Buying TRD Sport; 2009 vs 2008

Looking around for a Tacoma Doublecab TRD Sport, We've narrowed our search down to two model years;

Either a 2008 model with the LSD, or a 2009 with the VSC, TRAC, and Auto LSD. 2009 also has the Side Curtain Airbags, so we are leaning that way at the moment.

Is there any other significant differences between the two years?
Pros/Cons?

Thanks

 

If you really want limited slip, I'd go with the 2008. It has a mecahnical limited slip vs. manipulating the brakes to mimic limited slip.

 

Isn't A-TRAC only an Off-Road thing?

 

I believe it is... I missed that Sounds like a comparison between a 2008 TRD Sport and a 2009 TRD Off Road. Between those 2 I'd probably take the off road.

 

If you're gonna lift it, get the 08 without VSC.

"Most" people don't have any troubles but some do and why take the chance?

If you're gonna keep it at stock height, take the 09, for the reasons you said.

But yeah, TRD sport doesn't have ATRAC.

 

If you are going to lift it, then get the base model, or the SR5 as they refer to the package??
If not, get the Sport with the long bed.
Sometimes it gets annoying with the short Off Road bed. JMO.
Hope this helps.

 

i just turn it off when i want to drive like an asshole. then it reminds me how thankful i am it's there when im not trying to drive like an asshole.

 

Oops, my Bad TRAC as is Traction Control. Alphabet soup over here..

It's going to be TRD Sport for sure; going after the boosted towing rate.

Thanks for the thoughts guys, I was wondering what the consensus on the VSC was. Our field crews have 09 Base models, they've been saved on the pavement a few times this winter but then switch it off once they get off road..

 

boosted towing rate? i don't think I've heard of that before, anyone care to elaborate?

 

Sports have TRAC...not to be confused with A-TRAC.

No need to apologize - your terminology is correct.

VSC = shit and the fake LSD sucks from what I have seen personally.

No clue how VSC can save anyone, but if they say it helped I guess it did. I know I'd take my 08 over a 09 any day.

 

Get the 08 if you are intending on a lift

 

meh... mechanical LSD is still better then using the brakes. It's like comparing A-Trac to a locker

I have heard allot of people with 4x issues. Do you use it regularly?

 

what's the price diff between the 2? Give us some details on the used trucks

 

I hate the VSC

 

I would rather have to replace brake pads then a 3rd member, but mines still going strong after 80k of abuse.

Mechanical LSD with someone behind the wheel who can feather the brakes = unstoppable

It's the only way I'm ever able to follow the dam locked trucks...that or a whole bunch of skinny pedal

 

Not a fan either

 

Generally I'm seeing a $1-2K difference between equal equipped/mileage trucks;
eg
http://www.hilltoptoyota.net/pre-owned_detail.php?poid=451
vs
http://www.suncountrytoyota.ca//pre_owned_vehicles/vehicle/?stock_num=TU11367A

 

I do like the back up camera in my '09

 

I offer this,.

Experts everywhere agree that ESC(electronic stability control) saves lives. Insurance companies offer a discount for vehicles so equipped. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that if every vehicle on the road had ESC, fatal accidents would be reduced by 10,000 per year. Its 2010 study found that ESC reduces fatal crash involvement on average 33% -- a 20% reduction for multiple-vehicle crashes and 49% for single-car crashes.

 

It sucks on anything but paved surfaces