Trying to decide which model to buy

I have two trucks I need to decide between. A 2000 TRD with 154k miles and a 2003 SR5 with 140k miles. Both seem to be in excellent condition and within $500 on price. I am trying to decide if the TRD is worth going that direction. The truck is for my son, who will be driving it his last year and a half at West Point and then his first few years after being commissioned. He will likely take it off road a fair amount. The 03 has better headlights and antilock brakes. Other than that, I don't know of any other features that would have changed. The 03 also only has the front differential skid plate. Need some thoughts on this.

 

I wouldn't bother, I had a similar decision when I bought my double cab new in 2012. In the end and upon careful examination I decided extra for the TRD package was not worth my money when I was very satisfied with 4 wheel drive and the 5 speed automatic transmission. It is very capable off-road vehicle has not let me down yet. besides you can always add later on and pick and choose exactly what you would like to pay for. A much more economical way to go as long as you're not talking about major components like transmissions and such.

 

Found out the TRD has been garaged and the SR5 has clear coat peeling at the roof. TRD is 500 less than SR5.

 

TRD it is then!

 

I'd go with the trd for sure.

 

yep, I wouldn't pay extra for the TRD but if the price is about the same its a no brainer to get the TRD with its extras

 

Assuming both are in comparable mechanical condition, sure.. but a beater TRD with less miles than a daily driver with peeling clear coat isn't worth the difference.