is the TRD worth it?

I am looking at changing jobs and this would entail losing my company provided vehicle. I would need a truck and would like to go with the TACO. Looking at prices, there seems to be a large difference between the SR5 and the TRD. So given the differences is it worth it? What on the TRD is available that you can't mimic on the SR5 with aftermarket parts? Sorry if this has been discussed before.

 

You can get anything that's on any TRD trim on an SR5 from wheels to flares to grilles to suspension, with aftermarket parts. I however did not want to modify my truck from the beginning and therefore went with a TRD Offroad. Suits my off roading needs well. Plus I like the look of the black fender flares.

 

Check the website and compare models.

 

Manual trans in the TRD trim is why I went that way.

 

I have compared on the web site, however the website doesn't give you personal experience from owners nor does it give you actual customer opinions.

 

Its been so long since I have driven a stick...my first was a 3 on the tree. I guess you don't have to worry about someone stealing it, since very few people know how to drive them.

 

LED day time lights, better head unit, hood scoop, and color matched rear bumper were the winners for me at the time in 17’. Not sure what’s different now but I imagine there’s still a gap. The TRD was only $2,500 more and that was justifiable to me for the upgrades compared to the SR5.

 

Well I guess the TRD holds their value better. The difference with 2018 used SR5 and TRD is nearly 5-10K

 

I don't think there is much of a new price difference between SR5 and OR or Sport, go with TRD.

 

All black interior including headliner is the winner for me on TRD trims.

 

That’s right !!

 

Best thing to do is go to lot and inspect/compare/drive them all.

 

First question, what are you going to do (purpose) with the truck... daily driver, Off Road, haul/tow, rock crawl or mall crawl?

Lots of mods available if you’re going to “hobby” the truck... some practical and some not, so second question, how long are you going to keep the truck? Shorter ownership, less modifications and perhaps keeping to a “returnable to stock” condition for resale. If keeping until the truck dies, buy low and mod the heck out of it over time.

Third, do you prefer to keep near “stock”, or do you prefer a “make it your own” type of look? Lots of members spend serious dollars changing original design to their personal liking... don’t buy high if your going to change everything (chrome removal, grille changes, wheels/tires, rock sliders, decal/badge removal, etc).

Final question, how much money are you willing/wanting to spend... if money is of little concern, buy big or go home... else spend wisely.

If you really NEED a truck for work, then perhaps verify that the Tacoma fits your needs... it’s not as capable as full size options if you’re really needing a truck to do heavy duty work truck stuff (depending of course on job requirements).

 

Determine what features/amenities are minimum for your needs then go from there.

 

All black in Texas would require remote start to cool it off before you get in.

 

If you like all the bells and whistles get the TRD

 

I've owned multiple trims and generations, from even before it was the Tacoma. If you don't need more capability than a stock 4WD Taco provides (clearance, bigger tires, beefier suspension), I'd go with a TRD Off Road. If you think you will still want to spend a big chunk to lift it, etc., getting a 4WD SR5 and adding lift, locker, tires, armor, etc. is probably the more economical way to go. There are some package/interior differences, just depends on what is most important to you.

 

Personally I went with the “lowly” SR.. and still got V6 and 4x4, color matched bumpers. I did not see the extra value in wheels, fog lights, fender flares, etc.

 

I have a black on black combo and it's not nearly as bad as you'd expect. Get a good fitting front window sun visor and try to find shade haha.

 

TRD Offroad has the hydraulic booster which gives you MTS and crawl control...no aftermarket for that.