Ahhh... which one???

Okay... I'm want to try to work a deal with a local Toyota dealer but I'm not sure what which Tacoma to go with!! I know this has been discussed extensively and I've done plenty of searches and read everything I can, but I still can't decide between the TRD Sport and the Off-Road. So I'm looking to the folks on this forum and their knowledge to help me make the right decision.

Here's some background... I've driven both models in a DC. The Sport was a LB and obviously the OR was a SB. If I could get an OR in a LB that would make the decision easy. I thought the Sport rode better, maybe because of the longer wheelbase or the slightly different suspension. I guess where I'm hung up is I'm not sure which option I would make use of more, the added bed space of the LB or the traction control and locker of the OR.

I live in Upstate NY, so I deal with ice and snow for a 4-6 months out of the year. I'm also an outdoorsy type of person. I hunt, fish and like to camp. I'm not into the off-roading, and probably wouldn't with a $30k truck. But through the course of my activities the truck would see logging roads, dirt roads, fields, etc. I would be using it for trips to pickup lumber and such since I'm going to start remodeling my house. It would also be replacing my 06 Mazda3 as a daily driver.

Would a Sport LB be adequate for all these things or would I be better off going with an OR? I originally thought I wanted the DC LB Sport, but now I'm second guessing myself and thinking that maybe the traction control and locker would be nice to have. I just don't want to make a $30k mistake. Any input anyone can give would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Unless you need the locker, the sport will be fine.
All you will need to do is get rid of the stock tires
and get a set of Goodyear Duratracs!
Its a all terrain tire that is also snow rated,
and I was totally impressed how the handled last winter.
( yes, i got rid of my new truck tires and bought the Duratracs before winter came )

 

I would go the Sport or a non TRD model if you aren't going to off road. I have a Sport and it has executed itself very nicely on the trails and stuff without all that other stuff.
You can probably save a few bucks more with just a DC LB with the SR5 or whatever- unless you want the seats or what not.

 

I was in the same boat. I chose the Sport and will probably just add a locker if I choose to later.

Since you do mostly highway driving in snowy conditions, I think a sport would be sufficient.

I couldn't be happier having a 4x4 Tacoma with a long bed, 4 doors and awesome seats.

 

I'll keep that in mind that the stock tires are junk. I've heard nothing but good things about the duratracs.

I definitely want the seats. I didn't care for the SR5 seats. I'm guessing that with the LSD and 4x4 I should be alright, but it's a lot of money to throw down to regret not getting the locker and A-TRAC. Thanks for your input.

 

As above , unless you offroad , the Sport will take you where you need to go and the longbox was a dealbreaker for me .

DCLB 4x4 FTW !

 

If you find yourself needing a locker..It's not much dough to get an aftermarket set up...and if you don't need it you haven't laid out the ash to have to ride along and not get used.
And if you find yourself needing ATRAC...You've got bigger problems than how much money you spent. (It's a nice to have...but not necessary imho.)

 

I too would have bought an Off-Road with a long bed if there was one. Even though I have not taken my truck off road yet and played with the locker, I have no regrets buying a short bed. It has hauled everything I have wanted to so far...

 

:hifive:

 

I'm really leaning hard towards a Black DC LB TRD Sport. Any and all opinions welcome... especially from those who use their TRD like I would.

Thanks!

 

:hifive back:

Wait, I have the same truck but it's missing something up front...

As for the TRD, the seats are great for me and the color-keyed bumper and mirrors are nice as well. Got to admit the hood scoop looks kinda cool also...

I have never used that outlet in the bed though.

 

You're still OK in my books bud . haha

 

As for body style I definitely like DCLB. In my case though, I also really liked the OR package but didn't like the short bed. Settled for an OR Access Cab and I am happy. Better to have a locker already installed and not use it than to not have a locker and need it someday. In your case though, I think that the DCLB Sport would probably be a better choice. JMO.

 

THat short bed is a mistake. To each their own, but it's ugly.. first.. Proportions of double cab anything is funky.. Its barely bigger in the back and has a huge price tag for it, but if you are car pooling... or driving cross country with the 2 kids.

THing is, I barely get by with my 73 inch bed. I wouldn't bother with anything smaller. If you like the small bed, the subaru baja is comfortable and will get around upstate NY like a champ.

And what they said... if you need a locker.. you've already gone someplace you shouldn't have. Its a pickup, not a jeep.
I've driven around all over in a stock tacoma with an open diff, no problem. Pick your line, know when to stop.

I've said it before, if you want to off road, get a jeep.. If you want to do jeep trails, anything will do. I would follow around people all day in my 99 4x4 open diff, and right behind me was a vw bug. Once you're off jeep trails and into a bushwhack.. why the hell are you driving a pickup truck? I drove a 2000 pontiac grand am automatic down jeep trails all over arizona. Its not about the TRD package.. or honoring the provisions of your rental car agreement.