SR5 or TRD - input please :-)

This... and it is all under factory warranty since the factory installed the locker, Bilsteins, etc. A-TRAC is nearly as awesome as front and rear lockers, and is included, too! TRD OFF ROAD 4WD

 

Yeah, I wouldn't mind having the A-TRAC. I got stuck in a bit of a hole the other day in 4LO where I couldn't climb uphill out of it. Had to put it in reverse and back out of it and take another line. The left front tire was burning trying to climb uphill. However, if there was not another line I would have just thrown some rocks into the hole to get the traction.

 

That's what I have and I can't say I am disappointed. Well, other than the sluggishness, wind noise, and few others .

 

Is 37k after taxes, 7 yr/85k bumper to bumper, TRD off road, DC, v6, auto, decent? Currently negotiating.

 

I hope that's a 4x4 but still seems pretty high. Check truecar.com

 

Still here - I'm at 37k (that's after taxes, I'm in CO). It's a new Tacoma 4x4, DC, TRD off road extra val pack, tow package, v6, auto, 7yr/85k bumper to bumper, gap insurance. Maybe I'll just come back tomorrow or go elsewhere if this is higher than norm.

 

i got my '11 trd off road extra val pack, v6, auto, but normal warranty for 32k out the door...

 

I put this table together and it made the SR5 a no brainer for me. It has the most bang for the buck. I'm in the minority in my preference for the SR5 seats though I found the difference to be small. You can add the TRD OR wheels to the SR5 for only $400 (but you are going to swap wheels anyway). So you are paying almost $1300 or 1700 more just for the springs/shocks and an AC power supply in the bed. Springs are no biggee to me, the extra leaf on the SR5 is a good thing for my needs. After I get my SR5 I'm sure I'll eventually replace the shocks when they wear out. The power supply in the truck is about the only 'nice to have' I'd miss.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I drove both trucks, SR5 and TRD OR, and really liked the feel of the TRD better, however it seems we can not agree on a price, so a Tacoma owner I won't be for now. Maybe later in the year. Thank you all for taking the time to reply to my first post. Much appreciated.

 

If you get the SR5 with the tow package you get the 4 leaf spring pack. If you buy the TRD with the tow package you only get 3.

 

My vote goes for the TRD OR. You are not planning on modding your truck, so you get some nice additional features, and most importantly the locker. While you may use your truck mostly for street use, the handful of times that you will need a locker if you get stuck somewhere (bad mudhole on dirt access road, etc), its worth having, and you get it from the factory under warranty. To add to all of that, it sounds like you will keep the truck for a long time. In my mind, getting the extra stuff on it for a bit more money up front is definitely worth it if I plan on owning the vehicle for a long period of time. Lastly, and I am not 100% sure on this, but either TRD package should maintain a little higher resale over the years than the SR5.

 

Why wouldn't the SR5s limited slip work in the occasional "mudhole" or "dirt access road"?

Do you have any references on the claim that a TRD OR has better resale value relative to it's higher original MSRP than an SR5's resale value is to it's original lower MSRP? That's news to me.

 

You should only be paying 7% sales tax maximum. Part of that $37k is dealer prep, shipping, maybe $400 for title and license, maybe that $399 "Toyota Protection Package". And you're 7yr/85k bumper to bumper is probably $2000 right there. You can cut that down some. No dealer incentive?

Skip the enhanced warranty, I seriously doubt you'll need it.

 

The limited slip would probably work most of the time, but at the end of the day, the locker, in most scenarios, should provide an advantage over limited, slip, even if it is fairly slight. Like I said, if it was my decision, and I liked other things about the TRD package as well, long run, it would be worth it to have the locker, factory installed and under warranty, for the handful of times I might need it over the life of the truck. In my mind the locker for the casual off roader is kind of like keeping a survival bag in the back or the tool box: You might not ever need it, or only need it a few times, but having it and not needing it is better than not having it and needing it. If the price difference is too much, or you don't care for the other things about the TRD package (suspension, seats, etc), then this may not be the case. For me it was worth it.

As far as the TRD holding it's value better, that is based off of my experience with lots of other cars over the past 15 years or so, but not taco/toyota specific. In my experience with lots of other domestic and foreign vehicles, better equipped trim levels tend to hold their resale value a bit better than more basic ones. Like I said, Not 100% that would be the case with the Tacoma, or whether any potential held value would outweigh the increased cost up front.

Back to the original point: For me, if I am going to own the vehicle for more than a few years, then paying more up front for some functional features, such as upgraded suspension, or a locker (in the event that I did ever need it) is worth it. Obviously everybody's preferences, especially relative to costs, are different.

 

Are you against buying used? I've never bought a new vehicle, but 37,000 sounds high. Shop around with other dealers, let them bid against each other. I vote for the TRD Off Road too FWIW. You don't want to mod later and you're not against the short box, she'll keep you happy. Shop around for a certified pre-owned, excellent warranty and sometimes better than the standard factory warranty I believe. Good luck, don't give up after just one dealership. 2014's are coming, they will be dropping 2013's soon I would imagine.

Another note.....I'm on my fourth Tacoma and I have never purchased GAP insurance. They hold their value very well but, you have to purchase it at a good price. When buying new, be careful that you're not upside down as soon as you drive off the lot.

 

get both!

 

Well after going back and forth and a third visit, I walked out the door with a new v6 DC auto TRD OR w/tow package for 33k. A long ways from 37k. Never bought new before so wasn't sure how to navigate the process. Thanks again for all the replies. My first Tacoma.

 

Congratulations! 33k - good price for OR DC V6 TRD, and definitely a win over 37K.