2018 TRD Pro 6MT - 2 Weeks In!

It's been just over two weeks since picking up my Pro. Wanted to post some updates as well as my initial impressions.

1. Upgraded the sound with the Kicker Tweeters, Front and Rears. Also added the Kicker Hideaway sub (behind the rear passenger seat). I'm not a huge audiophile but I do appreciate crisp, full sound....I'm beyond impressed at the upgrade over the stock offering. It's just what I wanted and in my opinion sounds worlds better than premium Harmon Kardon system I had in my BMW. For an 8" powered sub, the Hideaway puts out the perfect amount of bass to fill out the sound.

2. Just received my Diamondback SE yesterday and installed it. This thing is awesome. I installed it solo yesterday afternoon....it was an easy install. Just make sure you have some heavy items you can put on top of the cover while you adjust the locking mechanism. The instructions recommend you use another person to push down the cover while you do this....but a few cases of beer and water at the corners did the trick. ALSO - CAN CONFIRM THAT THEY UPDATED THE HARDWARE TO ALL BLACK! Love that update...always thought it looked a little off with the stainless hardware.

Initial Impressions on the truck:

1. This is my first truck. Came from an S2000 (gone), 3-series (gone) and X5 (still have). Let's just say it took a little while to get used to the Taco. The engagement point of the clutch is on the high side, which is the opposite of my 3-series which was fairly low. Had some leg fatigue trying to get used to that! Low end torque is lacking but it does open up quite a bit once you get to 4,000 rpm. Again, it was an adjustment but I'm completely used to it now. It has all the power for my needs.

2. This thing handles great for a truck. I live in Chicago and it's no problem navigating through the city. A little strange to say but I feel more agile in traffic than I did in my 3-series...maybe it's the higher vantage point.

3. The TRD exhaust was one of the biggest surprises for me. I did not think the sound was going to be as noticeable or as pleasant as it is. I love hearing it....it's not too loud or imposing....it's just enough to know that it's there.

4. The tech is great. I didn't have all the gadgets in my 3-series...my wife has some of that in her X5....but the lane departure, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams and such have been a nice addition. Never been a tech guy in cars....usually like them bare bones so I wasn't expecting much in this department.

5. I love the power sliding glass. I never liked moon roofs and have never had them in my previous car, so I was glad the PRO didn't come with one. BUT, I love the sliding glass window! It's usually the first thing I open up when getting in the truck (and sometimes I forget to close it when I get home). Provides the perfect amount of ventilation. Sometimes it's the little things....

6. The 6MT is smooth. Again I didn't expect much in this department coming from an S2000 and 3-series....which have amazing buttery manual transmissions. I don't mind the long throws and thoroughly enjoy rowing through the gears. Even when I'm stuck in rush hour traffic!

7. The interior lighting is terrible. I knew this ahead of time but didn't realize how bad it was. If you want to see anything at night you will need to whip out your phone or flashlight. I will be upgrading the interior lights in the coming weeks.

These are just a few of my initial thoughts...I'm sure I'm forgetting some. Overall, I love the truck. Puts a smile on my face everyday and don't think I can ever go back to driving a car.

I'll attach some pics of the diamondback and the kicker hideaway!

 

Lookin good. I think most of are pleasantly surprised how well these trucks work

 

Sweet

 

Congrats on the beautiful truck, the Manual is a plus.

 

Every Tom, Dick and Harry have matte wheels on their trucks now. It wouldn't be anything different. I had matte black wheels for the last 6-7 years, they're boring and you cant tell what they even are 10 feet away. I'm in the minority and actually like the pro wheels. I do wish KO2's came in "C" rated for the 16's and they put them on it though. I really liked how mine grabbed in the winter, but I don't want to get E's, its just overkill for me.

 

Yeah I have those in 17's and love them this year in the snow.

 

I like my black gloss pro wheels. I wish they came with either ko2 or ridgegrapples as stock tires.

 

Can't please everyone I guess.

 

I like the glossy Pro Wheels too

 

Nice truck!

I had an AP2V1 a few years ago, and the transmission was less than smooth. Loved that car, I really would like to have another at some point in the future.

 

I actually prefer the gloss black wheels, they pair up nicely to a set of beefy tires.

 

They are a nice wheel, just don't see it on an Off Road Beast. Not trying to offend anyone. Just like I don't understand why they put a chrome grille and chrome rear bumper on a TRD Off Road. While the Sport features all color matched stuff.

 

I like the wheels as well but wouldn’t care much either way. I usually ride the wheels a car/truck come with....unless you’re getting functional wheels (bead locks or the like) or are trying to shed weight it doesn’t do much for me.

 

super jealous you got black, they didnt have that option before! also a pro 6 speed. love the damn thing. came from all faster cars wrx, speed3, legacy, s4 and now this.... got to say for a slow truck it def is the most fun. its so fun driving fast in a slow car for some reason. again super jelly and enjoy the sweet ride!

ps i dont mind the stock wheels and rims... ive driven 10k and dealer said there is no wear. i said sweeeeet. also i drive and usse my truck to haul produce... i dont off road but philly pot holes and terrible streets got me real happy about suspension upgrade for real. fuck the hills come drive down city ave after a winter youll know what i mean.

 

My 18 trd off-road came with color matched bumpers and 2018 offroad and sport have black grills

 

Congratulations, enjoy that pro!

 

How did you wire your kicker sub in?

 

Looks sweet!

 

I had a shop install my speakers and sub. From what I’m told the hideaway is a fairly straightforward install if you’re familiar with that kind of thing.

 

I an going to try to get sgop

Can u give me exact model numbers of each speaker including the sub? I want to call the audio custom store in morning to see if they can get them all and install in my truck Weds or Friday before I leave on road trip