OEM vs. Aftermarket What Add-ons are worth it?

Hey team,

New member, long time reader here. Likely going to buy my first Taco this weekend with some MDW sales happening here in SoCal. Hoping for some advice on what add-ons are best to get at the dealership (negotiate them into the purchase) vs. aftermarket.

Truck I'm eyeing is a 2019 Cement Sr5 DCSB, comes with the Carpet Floor Mats & Door Sill Protectors Package, Exhaust Tip, and '16 black alloy wheels. Aside from that, it appears to be fairly base.

Would you recommend getting the tonneau cover, running boards, and/or mudguards from the dealership? I plan on adding either way, just deciding if OEM from Toyota is better, or if I'd have more success going aftermarket. Thanks!

 

Usually, you just end up paying more for those items due to dealer markup, unless you can negotiate the price based on what aftermarket parts cost. If you want to roll the costs for those items into your financing, and don't mind paying more for the privilege to do so, then go ahead. Otherwise aftermarket is just fine for those items. Also, check you local sales ads for used or take-off parts and save some money.

And, welcome!

 

What are you intending to do with the truck?

 

Aftermarket has my vote. Some stuff will be cheaper, a lot more options to suit your taste.
Also as mentioned above, check fs threads, bunch of people are selling barely used take-offs.
Good luck with your Taco!

 

What are those steps on your truck?

 

Thanks all, Truck purpose is a surf wagon primarily. Will be getting a bed extender as well. Camping on beach, also some snow runs in winter but for the most part, city and beach trips.

Are people usually pretty satisfied with the OEM tonneau? Thread has mixed reviews..

 

It varies:

• You can find aftermarket mudguards on Amazon for a lot cheaper than the dealer will charge you.
• I ended going with TRD exhaust tip; didn’t like any of the aftermarket options. Found it on Amazon for $60.
• OE floor mats are about $110/set on eBay. Cheaper than the dealer.
• Found OE sill protectors on eBay as well, a lot cheaper than my dealer.
• Wheels are a dime a dozen. You have to shop until you find something you like at the right price that fits.

 

I like mine, it's 90% water proof, easy to take on and off, and still allows full use of the bed rails.

 

I have one and like it as well. Doesn't roll up like a soft cover would but is much more secure. I barely get any moisture in there driving in rain. Also it is pretty easy to take off, you can do it by yourself in a pinch, but it is a bit heavy and bulky to do solo.

 

Just the rear locker (TRD modle only).

everything else is bullshit/scam which can be totally eliminated forever or purchased cheaper/better aftermarket.

in conclusion find the cheapest possible TRD modle and tell them to unbolt or remove all the BS add ons (floor mats, black taco leters on the tail gate, mud flaps...ALL!!!) they are trying to get you to pay for and do not leave untill you drive off with that locker.

 

uhhhh isnt the bed made out of plastic? wouldnt want it to rust i guess....

 

Keeps stuff from sliding.

 

what about pincher bugs living under it? ewww

 

They really don't take up much space. Also, if you're ever in a survivalist situation, they make a hella decent snack.

 

Honestly OP you came to a forum where 96% of the people go full retard on their Tacoma's. 95% of them don't need half the shit they buy.

If I interpret your question more as should you get a few extra's at the time of purchase vs later, my opinion is, know your prices and try to get it worked into your deal. Its a bitch to go out 8 days later and drop $1500 on shit that you could have worked into your payments for like $5 bi-weekly, which you will never notice.

 

Get them to throw in stuff they have a big markup on, like annual detailing for three years or additional maintenance (beyond the two years they already throw in). You might get a bed mat (they are only about $80) and it is worth having.

Edit: An OEM roof rack might be good for your skis or boards.

 

Running boards are not allowed on a Tacoma

 

Lookup https://mesocustoms.com
Plenty of ways to spend all the money

 

If you're looking at OEM bolt on add on parts just get them second hand. You can normally get that stuff on the cheap through the classified section or secondhand market. If the dealer just adds the parts on to what your financing, your paying 5 years for carpeted floor mats.

 

Sometimes it is easier to negotiate some free add ons, vs dollars off, especially if they are high margin items for the dealer, like services and such.