Thinking about picking up a 2015 DSCB Sport

I've been scouring the forum for the past few days trying to find the answer to my questions before posting. Originally I was hunting for a 2015 DSCB OR but unfortunately it looks like they are now non-existent at any dealership within range of me. Although some of the additional creature comforts look nice in the 2016, I am extremely hesitant to pick up a first model-year car, even with the excellent track record Toyota has.

With that all being said, If I were to pick up a 2015 DCSB Sport model and then have ARB locking differentials installed, am I losing anything from the Off Road model that I wouldn't have (not being concerned about color-match/hood scoop/exterior)in the Sport? The only other thing I could thing of is TRAC in the Sport vs. A-TRAC in the OR, but with the YWM, that should get me 'close enough' on that issue, correct? Anything else I'm overlooking?

Thanks for your replies and if someone links me to a posting of this nature aside from the generic "Sport vs. Off Road" threads then I'll delete. You guys are awesome!

 

Unless you are a hard core off-roader, you don't need the locker. The Sport is nice (my 2012 was a sport) but the SR5 is the better value. IMO

 

Thanks Larry! The problem I'm having now with going to an SR5 is I'm looking for a manual transmission. At this point the only ones left on lots are Sport models. I started shopping early June when I realized from this forum that they were ceasing production soon, but looks like I tried to jump on a bit too late.

 

I've got a 2012 Sport DCSB - 4x4 - auto and love it. I will agree that it doesn't have much over the SR5, particularly when your plan on lifting and swapping the shocks out anyway (I assume your doing that if your planning on lockers). I like the color matching bumpers more than the chrome and the scoop has grown on me.

As for the offroad, I've heard the TRD locker is pretty good. Not as good as the ARB one, but you'll spend a lot putting one in. As for the other features on the offroad, I hardly ever hear anyone praising them (such as the downhill assist). I'll also agree with Larry about the need for a locker in general. I've gone over some pretty intense stuff without a locker, just using 4-lo. There is a "yellow wire mod" that can trick the truck into using traction control while in 4-lo, and while it doesn't replace a locker, it does add a ton of traction.

I know this is no help but, you'll love the Sport, the Offroad, or the sr5 - they are all great trucks!

 

I picked up a 15 DCSB OR a few months ago after trading my sport. The locker and atrac do make a huge difference. I would expand that search and don't settle for anything less than what you want.

 

I will add that although I did take my sport into some tricky spots, but the locker and ATRAC was a huge upgrade. The sport requires finesse off road. Once that axle starts to bounce or even when you get one of the rear tires off the ground your in trouble.
ARB lockers, compressors aren't cheap either. Even if you have the ability to install yourself.
I stand by my first statement. Expand your search and get the OR. Pay delivery fee or even look for a 12-15 with low miles.

 

Thx iJonny. I've searched and worked with about a half dozen dealers now and here just doesn't seem to be one in a 300 mile radius with a manual transmission. Same goes with pre-owned. That's mainly why I'm looking at the Sport now; there's a dealer a few miles from me that I can probably ease down to a reasonable price to offset some of the cost of the lockers since they know how much I was looking at a pro.

Mostly just looking to see if I lose anything else from stepping into a Sport or any other obstacles that might separate a sport from a pro. As mentioned I 'believe' the only other thing is the ATRAC v TRAC (in Sport) but wanted to see if anything else was overlooked.

Also, if I went with lockers after the fact, would the 'yellow wire mod' still be beneficial or just adding something unnecessary- even though it's a 5-minute mod.

This forum is the tits by the way. Awesome reponses and help!

 

I don't know if the new sports have the ABS kill and Side curtain airbag disable. Someone with a sport could answer that.

 

I agree with iJonny. I have had 4x4's with no locker. (jeeps). I always wanted a locker but wanted a warranty. Jeeps always broke......

That being said I purchased an 07 FJ Cruiser with ATRAC and a Locker. Love the Locker and the ATRAC is amazing! My son own's the FJ now and I have a
Tacoma 2015 DCSB OR 4x4. The locker and ATRAC is all under factory warranty you can't go wrong if you go wheeling. My buddy with a Tacoma sport 4x4
can't follow me up some hills.

You will not be disappointed with the OR, although any Tacoma is a great choice!

 

I'm sure if you wait and watch one will come up. 16s don't hit the dealers until November and I'm sure there will be a number of trade-ins.

Regardless, you say you will add ARB but I'd be willing to bet once you see what goes into it, you may change your mind. It's amazing what the factory elocker and atrac can do. I'm telling you OP, don't settle cause you got the new car smell high and a boner right now.
I got my DCSB OR for 26,900 out the door on 1.9%
If you know how to play the dealer game, you will get what you want. You may have to go far to get it, but you can find it.

 

Love my Taco, but I like my ARB's in my FJ 40 much better than the Toyota E-locker that came with my Pro and are also both front and rear in an 80 series I drive a lot. The main reason is the ARB's are on or off at the flick of a switch...unless you are really bound up they are pretty much instant on / off. The E-lockers are a bit more finicky....you have to wait for them to engage / disengage. Sometimes quick sometimes a PITA. I tend to drive the 40 with the lockers off and only turn them on when needed...especially the front one gets turned on and off quite a bit on places like Cadillac Hill on the Rubicon....flick on the front, clear the climb and flick it off....I like the quick response...so for me, ARB's vs an E-locker would be a vote for ARB...not sure about all the electronic Trac stuff as I haven't played with it much yet. Also, the Sport has a stronger rear than the TRD OR.

 

The seats are VERY different between an sr5 and a trd. Then it comes down to rims, tires, scoop hood, locker, and I believe springs.

 

Have you asked any dealerships of they are still getting allocations? I had to order mine

 

I have asked dealers; apparently (not sure if lie) the one looked up future allocations too and there aren't any 6spd ORs coming in within 300miles of Phila. Unfortunately no one can build/order for me this late in the game either.

I've got a call in to an off-road shop down the road from me today to get a quote on ARB install - might end up with the sport if the price is right since everything else seems like it is mostly cosmetic between the two and suspension components, wheels, rims will be swapped out as time and money allows.

The only other thing I can't find the difference on I suppose is if im losing out anything with the traction control packaging but from what everyone above has stated, it appears the different TC pacakge in the OR isn't a big deal.

Thanks for the help guys. I'm just a bit antsy because I've been looking for over a month now, and the longer I wait, the less Sports are available too. From the looks of the 'used' car circuit too, no one is giving up their 6spd taco's near me because I can't find shit!

 

When they ordered my truck they accidentally ordered a second in white. I think they sent it to their store in Maine, I could find out if they still have it

My boyfriend is very close with the GM and owner so they took really good care of us

 

where is op located?

 

Phila. PA. Thanks for offering to look into it for me - unfortunately I'm picky on color - need black.