First Tacoma!

I'm in the market for my first Tacoma! I was just looking for some opinions! I have a few options between 2008-2010. I would really prefer a TRD offroad but I've found a few that are just the SR5.. Are the SR5's still good to customize and put offroad options in? I'm new at most of this so help is appreciated!!

 

i have a prerunner sr5 myself and the maind difference between the offroad and the sr5 is that the offroad package adds a locker in the rear axle and an outlet in the bed. sr5 is just toyotas way of saying its a better trim package. but other than that they are the exact same truck. ive already done maxtrac lift spindles on mine and im waiting on some cash to get some lift springs from all pro offroad.

 

Do you want 2WD or 4WD?

How much offroading do you plan on doing? The common argument is this: if you want to do a lot of offroading, skip the TRD-OR, get the SR5, add "better" lockers and you come out ahead in $$$ savings. Then again, buying used I don't know how much the price differs between the TRD-OR and SR5 4x4.

The other difference is the seats. Sit in both at a dealership to see which style feels best to you. But again same can be said about seats...you could always add some nice Corbeaus or Recaros, etc. to an SR5. But once you add a bunch of stuff it becomes, was the savings on a used vehicle really worth it?

 

Welcome to TW. There are a ton of threads on the differences of the 2 trims. Long story short, are you going to use the power outlet in the bed, the electronic rear diff, and upgraded seats?

Also are you in the market for a 2wd or 4wd?

 

It's all in what you want. We can help out with little things and all. But it's you who has to be happy with your purchase. Be sure it's something you want and will enjoy having.
JDevTac also has valuable points. Some editions are better then others for different things you wanna do. I have the Offroad an I like it. Haven't had to engage my stock locker yet so don't know how good it is. But seems to wok best for me.

 

Hopefully a bit of offroading, there's a ton of mountains around here that I've been dying to get on! I've been looking around online for info but everyone seems to have different opinions. I just wanted to make sure that if I buy an SR5, the difference isn't huge and I can still customize it to what I want. Im getting a MT V6 4X4 so they're hard to find in general.. let alone trying to find a TRD. Thanks so much for the response

 

Well I'm sure if its just the occasional offroad experience a TRD-OR would serve you well. Like I said, I haven't looked up the price difference in SR5 versus TRD-OR for used Tacomas, but I know brand new they usually have ~$2-3k difference in price assuming no entune/JBL (stereo upgrade) or any of the other crap. Used I'd imagine the price difference is less. If you want a locker off the bat and ATRAC, then go TRD-OR. People argue factory e-locker vs. ARB/other air locker variants all the time. I have no experience with the ARB, some claim or have shown the e-locker to become damaged with hard wheeling, again depends on how "hardcore" or technical you want to get with your wheeling adventures.

This thread has some good info on what options you'd likely be adding if you wanted lockers/LSD on an SR5. I essentially believe an SR5 has open diffs stock (someone correct me if I am wrong).
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/197204-sr5-locking-differential.html

 

I don't think u can get the OR IN a manual. almost positive for a dc anyway and all dc OR only available in shortbed.

 

There are manual v6 TRD-OR Doublecabs. Example
I don't think they are as easy to come by as an SR5.

but +1 on the long bed only available as TRD-Sport or SR5

 

Maybe I was thinkin about having read that for Canada, or could just be the heat gettin to me.

 

Yeah probably the Canadian thing...i do recall reading that posted a few times

 

DCLB sport do not come in manual.

 

In Canada they do.