TRD is DEAD

No shit? It's the same basic truck but a different trim level? Do other cars and trucks come with different trim levels but are basically the same vehicle? Is it just Tacoma?

 

Does it really matter what other people think of their own trucks?


When I bought my new 2018 SR. It was the MOST stripper model. MSRP 25K. Paid 22k. Unpainted bumpers, no fogs, nothing. Great truck for the farm. No TRD owner ever looked down me. I didn't look up or down at them. I paid for my own truck, they paid for theirs. That's the beauty of the world.

Now that I have a TRD OR 4x4, I haven't changed. I suddenly didn't become an elitist person and spit on SR owners. I don't have SR owners stopping me and telling me I got dooped by marketing.

Not sure if anybody is getting "fooled" by marketing schemes.

I wanted a 7570 truck this time around (SR5 4x4 DCLB). Just so you know, Toyota doesn't ALLOW me to have this truck in my region. Only way to own a DCLB 4x4 is sport/off road. So toyota is forcing us to buy the expensive one.

How many people know Tacomaworld exists and that a 7570 exists? If an average person goes to a local Toyota dealer in this region they will be TOLD , ONLY way to get a DCLB 4x4, is SPORT or OR both TRD. Most buyers aren't educated and won't travel states away.


I traveled 12 states away to get my SR5 4x4 DCLB (7570). Then many things happened (there is a 75 page thread about it), and I ended up with a DCLB4x4 OR (7568)

We are all part of the Tacoma family. I just don't see what the big deal really is.

 

As did I. When I bought my Taco my local dealer had 65 Tacos in various trims on their lot. As I said mine was the easiest, most low-pressure car buying experience I’ve ever had. Of course since I don’t have a land-line I was unable to utilize that powerful negotiation tool known as a Fax machine; had I known about that little trick I no doubt could have saved thousands!

 

For me, I wanted the spiffy extras. It’s my money after all. Plus (generally speaking) a higher trim level will fetch more then a lower-equipped model when it comes time to sell. Even used car buyers it turns-out like those ‘spiffy extras’

 

Well said! This thread is starting to remind me of some of the threads on one of the Sports Car forums I frequent

 

But that's the essence of my point about it being an ego thing.

Because in all honesty most of us don't need the TRD options or any aftermarket mods. For all but a few dedicated rock crawlers, no one needs an off-road suspension, lift kit, bigger tires, crawl control, MOLLE racks, etc.

It's just an image. And Toyota has done a great job of tapping that market.

I'm not disparaging anyone for buying a TRD. Hell, that's what I have myself. I'm just being honest about it.

 

Bill,

Following your logic:

None of us need a Tacoma either.


Ridgeline or a station wagon is good enough.

I travel all over the world. Most families have 1 car and 6 people. In America, people have 5 cars, 2 drivers. We don't need that either.

We are the land of excess.

 

Nice PRO.

 

THANK YOU. Same to you!

 

I would guess those numbers mean little, or nothing to most buyers that are looking for a tacoma. Its got more to do with what viewers see in the advertisement's than anything. Seems a truck with the trd badge will be the most common shown, and don't forget those trucks with the cosmetic hood scoop, they to must appeal to many buyers even though the scoop serve's to do nothing.
On another note, i received a survey last year why i chose my tacoma...i swear more question's were about the type of personality i was, and how it made me feel now owning a tacoma than the trucks actual capability, and options i picked.

 

I wouldn't disagree with any of that.

 

Great history video, thanks, OP! Sorry you thread has devolved into another argument. I would say TRD has been in a bit of a lull, with Gazoo really focusing on models not sold in the US. It makes sense for them to bring them together, maybe pull TRD out of the slump. I actually think the TRD Pro was a step in the right direction for TRD -- as far as Tacomas go, TRD Sport and Off Road models have somewhat become more like trim levels. The Pro models add some actual performance upgrades.

Haters gonna hate, but this is a bit more than just a trim level:


Sure, if you are going to yank it all and replace it, it's kind of silly to buy a Pro. But, the TRD Off Road "trim" level gets some actual functional enhancements not available on an SR (MTS, rear locker). The Pro "trim" level adds on top of that. As far as function, the Pro "trim" only adds the Fox suspension, exhaust (minimal function here), and skid plate. As shown above, it's not just regular shocks with a cool paint scheme. The rest of what you get with a Pro with leather interior, etc., does nothing for function really, so that I could consider a "trim" level. Personally, I really didn't want to dismantle and rebuild a brand-new truck, and doing the math on the Pro package showed that it was actually a pretty good value for what you get, if you actually pay attention to what you are getting.

 

And the rear FOX shocks have dampening reservoirs for off-road poundings.

 

Thats all well and good for guys that actually need them, but many that bought the pro imo, will ever see much off-road use to the point they will benefit from them.
Its the same with snowmobiles today...you can buy a sled thats a race replica model with a race valved clicker suspension/gas shock package, or buy the same basic sled with the standard gas shocks valved for trail use. Marketing has these guys thinking they will become a far better rider by buying these more expensive race replica models only to be disappointed how harsh they ride on the trail. Then they bitch was a pos they bought. Imo, all these manufactures are playing to ones image, or ego for sales and it works.

 

Hey leave me and my Cat RR out of this. Those shocks and stickers look real pretty sitting in front of the bar.

 

your argument is as old as time itself.

I have had my 748 and 998 since new. I track them 30% of the time. Do I go to Starbucks with them? Sure.

did I buy them due to “marketing” not really. But would they make beautiful living room art, if I chose to? Sure.

Then again I like that I can use my own money to buy what I want - regardless of the “marketing”


You should see the number of GT2/GT3 or 720s sitting in park it lot here

do they use them to their capability? Probably not. But I didn’t pay for them

should I go tell them to buy a Yaris to sit in the 405, since their 720 or gt3 is overkill?

freedom of choice, regardless of the reason, is a beautiful thing

 

Luv'n my PRO and getting the most out of it. Worth every penny and absolutely no regrets about buying. Oh, and what an awesome interior the PRO has which hasn't been mentioned. I am sorry you have such a negative opinion about nice premium packaged vehicles and other man toys but it is your opinion to have.

 

Don’t forget the smaller wheels also. Also better lights standard. All functional imo

 

I'm starting to think a "no TRDs allowed" board would be a safer space for you.

Its as if to you the only logical reason someone could possibly select a PRO trim level is because they got "reeled in by clever marketing schemes"

I don't wanna argue man... I just don't know why you're so hell bent on putting people down for the trim level they bought?

 

AMEN