Looking at a 2006 DCSB TRD this weekend to purchase

Clutch fully depressed.

 

Clutch in for Manual trans, Neutral for Auto trans.

 

One issue I have is in photos/videos I’ve been sent it says it’s a TRD Off-Road but it’s missing the Diff Lock button next to the 400W/100W button. Is there a TRD Off-Road that didn’t have the electronic locking diff?

 

No. All Off Roads come with a rear diff lock

 

Nope all TRD OffRoad trucks have the E-Locker, it's actually exclusive to TRD OffRoad models.
Not uncommon to see non TRD trucks with TRD stickers.
Being it has a color matched rear bumper and inverter but no locker I'd say it's more likely a TRD Sport, does it have a hood scoop?

 

The diff locker button could have been removed. Not sure why, but possible.

More likely that it’s a sport though.

 

Can always look under it and see if it has the locker motor on the rear diff.

 

I don't suppose any Tacoma World Members are near that vehicle that could take a look at it with you?

 

Maybe y’all will notice things in these photos I don’t. What’s the hood scoop mean?

 

Or he could just take it for an inspection at a local mechanic.

 

Sport rims and hood, probably a TRD Sport

The scooped hood is unique to the sport. Although many are known to swap hoods. We have threads for it on here.

 

It's a sport with Offroad decals.

Looks great.

 

So, other than the electronic locking diff (which I’m bummed about) what else am I missing on the Sport? Or what does the Sport have that maybe the OffEoad doesn’t?

 

Receiver hitch is kinda rusty looking, make sure you take a good look at the underside of the truck.
Looks pretty clean otherwise.

 

Stock shocks were different.

Not much else of major note. At this age, any worn out parts should just be replaced.

 

Mechanically the only difference is the locker, Sport models have a mechanical limited slip diff and the shocks are tuned a bit different.
Otherwise the differences are just visual (color matched mirrors & bumpers, hood scoop, wheels, etc).

Now on 09+ models the OffRoad trucks also had A-Trac which was an enhanced traction control mode that used the brake system to stop any wheel that loses traction and allow the truck to move if at least one wheel has traction.

 

The Sport was honestly the sweet spot of the 2nd generation trucks.

The trim was the best look, plus the 2006 has a mechanical LSD.

I off road often and would rather have this sport than a 2006 offroad.

DM93 is right, check for rust. Surface rust is fine, but do a search on rust problems on here to see what bad is.

 

Looks like I’ll also be missing out on the cool set of buttons below the climate controls with the USB/Aux spot as well.

 

Those weren't on earlier 2nd gens, I think 09 is when those were added.

 

For certain if he knows a reputable one in the area.