2019 Taco - What to do!?

I'm looking to join the taco team with a new 2019 Tacoma but I'm not sure what path to take. I'm looking at an SR5, TRD OR, or TRD Sport, they would all be 2WD, V6, Double Cab, 5ft bed, sonar/tech package.

I like the premium options of the TRD (smart key, push start, bed outlet, etc.) but I also see some personal drawbacks as well.

1. I won't be doing any off-roading
2. Not a big fan of the black plastic pieces around the tires on the OR
3. I can't see over the scoop on the sport!

Are the premium options worth the extra money of upgrading to a TRD if I won't ever use it for off-roading? Is the scoop as big of an issue as I think it is or do you get used to it (I am on the short side, 5'7"). People who got the SR5, do you wish you had upgraded to the TRD?

Any help would be appreciated! I'm ready to buy but just can't decide.

Thanks,
Future Taco Owner (Hopefully Soon!)

 

I broke your post down to these questions.

If you won't be doing any off-roading or will seldomly do so, then an OR package is not necessary especially since you won't be getting a 4x4. You can buy all shocks, list, tires etc... later and get a better bang for your buck.

The hood scoop is all for look. Some people justify not having one so they can see a bit more for gorund clearance when off roading. It looks cool, would love to have one, but it honestly does nothing, so that's a personal choice.

It sounds like you may want to look into a Sport model. If you know you won't be doing ANY offroading, then a 4x2 sport will get you what you desire.

These are just my opinions though.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Sounds like you need to get a Super White TRD Sport and then trade me hoods.

 

Limited or SR5?

 

Get the TRD sport and trade me for the scoop hood for my flat hood in Mag Gray.

 

Get the Sport and post your hood up for trade. You will get offers to trade plus cash, so your first payment will be taken care of.

Seriously though, I got the Sport for the looks as I don't go Off Roading in my truck, I have ATV's for that stuff. The scoop does not take long to get used to, and like I said, you can always trade with someone. I like the push button start/smart entry, just set the doors to all unlock with the driver door, the key fob never leaves my pocket until I hang it up at home. I have not used the bed outlet yet, but I have used the power rear window slider. The Qi charger is a gimmick. The Entune Premium headunit is nice with the weather/traffic apps. Voice controls worked o.k. for me, although the voice training process is a bit annoying. Take a Sport for a good test drive over different roads because the suspension is different (a.k.a. stiff).

 

Purchased my SR5 about 2 months ago and no regrets here. I was in the same situation not needing the truck for off-roading, did not like the black over fenders on the OR and faux hood scoop on the Sport that I felt was obtrusive when on the test drive (also the same height). I also didn't like the suspension on the sport as well.

Would've liked keyless and LED headlights on the TRD models but not really a biggie for me.

Ended up buying the TRD Pro grille, bed mat, black overlay emblems, and Volk Te37's with the money I saved over buying the Sport.

 

Hi OP. Welcome. I think without knowing you answered your own question. Although there may be a few other considerations in the equation.

A) You don't like the black plastic fender flares on the off road, would be buying in 2wd, and wont be off-roading. You can probably check that off as not needed or wanted.
B) You worry about seeing over the hood scoop. Why even put that angst of uncertainty into the mix as an option in the first place? Check off the sport option, unless, as others have said, you want to trade out hoods.
C) leaving: SR, SR5, and limited models.

SR is a very nice, more base level (option wise) truck, with a lower price point. How important are certain options to you?
SR5 is a very nice, slightly upgraded (option wise) version. Most all popular options are included. slightly higher price point.
Limited is the loaded to the gills (option wise) version. Highest price point.

Is resale value a consideration? If you research lease residuals for each model they will likely give you insight into projected resale value of each at 24,36,48,60 month intervals.

Only you can decide. But advice would be to examine YOUR needs and desires and match to them accordingly.

IMO,FWIW,YMMV, Outlaw out.

 

Can't see over the scoop? Do you need a booster seat?

Seriously, your best bet is the sport. Depending on your location, you can probably find someone to trade hoods since all those OR owners are jealous. The scoop shouldn't be that big of a problem though. Instead, I'd find some seat spacers to take it up a few inches. Someone on here sells them I think. That's the best of both worlds.

The tech package is good: The blind spot detection is worth it. Lane assistance is annoying. Radar is ok but don't rely on it. The sunroof is nice, especially this time of year (FL). The JBL radio/speakers/amp are nothing special. I'm ripping out the radio and speakers next.

 

Sport. Trade hood. Next!

 

Thank you everyone for the feedback, it was very helpful! I think I have decided to go with the SR5. While the premium options are nice, like COOutlaw said the TRD trims just don't really fit my needs. The only thing I am disappointed in losing out on is the smart key/push start but I don't think it's the end of the world. The limited seems to be the best option except it's more than I want to spend at the moment. With the money saved on the SR5, I can use that on some upgrades like tlp.wc mentioned.


Thank you again everyone, it's time to send out some quote requests and hopefully I'll be a taco owner this week!

 

Pay attention to the prices as sometimes the SR5 models can approach the Off Road and Sport, in that case you may be better off with the higher trim levels.

 

I went SR5 as I only do bumpy dirt roads some times and am mostly on pavement. I'm happy with it. I like the stock tires although they don't look as cool as the off road ones posted here. But I'd rather have the mpg and road performance for what I do. One cool thing you may consider is the SR5 black wheels if you like the look. It's a good truck, enjoy!

 

Just compare the prices , sometimes you get better deal on TRD models. I was in market for SR trim. But ending up in getting TRD sport just because dealer was willing to negotiagte better they had more TRD ‘s on the lot. I ended up in paying only 40 dollars more than what the final price they came up for SR5

 

Grab a bottle of scotch and a ice cold glass from the freezer....

Ok ready?
Our opinions don’t matter!
Either way you can add , subtract, or leave it stock.
It comes down to what ya can afford and what’s available on the lot.
Use the over stock on the lot to your advantage.
My opinion? I went down that road in ‘15 and bought a 2wheel drive
pre runner. 2 years later I traded it in on a 2017 trd sport. It’s big enough for road trips, it has the sweet hood scoop. my wife bitched about not seeing over it. It’s a slight bump! She got over it driving on our 5,000 mile summer road trip. The part time 4 wheel drive on the sport is awesome. I didn’t think I’d off road but I’ve done light trails and Bonneville salt flats.
The locker on the off-road would be awesome but like you I didn’t think I’d off road. Truth is even a two wheel drive can go through some shit. I know I’ve done some dumb ass stuff in my 2wd.

FYI.... when you sell a used 4x4 Tacoma it’s worth more than 2 wheel drive. The push start was weird at first but it’s fine
I was going to buy a off road trd but I worked a better deal on a trd sport. It looks great , gets decent gas mileage, doesn’t have the off road tire humming on highways. If you don’t like the hood scoop you can trade it for a regular hood. People will gladly drive out , swap hoods and pay you additional cash on top of it.
If you don’t have 32-40k go ahead and get a sr5.. $23,900-$29,000 k in the Midwest.
Again it’s not about what you think you need . It’s about what you like vs $$$. I like options on the off-road but I like the hood, color matching trim, and the 17” rims on the sport. I wanted the sport in 2015 but I got s killer deal on the prerunner. I loved that truck. I have to say I love my ‘17 more. It’s more capable than my old one and I will probably add small stuff but in 4-5 years I’ll buy the 4th gen Tacoma or a 6th generation 4Runner.

 

1) I did not like push button. I like a traditional key much better. My old Tacoma had a smart key. The new one, I made sure to get one with a traditional key.
2) Auto or manual?
3) If I could have bought an SR DC V6 4WD with a manual, I would have gone that route. Then upgraded as necessary.
4) I think the black cladding on the fenders looks awesome on the OR. But to each their own. SX package looks sharp!
5) "I won't be doing any off-roading"........famous last words. Seems like so many thread of 2WD owners who wish they would've gone 4WD to begin with.

 

Main thing is pick the one you like, test drive
it to be sure you like it. We just make recommendations, I’m sure you will find the right one.

 

Sounds like what you want is a Limited trim. All the premium features (which are great to have and will always help resale), colour-matched flares, and no hood scoop.

 

Just to give you guys an update. I've narrowed it down between two dealerships/offers. After negotiating, these are my options (I'm in Southern California):

1. DC/SB/V6 SR5 without accessories (except navigation upgrade) for $33,300 out the door price and window tinting thrown in
2. DC/SB/V6 SR5 with Tonneau Cover, black rims, weather mats/door sil protector, exhaust tip, 5" oval tube step and nav upgrade for $34,990 out the door

I wasn't really looking for the accessories from the dealership since I figured I could go cheaper after market but it seems like a pretty good deal. The dealership that gave the first offer is doing all the sales tricks though so it's pushing me towards the 2nd offer with accessories. I'm going to take a look/drive the 2nd one today and maybe pull the trigger.