3rd Gen TRDOR Build or Buy?

Morning everyone,

So I am looking at buying a new '16 Tacoma, will be my DD (30mi/day) and want to use it as a multi-purpose rig, DD, hauling camping and hiking gear, mountain bikes and gear, want to try some off-road trails, and light hauling (side woodworking gig).

Question I have is would it be worthwhile to buy a DCSB TRDOR 4x4 and have the most off road capable factory set up right out of the box (with the accompanying price tag) and adding better wheels/tires/lift, or should I save some money on the price tag, buy an SR or SR5 DCSB 4x4, and add my own lift, suspension upgrade, wheels, rims etc. to make it to a TRDOR equivalent?

A secondary question would be, if it is recommended to try and build my own, I am not familiar with what level of effort would be involved, or required parts to be upgraded, so what should I be looking into? I know upgraded suspension, wheels, tires, spacers, lift, lockers, what else? How does this affect warranty?

I do like to wrench some, I'm not trying to get a rock crawler, just a much more capable rig off road, but know I would need some help getting it done, and it would take some time. Which I would have no problem being patient in that regard if it will save me some decent cheese in the end.

Initially I was considering a Wrangler for the next vehicle before the Tacoma, and had the same issue between building a Sport versus buying a Rubicon. Most people say buying the rubicon is the better bet for the money and capability for an all around vehicle. But if you want a rock crawler, better to build the sport since you sell the rubicon parts anyway to buy upgrades.

But since my fiance has a 2014 JK I can have a jeep and truck, and have always wanted a truck, so here I am.

So basically, would you guys think this would be a worthwhile undertaking, or is the price difference in the end just not worth it and I should just pay for the TRDOR?

 

If you don't go with a TRD OR you miss out on MTS, Crawl Control, the bed 400W plug, & Rear Locker. Other than that, SR5 is pretty similar. The reason I went with the off road package is because just adding the locker after the fact is almost as much, if not more than, just buying it from the factory. If I am correct, you have to get an air compressor locker which means you also need the air compressor.

 

The OR also has better brakes.

 

If you don't mind an automatic I'd say build. The only reason I bought an OR is because I couldn't get a base model truck as a V6 DCSB 6MT. The savings in purchase price would have been lockers tires and mild suspension. The OR isn't quite as capable as what I would have ended up with after the same money spent, but it's not so much of a difference that it's worth while to throw a lot of money at my truck just yet.

 

In my opinion, I would never buy a truck above the SR5 package. You could build a truck way better than the OR for a lot less, with better components. But that is just me. I can see why people buy them though, not everyone has the know how to do all their own work.

 

This is where I am leaning towards.

I know I miss out on CRAWL and MTS and the rear lockers (can be added), but with the right knowledge and tools, can it be done for alot less than the OR price and just as if not more capable?

 

(7540) SR5 4x4 DCSB = MSRP $31060
(7544) DCSB TRD OR 4x4 = MSRP $33730

Difference ~ $2700

I don't know how much you will save building an SR5. Although, you may be able to get a better discount on an SR5 truck vs. a TRD OR because more people want the TRD?

Not trying to persuade you either way. Just want to put all the info out there. I just hate burning warranty bridges.

 

$30945 for the V6 DCSB SR, still not a huge difference. Timing an ARB locker purchase right can get you front and rear lockers and a compressor for $1700. The ~$1100 left can easily handle tires and suspension, especially if you're shopping the stuff people get rid of off their brand new rigs. Also, using the TRDs as a guide, if the manual was offered in the SR/SR5 that's another ~$1700 savings (across the board obviously, doesn't change the cost differential), V6 DCSB at $29k MSRP would be a much easier pill to swallow.

 

Crawl Control is a gimmick and pointless IMO.

As far as difficulty adding a lift, wheels and tires, that is fairly easy with common mechanical knowledge and basic hand tools. Adding a locker is more involved, not something most can do.

 

I don't believe any of this effects warranty either. Obviously if you change out the suspension, wheels and tires you no longer have the Toyota warranty on the stock parts, worse case you lose the warranty on the rear when adding a locker. But again, if it is done right you'll never tear it up.

 

Agreed on the warranty part. When I go online and build the SR5 versus OR with standards and added goodies I'd like, the prices are:

SR5: $34,350 (AT)
TRDOR: $38,500 (AT) or $36,870 (MT)

So a difference between $2k or $4k. Not sure that the price difference would be worth it to mess around with the warranty. And even then, I might only save about $1k in the end and alot of work and time.

 

Appreciate the responses thus far, I need to have as much info as possible.

 

Sounds like your main priority is $$$ and the savings of purchasing the least expensive model. As others have said, there is the warranty factor plus peace of mind of buying a factory built offroad.

 

I went with the OR 4x4 because I don't want to be upgrading and modding a brand new truck nor do I want to spend the money over a long period to make it like an OR. I have not used the MTS or CC yet but someday I may need it. I haven't even engaged the locker, either. But the truck is only 2 weeks old and only has 3 off road trips on it.

The OR only costs 7% more than the SR5. To me, the extra parts and features are worth the extra money. You are also getting LEDDRL, Entune Premium head unit, keyless entry, push button start, and a lot of other TRD-only features.

Whatever you buy, please buy the tow package, it's the best deal out there for any package

 

The OR has a better brake control system. The brakes are the same as the rest of the trucks

 

This. I forgot about the tow package. This is worth the money alone.

 

I paid 35,7xx for my ORDCSB AT with tow and prem tech, deals are out there, put in some work and you can find them.

 

Local dealer wanted $36400.00 2wd, dblcab, trd sport with jbl, predator steps. Plus $200 for nitrogen, door edge guards. Offered me $18500.00 for my 09 Sport dblcab, 2wd, 1 owner, 44000 mi, kbb says almost $20000.00. Would not offer more or come off list. I left, going to check out other dealers.