New guy with questions

I've always been a fan of the Toyota Tacoma and I'm finally ready to own one now, long over due. I have a few questions though.. There are so many trims and packages that are offered from Toyota but between a base model double cab and the Sport/Off Road, will it be best to purchase a base model and make mods per need or should I start out with either the sport or off road package?

My intended usage for a truck is pretty light, mainly daily driver with kids. I do a lot of camping, fishing and hunting on some pretty decent terrain, nothing extreme. I'm thinking I can get away with the base model and also, I'm preferring the 2 gen Tacoma's currently but tell me otherwise.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

 

I like my 2nd gen. It was great back when it was stock. It was able to handle what I was doing. Took it to a national park to "off road" and it handled fine.

I went with the base model, and it worked for me. Even with all the crazy mods I've done. At the time of purchase, the cost saving on the base allowed me to get front and rear diffs locked. The Base and Sports have the larger 8.4 axle vs the 8 in the off-road.

Only downside is the matte fender flares. This wasn't an issue for me since my armor shares that same matte look. But the base and SR5 were so similar for me, I went cheaper.

Since you seem to have non-extreme needs, any model may suit you. Perhaps trying to find one with an XM radio antenna? That could be a bonus for being out in the boonies and having some jams.

 

The biggest decision is 4x4 or not.

I got a trd Sport (that came with the TRD cat back exhaust), because I didnt want to plastidip any chrome.

My only regret is not having the locking diff on the TRD off road.

The differences in suspension/tires/wheels are meaningless if you upgrade.

Also the interior entune packages were meaningless to me because I knew my first mod would be to replace the stock garbage sound system!

Lastly, I went with the 2nd gen because I absolutely hate the 3rd gen's big ol monstrosity of a grille.

 

Welcome to TW!