Advice on 2007 Tacoma

Hi everyone,

I am about to buy a 4x2 Access Cab 2007 Tacoma. I decided not to get the 4x4 because I will never use 4 wheel drive. The sales person is trying to get me to buy the TRD package. It's just a sticker and better suspension, right?

Do you think it's worth the extra money?

Thanks

 

There are a lot of other things that due come with the TRD package such as a different rear differential (locking or limited slip depending on package), in bed outlet, better driver seat, better stereo, compass/temp thing, either package also includes toyota's towing package, here is a link that describes everything you get with each package http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/options.html

 

Thanks for the info. It's about $1000 more for the TRD package. Does that seem worth the extra grand?

 

I love the TRD package and i definately think its worth the money. Heads up though, if thats all the sales guy said about it i would be careful, he dosn't sound like he knows anything about the product he's selling. With the TRD you get....

-That nifty sticker you mentioned
-Better suspension
-Much better seats
-Bed outlet (very handy and useful... you can make margaritas when camping or use it to plug in clippers and cut your hair )
-Limited slip rear diff or locking rear diff (depends on the TRD pkg you get)
-Better wheels
-Pretty hood scoop and color keyed bumper and trim (only on the TRD sport)

There may be some more options but thats all i can think of off the top of my head. The sport comes with a limited slip diff and the off road comes with the rear locker. both of those are VERY handy and that combined with the suspension.... not to mention all the other goodies definately makes the pkg worth the money to me. I'm very glad i got the TRD. my theory is this... you're already droping 25k to 30k on a truck, whats a couple thousand extra? Just another drop in the debt bucket. Do it right the first time so you dont have regrets down the road. Thats just my opinion, hope this helps. if you have any more questions just post 'em up. and welcome to TW!

 

The TRD package is a $3000+ option, so if all your paying is 1k i would definately go for it. although i'm not sure if the towing package is included with the TRD, you may wanna check up on that

 

I forgot to mention the engine skidplate and fuel tank protector, front tow hook. I think this is only with the off-road pkg but im not sure on that. My opinion the TRD sport looks better, but i went with the Off-road since it had more options that i deem useful as opposed to the sport.

 

For $1000 you are probably only getting the TRD stickers. Check out the following link list for cost of a TRD package in Canada.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/315/cat/500/ppuser/112

 

Thanks guys. I think the TRD package is a $3000 option because you usually go from 4x2 to 4x4. But when you are getting it on a 4x2, it's only a grand. This is the off-road TRD that I'm looking at, just to clarify.

 

The TRD pkgs are 3K +, but the SR5 pkg varies from 1.5K to 2.3K according to vehicle. The TRD's include SR5 trim items plus additions/changes. Factory alloys will add 400.00 to SR5 trim

 

Same here.

 

Yeah i think thats the case. the 1k extra is probably the price difference between just the SR5 and the upgrade to the TRD. That would make sense since TRD's have the SR5 trim

 

Just an an alternative view on this (It is only my opinion and why I opted out of the TRD package) I will say the following:

That nifty sticker you mentioned

I don't like the sticker. It looks to me to be rather "young boy" (just my opinion). No offense to young boys, I was one of them once.


-Better suspension

"Better" is subjective here. I test drove one and did find it stiff.


-Much better seats

I did see a difference in the seats but not enough to make me go and shell out the extra package price. I find the seats in the regular SR5 version to be absolutely fine.


-Bed outlet (very handy and useful... you can make margaritas when camping or use it to plug in clippers and cut your hair )

This is a cool option...no doubt about it. But since i have a camper and it has a zillion outlets I wouldn't need it there. A small adaptor for the cigarrette lighter will give you a couple of outlets also. But this is a convenience more than a necessity for me.


-Limited slip rear diff or locking rear diff (depends on the TRD pkg you get)

This depends on how much off roading you will do and/or rough suburban assault vehicle driving. I am a street dweller and saw this not to be a priority at all. But if you do then this is worth it.


-Better wheels

I just upgraded my wheels later, got the optional aluminum rims and the tires on the model I got (Dunlop Grantek 20's) feel great. No issues here. You can always get new wheels but of course this is included in the TRD package.


-Pretty hood scoop and color keyed bumper and trim (only on the TRD sport)

Now this hood scoop in my opinion looks cool. Operative word here is "looks." I did not like the obstruction it offered at all. So, it is a matter of preference. It is a show thing and that's that. Depends on your taste and if it doesn't bother your view then it is worth it.

Someone said the stereo is better, I was unaware of that one. But if you don't like the stock one you can replace it fairly easy. But I understand we are talking about the TRD and what's included for one price. I like the stereo as is.

Overall I would say I don't like most of the bundled packages Toyota makes you buy. It reminds me of cable TV and how they make you buy all these other crappy channels just to get HBO or Showtime.

Not saying all of these options are crappy. I got the SR5 PreRunner and just added at will. Did the fog lights and a bunch of other stuff. If you are handy and you check out the mods online you may find it worth it to customize later.

So, go ride in the TRD and make your choice then. To me it was not worth the money, but then again that is why they make it an option. Because to some it was well worth it.

 

viper-2: Those were all very valid counter points to why we said he should get the TRD. The only one that i have to compeletely disagree with would be that you said using the term "better" when describing the TRD suspension is subjective. I would say the suspensin is definately better without a doubt. it is definately stiffer, and people comeing from another truck or a car with soft suspension might not like it, you have a point there. However, it is definately better in the sense that bistein makes a higher quality shock than the factory tacoma shocks. they last longer, and perform better (due to the stiffness) and are more capable in offroad or on-road situations.

So you're right when you say its stiff and he might not like that about them. and for anyone that doesn't want the stiff ride and doesn't have the need for any performance other than driving around town, they are probably not necesary. But bilsteins are still better than factory shocks. I dont mind the ride at all, i came from a Beamer with racing bilsteins so maybe thats why i dont mind the ride. But everyone that has ridden with me has commented on how smooth the ride is so i dont know. i guess its just personal preference. However, your counterpoints are very valid and its best he hear both sides before he goes in and makes and expensive decision.

Oh, and in response to the sticker..... it may be a "young boy" thing, but thats fine with me. I'm 25 and starting to go bald..... i'll hang onto that young boy image as long as i can.... i havn't given up to old age yet

 

I understand what you are saying. But what you are describing I would call a higher quality product. I am certain the Bilstiens are.

But of course the springs are mainly what I was referring to and the ride itself. It is stiffer accross the board and in my opinion mostly noticeable without a load. I believe Consumer Reports noted this in their review and I especially looked for it when I went to test drive.

I am not saying that the suspension is worse on the TRD by any means, it is just not for me.

Oh and Yeah I know what you mean about the young boy, I'm 41 going on 19 sometimes. But there are some things that I'm shifting on clearly. Like racing on the street and all that stuff. There was a time but now my transmission and costs matter. I remember a time when nothing mattered and I was invincible.

Thing is I am much happier now also.
Haven't gone bald yet...

 

How did you remove them easily by the way? I have heard that before. Someone said using a hairdryer I think...

When I remove stickers they always leave a goo residue and I have to scrub with WD-40.

 

Run fishing line behind the badge. Use "braid" line if you can because it's strong and thin. You'll need gloves. Clean up with your finger and then 3M general purpose adhesive remover for final cleanup.

I did not find the heat gun helpful.