PLEASE GUYS - ADVICE NEEDED

Hey Guys,

I would really appreciate your thoughts on the following. I am very close to either a 2011 or 2012 Tacoma 4 door V6. I am torn between a standard, a TRD, or TRD 4X4.

1. Does having a 4x4 model pose any additional maintainence or reliability issues? I plan to use it in 4x4 mode very, very seldomly.

2. Other than the fuel MPG decrease listed the website, do the 4x4 models get a huge or substantial decrease in MPG?

3. How much of a differnce is the ride in the 4x4 TRD versus a standard model? Is the ride terribly stiff or sluggish with the TRD 4x4?

4. If the price increase for the 4x4 TRD were not of concern, would you by the TRD 4x4 even if you would rarely use it?

I will certainly test drive all of the models but there is a limited amount of knowledge to be gained on a test drive and I would love to hear any real world experiences. Thanks so much in advance.

Scott

 

I think what it comes down to is if you want a 4x4, if you do then all that stuff goes out the window and just get it regardless, and if it was me and i had a choice between the 2 years i would go with the newer, thats just my 2 cents

 

All depends on your plans for the truck,

If you're going to do a full build then the TRD isn't really worth the extra coin as you're going to strip down a majority of the stuff that you just paid extra for.

TRD's do have nicer and more comfy seats tho

Also there is 2 models of TRD, Sport & Offroad, which one are you looking into?

4x4 is always a handy thing to have, and no I do not believe the change in MPG is significant enough to stop you from buying a 4x4

 

Scott,

Welcome to TW. As far as TRD you'll need to consider two separate options. The sport package and the off road package. There is a difference in suspension and look. The sport is the one with the hood scoop. The off road has locking rear differential... but if you're not going to use 4x4 very often then that's not a bonus. If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd get the same truck I have right now. 09 TRD 4x4 Off Road - leaves you very capable, and the maintenance costs are the same as with any other Tacoma with a V6.

 

If you're not going to use the 4x4 feature, don't get it.

Personally, I wouldn't get a truck without 4wd... but I live in an area that I felt I needed it. 2wd pickups & snow = no fun.

I would say your other concerns are probably not true. I doubt the ride would differ, and the MPG drop would only be slight (I would imagine).

 

Thanks everyone for the info - I greatly appreciate all of your advice.

 

Responses in bold. Good luck with your truck search!

 

my theory with 4x4, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it

 

The differentials and transfer case need fluid change every 30K, no big deal, ride is no different with the 4x4, the extras like the bed outlet is cool and i use it regularly, mpg is a little worse but here's the thing, I, like you, thought the same thing about 4x4, whether i need one or not, but since I have it, I found myself searching for places to use it. I'm never gonna be the guy who says "uh, yeah i have a truck but I can't drive there because mine's not a 4x4"

 

I Agree ^^^... I have a 4x4 TRD sport and I amost never go off road BUT I do use 4wd a lot. I live in New Orleans and when we get some bad rain I will use 4wd to help with traction but try not to use it when making turns on pavement. I love mine but I wish I had the locking diff on the TRD off road package but I could always add an air locker.