2021 SR vs SR5 (First Truck Purchase advise)

I'm not really concerned about chrome. I was just suggesting it's worth building what you want and whether it makes sense to step up a trim level. It's the same with the SR5 you can easily get up into TRD territory when you start adding options. All depends on what you want I guess. Absolutely nothing wrong with an SR the current model is nicely equiped.

 

I was thinking more about down the road. With the power seat, fog lights, lighted visors and a few other details I think you would recoup the 1500 on trade or resale later. Personally don't like the chrome and power seat doesn't matter to me either, hence I got the SR/SX pkg with a few SR5 type upgrades for minimal expense (Got rid of the SX stickers as well, reminds me of an abbreviation of "sucks" so it was the first thing I did after tire upgrade). (TRD reminds me of an abbreviation of "terd" so if I had one of those the stickers would be gone as well!) Anyway, totally agree get it the way you want.

 

I agree on stickers some trims come with, they look hideous. Much more prefer the look of a a clean truck. Btw, i could of done without the power seat, and some of this electronic technology, but unfortunately this sr5 trim came that way.

 

Back when I got my 2019, I felt stepping up to an SR5 was worth it. In 2021, I would go with an SR. You get the upgraded instrument cluster now, the dual climate (on V6 which you should be getting), Android Auto/Apple Carplay, I think they have intermittent wipers now. The wheels and adding fogs are probably the only 2 major upgrades I would do.

 

this is how people get sucked into overpaying for their trucks. It's a truck, most need it for the bed. No need to pay $5k+ for add ons that you can go without. I always buy bare bone models because, well it's a truck I need it for the bed.

 

I'd argue most people use their truck as a family hauler first and truck hauler second. What you do and what the market does seems to have diverged.

 

I tend to have his older school view on trucks. Looking into the SR vs SR5 for myself and naturally lean SR, but as people have suggested towards in this thread, once you add just a couple options you may as well step up to the next trim and get a lot more for similar money.

While I'm a "truck is for work" guy, I have other reasons for the viewpoint, eg. steel rims, as far as rims are concerned, they're superior. Aluminum can leak air easier. Now I would put a nice beefy set of BFGoodrich tires on them, but I want steel.

A dream config for me would be steel rims (and ugly will do), a bench seat (or on the crew cab, a bench in front and back would be amazing), and roll up windows. Doesn't exist anymore, and you're right, the market has diverged. But there's no conflict, I rode in trucks with bench seats as a child with these things. I think as we continue to watch western civilization collapse, more people will be open to simple, basic, practical things like this again. I'm also the type of buyer that's only here because used prices are outrageous and the Tacoma makes the most sense new, if they get where they make sense I'll buy a used truck that has a 5.0L in it.

 

When i was shopping for my first tacoma in 2020 i was leaning toward the sr, but quickly found out i couldn't get all of the stuff i wanted. Again i had to step up. SR5's have been all my past trucks, and that didn't change. Definitely didn't need the trd trim, or all the bs of the other ones. All in all after a year been real pleased with the truck.

 

I got the 2020 SR came with the SX pkg and got the dealer to add the running boards and mudflaps, added the fogs myself and lighted visors. Don't have the electric seat, but don't move it so for me it's fine. Either is a good choice, just depends on what the extras are worth to the buyer on the SR5.

 

I was looking at an SR5 3 years ago & found a beautiful 2nd Gen with a shell. I went with the 4.0 & didn’t look back! You’ll know OP once you get there & remember - screw all the peer pressure. You gotta do you. Also that dealer doesnt sound impressive - go somewhere else.

 

i dont know if its been stated same story just dont wanna go through 4 pages ..
i started SR 4x4 i thought coz it was cheaper that any trim and back in my head "its the only thing i need" then i started going off road loved it,lets make this thing more capable so lifted it and whalaahh!! i was happy for what it can do until i ask for more, added big tires bed rack,RTT and some gear, shit! my SR 4x4 on 4 cylinder is getting beat up, there was a time i push him running 90mph got 9-11 mpg,if your planning in the future to go same direction get a V6 in 4x4 you wont regret it now market price has gone up where ever you go,get what you want and so that you wont tell your self like some of us..shit i should have bought that.GOOD LUCK!