How to tell TRD off-road from base model

Yup base SR5, ive got black bumpers and Fenders when i first got it people thought it was the 4 banger buts its a v6. At least you have cruise control. Its definitely not a TRD though, the locker would be nice but its not the end of the world.

 

My TRD O/R only has cruise control. No other steering wheel controls.

Looking at the pics, I do not see an oil cooler. So I seems it would not have the Tow package.

 

The vin doesn't always show the off road package. In the older trucks it was a package vs a model. The only way to check is the diff lock button.

 

The OR would also have the magic brakes, I.e. the brake fluid reservoir and master cylinder is different.

 

Was about to comment on that. But as other mentioned a locker would be a give away. Picture did not show that but the bumper, interior, brake setup etc. all scream sr5 or base model.

 

I have seen 2nd fen offroads with only vaccum brake booster, 05 06 I think.

 

The earlier ones like you pointed out did not have the new electronic one so you will see some early years. What year was this one?

 

Was the pickup advertised as an off-road? If so, get a copy of the advertisement. See if it's confirmed in the sales contract. Dealers are allowed some "puffery," the legal term, but cannot defraud. Now, the dealer may have negligently misled you, so you couldn't recover treble damages and attorney fees under your state's unfair trade practices act. But you can probably still negotiate a lower OTD cost. Put things in writing, and I don't mean an email. Keep copies and consider copying the state AG (as a prior commenter recommended).

If the contract states different terms, you still may have a case, but not as strong. That's not quite a bait and switch.

 

I think it was an 05

 

In the very 1st line, he states that he just bought a 2009. So, I looked up the brochure for a 2009. If it was a SR5, it would clearly have chrome grill and rear bumper and color matched front bumper and flares. So, it’s not even a SR5. This is the biggest case of misrepresentation that we have seen. The OP got screwed big time.

 

so its a SR V6 4X4 with fancy down south wheels and merica trd stickers

 

Usually has the mesh seats, and rear locker those are dead giveaways

 

For example, here's the VIN report on my TRD OR from the listed site:

• OC TRD Off-Road Extra Value Package
• TO V6 Tow Package

It also lists the 16 inch wheels and the other items noted. Plus, my rig has the magic button "RR DIFF LOCK."

 

Bingo. It's an '09, so presence of a vacuum booster in lieu of the electric brake pump definitively precludes the TRD OR trim.

Lack of 120V bed outlet also precludes the TRD trims (either OR or Sport).

All the other cosmetic bits like flare color and grille color can be changed out easily.

 

@Atxoutside what does your bill of sale say? Does it mention TRD Off Road Pkg? Was the price you paid commensurate with SR5 or TRD (albeit the difference will be minor with a 11 year-old truck)

 

OP has an 09, so it's moot, but the 2008 2nd gen rare TRD OR 'rugged trail' came with black flares. otherwise, yes. TRD sports and OR's have the color matched flares.

 

A lot of ranging ideas in here.
It is a Tacoma DCSB 4.0 V6 base model.
It is not an SR5 (nor an SR, did not exist then)
Black radio- base model.
Black Fender flares- base model.
The v6 double cab version of the base model DOES have some of the SR5 goodies, like the cruise control/ int. wipers. This is what the OP has. This model retails for about 15% ($3-4K) less than a similarly used TRD Off Road.
Op, unfortunately you have a tough conversation to have.

yes they did make dcsb 5 lugs with the 2.7
Yes they did make DCSB 2.7 and 4.0 with fender flares.
Good luck!

 

Sorry if I missed it but was this a Toyota dealer? I was able to get a de-badged TRD off-road from a Ford dealer who had no clue it had the additional package. They're just trying to move vehicles and I knew a lot more about the truck than they did.

Hope that you can go back to the dealer and have some luck negotiating some discount but I'm not sure they'd be obligated to do anything for you.