Close to Buying a New 2011 Taco (newbie)

Hey everyone -I'm a newbie to this forum and I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a new 2011 Taco. I am active on some car forums, but am pretty new to the Toyota world.

I currently have an 02 Ranger 4X4 Edge, but I want something with a little more room. I don't really need a full size truck, and I really like the double cab Tacomas. They do have a bit more usable cabin / real back seat when compared to my Ranger.

I have been doing a lot of searching on here and here is what I have decided so far:

Tacoma - obviously

4X4 - Live in Pittsburgh (snow) and occasionally go off road for hunting / fishing ect. (nothing extreme).

Double Cab - will most likely have kids in the next year or two, so a back seat is a plus. Also just tired of not having much room in the Ranger.

Short Bed - don't need to haul anything extreme, and also drive a good bit in the city. No need for a long bed to make parking difficult in tight spaces / garages.

Magnetic Gray Metallic - Just seems like a cool color, and I don't see many of them around.

Off Road or Sport Package? - Here is where I am hung up. I did the research so I know exactly what each package offers. I don't think I would really need the off road package, but it seems like the more equipped option. My wife is concerned that she won't like looking over the hood scoop on the Sport, but is also concerned that the OR will be a stiff riding bitch like my Ranger is. I will try to test drive one of each, but I figured I would see what you all think as well.

Future mods - I would most likely be replacing the ugly wheels on either package with black ones of some kind. I would also be replacing the hideous stock grill with something a little meaner looking. Also would consider an aftermarket exhaust (unless the dealer offers one that isn't overpriced garbage) and some step up bars.

Any thoughts on the sport ride quality vs. OR? My searching reveals that the Sport rides a little better on the highway, but its not clear if it is a MAJOR difference.

I guess I am leaning toward the OR unless the ride is just too rough.

Coming from a Ranger Edge, the ride has to be an improvement with either option!

Thanks for any help you all can provide!

 

The Off Road has a Locker, and A-trac.

 

Hi and welcome to Tacoma world. The off road does not ride that stiff and comes with "progressive springs" that provide better spring rates when off roading. THe more they compress, the stiffer they get if I'm not mistaken. The Sport has regular springs. I've driven both and I didin't notice too much difference between the sport ride and the off road however, this was on pavement. I'm in the same boat as you and will be purchasing a taco next month. My advise is test drive both and make you're best decision. What rides best to me or even others may not ride best to you. Good luck

 

...which he doesn't need - based on his description.

If you want TRD (e.g. for the better seats) I suggest sport meets your needs better.

 

Yes, I forgot about the off road having a locking rear diff where it is not available in the sport so that may be something you may want if you will take it off roading

 

I have an '08 double cab TRD off road with everything stock and I don't think it's a rough ride at all. I haven't driven a sport before so I can't compare, but I'm sure there's people here that have and can let you know how the two compare.

 

x2, also the Seats.

 

Yes- I doubt I would ever really need the locker. It is a cool option though and is certainly more functional than the other options in the two packages.

I was not aware of any differences between the seats - Toyota's web site does not change the interior pictures at all when you switch between the Sport and OR packages.

I realize the ride quality question is subjective, so it is not easy to get a definite answer.

Thanks for the responses so far!

 

The ride isn't bad.... Test drive the Sport and OR, i personally prefer the stiffer ride.. That's me though, to each his own

 

I would get the Off road version not the sport version. If i had to do all over again.

 

No, I meant the seats are different between the TRD packages vs. the SR5. They might have a different color between OffRoad and Sport, but structurally, from what I read on TW, TRD seats are the same between the two versions.

 

OK cool, so they seats are the same.

I guess I will just get the OR package unless I drive it and it shakes my teeth out.

I am pumped - should get the loan this week.

Then I will begin researching induction and exhaust bolt ons...

 

Question, if you're looking to do alot of bolt ons, what does the sport offer you that you want that base SR5 doesn't? I have the OR, but outside of the locker and A-TRAC, I'd go to the SR-5 and bolt on all the extras that I wanted. (5100's, add-a-leaf, etc...) The sport and OR packages are expensive add-on's if you don't want all that stuff.

 

The suspension is the same on both.

 

My understanding is that the OR package uses progressive coil springs up front, while the sport package uses a linear spring. Both use the same shocks. Also, the Sport has a bigger sway bar and the obvious larger wheels and streetish tires.

This tends to make the Sport ride a little better on the street.

 

For induction... just get the TRD supercharger in on the deal from the start...

Also, I know I'm going to catch a TONNNNN of heat for this, but are you sure you need the 4x4? With all the badass traction control systems these 09+ taco's come with standard they can handle the snow pretty well without it. Especially if you throw some decent snow rated tires on it and know how to drive... If your off-roading takes place on light trails... I really don't think you need the 4x4.

Full disclosure, I've got a 4x4. Used it a few times... Never felt like I actually needed it. Never been stuck and had to use it to get out. Would love to have a few extra grand right now though.

The main argument FOR the 4x4 will be, "Would you rather need it and not have it?" Also, if you plan on doing more serious off-roading, you should for sure get the 4x4.

 

.
FWIW ... I have a 4x2, TRD, OR and the ride is very smooooth ...
.

 

I use the 4x4 on my ranger several times per year and would have got stuck without it, so yes I want four wheel peel.

Thanks for the suggestion though - its at least worth considering.

 

With the snow - 4x4 period.

As far as the sport and off-road, are their options your wants or needs.

you can figure out if you want to spend money on wants - hahaha.

for example i didn't want or need any of the trd package add-ons, so i got a SR5.

and i haven't been stuck once!!

 

So far, I have only needed to turn on the 4x4 to get up some ice roads -2x would not do it. An SR5 would be fine for my needs.