Test drove my first 3rd gen today. Might be buying soon.

If you're hesitating don't bother, get the TRD. I got an SR5 thinking 'ehh no biggie' but six months later I decided maybe it would be nice to have the locking diff, what would it take to get me into a TRD? Dealership said another $7k. If you can swing it now I'd say go for it. As others have stated, you'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Best of luck!

 

Always better to buy what you need UNLESS it's more than you can afford. Not saying you can't afford it, just sayin be smart.

 

Get the truck you want! I was in almost your same position. I initially wanted an SR5 but then I drove a few of them and studied the e-brochure to really understand what's available on the different models. Ended up buying the DCLB OR 4X4.

The key fob thing is awesome.

 

If you like the SR5, buy it. The TRD comes with a sticker and a black interior that gets scuffed and won't come clean.

 

Now that's just bad advice.

...and you cited no reasons as to WHY. I'm sorry but I'd rather have a 3rd-year-of-production-cycle, awesome looking, brand new, factory warranty truck than someone's used whatever. I'm not bashing the 2nd gen at all (heck I've never driven one) -- just the fact that they can't be had new, under warranty and they look old at this point, too. If they had depreciated a lot, maybe it would be a good value proposition but as soon as I started looking at used examples, I started shopping new.

 

If you must have a long bed, than you're gonna have to live with the transmission. For me an MT was a non-negotiable, plus a long bed wouldn't fit in my garage (maybe one day there will be an easy conversion from an AT to MT, but that really sounds like a labour of love and $$$). As for all the "gadgets" of the higher trim levels I could care less. I've driven several rentals for work that have pushbutton start and would not own a vehicle that has it. Auto headlamps, the horn honking every time you do something wrong, all that is crap to me. Luckily you can disable alot of that stuff. The only reason I didn't get the most basic trim was I had to have a double cab.

As to trying to swing a deal on a 2017, I don't know if that would work. All the local dealerships where I live go through Taco's as soon as they come off the truck. The place I ordered mine doesn't keep them on the lot for more than a few days. In that case I don't think you'll get a discount. But there may be dealerships out there that keep a larger inventory.

 

You mean SR? SR5 comes with color matched flares.

 

Not that I'm aware of but maybe I'm wrong.

 

Do you have a picture of your truck? I was certain only the SR came without flares.

 

275/70/16 Use with stock mud flaps no rubbing.

 

If you're dead set on the long bed, why not just go full size and get the tundra?

 

Maybe they made that standard on 2017+ models, then? Strange.

 

I believe 2017+ SR5 comes with fender flares standard. Only SR does not come with flares. Not sure if 2016 SR even come with the GoPro mounts either.

 

The standard 2016 SR5, it does not. I really don't like the color matched flares. Glad I got my '16 then I guess! I do like the black OR flares though...

 

It believe it will absolutely get worse after adding bigger tires. I like my truck but it's stock.

 

I've got some mud flaps if you cover shipping. PM if interested.

 

What's there to hate? Never have to take the transmitter out of your pocket...just push the button and go.

 

Just personal preference I guess.

 

It must be a regional thing. When i was in Miami a few weeks ago, i saw an inferno sr5 with no flares, i was confused as hell.