Buying a Tacoma in December - Need some help

The Dunlap's are not "SR5" tires...I've seen the Grandtrek's in 17" on brand new TRD Sport's.

 

Yes, but the TRD Off Road guarantees me the BFGoodrich tires ...

 

I am sure they will put whatever tires you want on, to make a sale. I had an 05 trd off road access cab loved it no problems at all, now have 2012 trd sport dclb so far a nice truck. never used the diff lock so went with the sport, and no dclb in off road package.

 

You're probably right. I'm sure I can get them to eat the cost differance between the crappy Dunlaps and a set of BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T/A's (Tirerack.com gives them excellent marks).

This forum has been a blessing for me - I want to thank everybody who has helped me out thus far !

 

Correct but I don't think there is a different option on the SR5.

 

And manual drive would just increase it even more!

 

I know you can upgrade the wheels on an SR5 to the alloy's...not sure about the tires though.

 

I bought a regular cab 4x4 in 2009 it's 4cyl and manual tranny. I love it. I added a couple little creature comforts but for the most part it is stock. I figure start with the base and make it the truck I want it to be. Keeps my cost down and lets me configure stuff the way I want.
My list of must haves was 4 wheel drive, AC, regular cab. I would have the automatic tranny but I bought what was available and met the other criteria.

I added a tow hitch and wiring for lights, super easy. Added tonneau cover and a grill guard to keep the soccer moms away in the grocery store parking lot.

I've owned several trucks and this one is the best so far. The bed is smaller than what I was used to but it's enough for the weekend projects and occasional kids to college moves. I went with the regular cab after having extended cabs for years because the extra space collects junk and cost quite a bit more. I'm forced to keep my truck cleaned out. I love it.

List out what you need vs. what you want and see how different the cost is. How much would it cost to do it yourself. Alloy wheels. Better shocks. Better radio. The list could go on.

 

I wouldn't let the tires be the deciding factor. Especially when its between 245 Dunlops and 265 rugged trail (or whatever they are...) All the factory tires suck, not just the Dunlops. In snow, its a toss up which is better, the Dunlops are narrower (better in snow), but with a worse tread pattern. Ideally, you would be looking at a more aggressive 245 for snow traction. Skewp is only on TRD/sport, NOT SR5. Seats? Are a little different between the SR5 and TRD, but neither is "better", just different.

If you bought from, I think 2009 through 2011, SR5 had the same shocks as TRD. They downgraded for 2012+. Either way, if the factory shocks would satisfy you, you can probably arrange to purchase some take-offs. A lot of people upgrade to a more adjustable shock, so there should be some laying around on various garage benches.

Almost forgot to mention: SR5 has better rear springs than TRD-OR.

 

Im looking to get me a taco very soon as well and Im also new to TW. I've been using this forum to get some really good info.

Im not planning on going rock crawing anything soon but coming from a Civic im sure I WILL be going places i couldnt think of going before...

I think i will be going with a 6-speed DCSB TRD Sport..... i see some people just hate the scoops, and i im very aware of it being useless for anything other than looks, and imo it does just that, it makes the taco look really good, but one of the main deal breakers for me is the chrome.... i dont like chrome, specially on the rear bumber, on the grill not so much, but im still not a fan. im glad there is some packages with chrome for those who like it though.
The mirrors and handles being color match to me its a plus and just make it fit my taste better.

i test drove a 2013 6-speed AC and i fell in love with it.

I'll keep on wandering around the forums and hopefully next time I post, I will be a taco owner.
S1njin, By no means i intended to hijack your thread but given the subject i thought it would be a good thread to break in my 1st post. good luck on your purchase.

 

Thanks....

 

I had to go with the 2012 PreRunner SR5 in order to afford the Truck. I LOVE IT but really wish I just went with the TRD OffRoad or Sport. It's about 5K more but after seeing both it's worth it. Don't let yourself have buyers remorse cause you wanted more. There's always a way to make it fit your budget.

 

Hey guys - my first post on here and my first Tacoma! I would recommend the SR5, but would think twice about the access cab. Even if you don't have many people riding with you often, there is just not much room back there. I commute 20 miles a day in Dallas traffic and I'm averaging 19.5-20.5 mpg in my '12 SR5 double cab prerunner so it's pretty good mileage if you're worried about that. The double is perfect amount of room IMO. Oh and the stereo in the SR5 is pretty damn good too. JBL speakers and they hit pretty good for factory. Vibrates the mirrors pretty good, although I whish I had the touch screen just because I like some of the hi-tech stuff.

 

A TRD truck is not 5K more than a SR5 truck. Although depending on equiptment...I suppose it could be. But the package itself is not.

 

Hey Larry! I shopped around everywhere within 200 miles and i got my Sr5 for 25450 and anything any dealer had with a trd badge was 30 to 31. I didnt order it new as I was working the deal based on what they had in stock so maybe thats why. I could of bought a 2011 trd with 25k miles for same price but I opted for new 2012 prerunner. Live the truck just wish i spent the extra change now.

 

im going to low ball the $#!+ out of the deal and work up lil by lil

 

I've done the same type of analysis..

A Dbl Cab 4x4 SR5 would suit my needs just fine.. but the local dealers only stock TRD Sports in my area of Ontario,Canada.

So need to save more $$$ still. The Taco's are crazy expensive here compared to the F-150' and RAM 1500.

 

I understand. sounds like you got a good deal.

I suppose I should have posted...."the MSRP on a TRD package is not 5K more than an SR5". Again, options can skew that easially.

 

….from looking at true pricing on the tacos i know that u can haggle more on a packaged truck than you can on stock truck regardless of the cab size….

 

This is true---PLUS...your resale value is ALWAYS more when and if you decide to sale it.