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My head is spinning--- a simple question...

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by 240 LTS, Mar 19, 2012.

  1. Mar 19, 2012 at 10:26 AM
    #1
    240 LTS

    240 LTS [OP] Active Member

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    I have narrowed it down to two types for 500 miles a week daily driver, no four wheeling, no heavy towing. Both with SR5 package.
    I will keep this a LONG time and it has to be correct.

    1. Reg. access cab, 2wd, 2.7L, auto
    2. PreRunner, access cab, 2wd, 2.7L, auto. (I like that it sits higher and looks better)

    A few questions:

    a. Dealer told me, in my area, MD., the choice #1 is not available in the base, only SR5 to start (and that is OK with me) Is this true or is it a regional thing?

    b. Real gas mileage between the two. Will the PreRunner only knock it down 1 MPG+/-?
    Yes I am more then aware driving style has everything to do with it but on average I am asking.

    c. Would I be correct saying:
    #1 (reg) is 15" tires (5 lug?)
    #2 (PreRunner) is 16" tires? (6 lug?) (More expensive to replace?)

    d. Would I be correct in saying the PreRunner has the heavier suspension similar or same as the 4X4 therefore a little stiffer ride.

    e. Any other outstanding differences?

    I am going to contact the dealers very soon and the price was not that far apart. I need to get this decided.

    I need some clear answers. I don't want to say:
    "I should have......."
    or
    "I wish I would have asked this before buying!"

    Thanks guys!!


    .
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2016
  2. Mar 19, 2012 at 10:31 AM
    #2
    mcdowell

    mcdowell My name is Mudd

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    Love my Prerunner. Traded my 16in wheels for 17s. Not sure about the frame question. Got the 4x4 without 4 wheel drive
     
  3. Mar 19, 2012 at 10:36 AM
    #3
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    Is that supposed to say "no" heavy towing? If it is, everything you require would point me towards a 5 lug (REG. as you call it :D)
     
  4. Mar 19, 2012 at 10:38 AM
    #4
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    If you like accessories, or want a more 'off road look', then there is more aftermarket support for the Prerunners when it comes to suspension modifications. The Prerunner will sit higher and have a heavier suspension than the base.

    If all you want is a daily driver, the 5-lug sounds it will do everything you need.

    I don't know about the regional thing but I know certain packages are either non-existant or extremely hard to find in some areas.
     
    ChemDawg likes this.
  5. Mar 19, 2012 at 11:04 AM
    #5
    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    Differential Breather Mod Light Bar: 4 Cree LED lamps Bilstein 5100s Ride Rite Air Bags
    It still doesn't ride hard, I have the 4WD Off Road and it rides very nice... not at all like a Jeep or truck.

    Remember, only the TRD Off Road models (2WD or 4WD) have the locking rear differential. Since you are not getting a 4WD, the rear locker will be handy if you do get stuck.
     
  6. Mar 19, 2012 at 11:13 AM
    #6
    jbrenn

    jbrenn Well-Known Member

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    prerunner tires are more expensive. I just replaced my 15 inch tires for $360 for the set. For the prerunner it would have been $580 for the same tire.
     
  7. Mar 19, 2012 at 11:23 AM
    #7
    240 LTS

    240 LTS [OP] Active Member

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    Yes, thank you!

    I don't know what to call it but a regular truck, with no frills (meaning 4x4, PreRunner, etc..

    Are they called something I don't know?
    Is that what is called a "5 lug" ? :eek:

    I thought a "Base" truck was without the SR5 package or higher regardless if it were a PreRunner, 4x4, etc..


    .
     
  8. Mar 19, 2012 at 11:25 AM
    #8
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    Yes, 5 lug. Regular typical means regular cab. Also, 5 lugs are sometimes referred to as "minis".
     
  9. Mar 19, 2012 at 11:34 AM
    #9
    Boerseun

    Boerseun Well-Known Member

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    If you just need a daily driver and are not concerned about looks at all, the 5 lug will do because it is a little cheaper, more fuel efficient, cheaper tires etc.
    However, if you are buying the truck because you like trucks, and looks is somewhat important, then get the prerunner. You will never look at the preprunner and wish that you had gotten the 5-lug, but you might look at the 5-lug in the future and say that you should have gotten the prerunner. When I park my truck I still sometimes walk away and look over my shoulder and think "..nice truck.." and part of it is because of the bigger wheels and higher stance.
    Mine is 1st gen, I know, but that proofs the point - 10 years later I am still glad I took the prerunner - I have never wished that it was a 5-lug, not even when I bought tires.
     
  10. Mar 19, 2012 at 11:48 AM
    #10
    240 LTS

    240 LTS [OP] Active Member

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    I agree with you Boerseun! PreRunners look very nice.

    What about the gas MPG difference, just a mile or two? Or none?

    If money and MPG wasn't a concern, it would be the 4 door, LB, 4x4, w/tow package in a heartbeat.
    They are the best looking truck out there IMHO!
    I'd love to have one but the practical side of me says save you money for fishing and the boat.
    (Now how practical is catch and release fishing :confused: :D)

    Thanks,

    casting 2.jpg
    lmb BKD a-19.jpg
    wp 2.jpg
    yp a-13.jpg
    P3181428.jpg
     
  11. Mar 19, 2012 at 11:52 AM
    #11
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    How do you get the boat back and forth now?

    Third fish, is that a whitling (sp?)?
     
  12. Mar 19, 2012 at 11:59 AM
    #12
    240 LTS

    240 LTS [OP] Active Member

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    I have a full size Ford van, Chateau, 5.8L with 175,000+ miles.
    I would love to get the Full Monty in the Tacoma but is would kill me in the Daily Driver department.
    Large mouth bass, white perch and yellow perch.


    .
     
  13. Mar 19, 2012 at 12:00 PM
    #13
    97yota4wd

    97yota4wd Well-Known Member

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    alot of metal, small engine, decent travel.
    caged, camburg long travel, 50t leafpack (soon to be installed) light rack over cab, 5pt harnesses etc

    and how far do you drive with the boat?

    edit: nvm you posted before i did. if its just a dd with no towing i would say the 5 lug. you should get like 2mpg better
     
  14. Mar 19, 2012 at 12:28 PM
    #14
    dusman

    dusman Well-Known Member

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    Love your center console boat, what body of water is that? I lived in MD (Annapolis/Severna Park) from 2000 to 2009, then moved up here to Maine.

    I agree, you have to go what you would want to have eventually, ie it is cheaper to pony up a little extra cash now rather than buying 2 Tacos 5 years apart. Good luck
     
  15. Mar 19, 2012 at 12:44 PM
    #15
    240 LTS

    240 LTS [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks, the boat is a Triton 240 LTS Bay Boat.
    It's the Upper, Upper Chesapeake Bay, Susquehanna Flats.
    The catch and release striper season is upon us right now.
    They are on their way up the bay. Some are here already according to some anglers.

    As I said in another thread, I drive a 97 Nissan access cab, 2.4L, stick now. It has over 316,000 miles. The engine runs well enough but there are some other minor issues that need attention but I do not want to put any more money in it.

    .

    P3131298 no sign .jpg
    P3131297 no sign .jpg
     
  16. Mar 19, 2012 at 2:39 PM
    #16
    240 LTS

    240 LTS [OP] Active Member

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    OK, Just spoke to the dealer.
    Base (5 Lug) vs PreRunner, Both trucks 2.7L, 2wd, auto, SR5 package.
    The price difference between is just about $2300.00 before financing.

    Base: $21,923
    60 months @ $440.00 a month = $26,400.00;
    72 months @ $410.00 a month= $29,520.00;

    PreRunner: $24,222
    60 months @ $490.00 a month= $29,400.00
    72 months @ $450.00 a month= $32,400.00

    For every $1000.00 difference that 266.67 gallons of gas @ $3.75.
    $3000.00 / $3.75= 800.00 gallons
    $6000 / $3.75= 1,600.00 gallons

    1,600 gallons @ 25 mpg will get you another 40,000 miles. :eek:
    To put it another way, if someone told me, "Hey, buy the less expensive truck and you'll save enough gas money to go 40,000 miles for free!!!" :eek:

    Did I figure that right? :confused:


    .
     
  17. Mar 19, 2012 at 4:28 PM
    #17
    Boerseun

    Boerseun Well-Known Member

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    The calculations are probably true in some sense, but for the same argument, if the "free" gas or just better MPG is your biggest concern, then go buy a used Honda Civic for say $9,000. At 35 MPG you can do the same calcs and figure you can get "free" gas for the rest of your life - but you won't have the truck that you originally wanted. Vice versa there are guys who drive Dodge Rams with Hemis that get 10 MPG, but they smile all the time when they hear that rumble - it depends what makes you happy.

    So, in all of this there are more than one factor - looks, practicality, intended use, need, want, etc...

    Tough choice....
     
  18. Mar 19, 2012 at 6:18 PM
    #18
    240 LTS

    240 LTS [OP] Active Member

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    The best mpg while still being able to use it for a truck, work, etc..
    Kinda hard to throw tools, gas cans, lawn trash, etc in a Civic.

    I never saw anything wrong with getting the truck you want but still wanting the best mileage possible for the type/style you picked.

    -------------------------------------------

    I just put a down payment on the I4, AC, AT.
    The dealer located one in white earlier today and if it is available they will get it and the deal will be finalized.




    .
     
  19. Mar 26, 2012 at 4:21 AM
    #19
    240 LTS

    240 LTS [OP] Active Member

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    It's a done deal, Sign, Sealed and Delivered!
    2012, 2WD, I4, AT, AC, SR5.

    Thank you to everyone that took the time to answer my questions.

    .

    P3211485.jpg
    P3211497.jpg
    P3211489.jpg
    P3211486.jpg
    P3211487.jpg
     
  20. Mar 26, 2012 at 5:03 AM
    #20
    TacomaG26

    TacomaG26 Well-Known Member

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    good looking truck man, hope it serves you well ;)
     

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