your hard earned $35k+. Tacomas haven't had metal beds since 2005.

See comment above about quality time. Long (time wise) test driving in tight quarters might, or might not change your mind on the scoop. Some folks complain about the visibility limitations it creates. Others find that the truck overall is larger than a full size of a few years ago (which is true) and not that easy to maneuver in tight urban situations. Exaberated sometimes by the hood visibility restriction.

Not saying it would be a problem for you. Just that you should make sure it isn't a problem. Oh yea, some folks have a glare issue from the scoop. Particulary on light colors like the white you want. Some solve by installing an aftermarket decal. Which may or may not be your cup of tea.

 

2004 was last Steel Bed, 05 started the Composite Bed.

 

I thought I said that?

 

Buy a sport and put a ARB locker in it ,and it will do 99% of what a 4x4 will,and you will have a lot nicer looking truck.