Need advice - purchasing a used Tacoma

I have searched for TRD vs SR5 but still would like a little help to make sure I am making the right decision. These are the two trucks I am debating.

2011 Tacoma SR5 with 38k miles asking 25,700
2013 Tacoma TRD Sport with 53k miles asking 26,900

I used to own a 2012 Tacoma but it was a PreRunner OR. I loved the truck but the 4x4 killed it for me. Wife bought it as a surprise... Anyway, wanting to get another one.

I do not want to regret getting an SR5 when TRDs are a step up, but then again do I need the TRD tag on there. Better resale with it.

Anyway, just looking for some thoughts.

 

I would sell you my 2010 TRD OR Access Cab 4X4 for less than the asking for the 2011 SR5. But my truck has about 56K miles. There are tons of threads that go over the difference of the SR5 vs Sport vs OR. If you dont care about looks and better seats then get the SR5.

 

Thank you for the offer but I need a double cab

 

Get the lower mileage SR5, take the $1200 saved and install a mild lift.

Unless you're really into the hood scoop and the AC outlet in the bed. Resale difference will be negligible between the two in a few years time.

 

My wife likes the hood scoop but I could care less about it. The bed plug could be used but I am thinking save the money and then do some modifications after. hmm

 

I did also find a 2013 TRD OR but it has 77k miles on it and asking 26. Anyway I am off to test drive the SR5.

 

Those prices seem high but your region may differ. I just bought my '14 TRD Sport DCLB with 28k for $28k. I did have to make a drive to a non metro area to do it but I felt like I got a better truck than the others I saw. And I like it 10x more than the SR5 I sat in.

Get what you really want. A few months later, the couple of bucks will be a distant memory opposed to a constant reminder.

 

Yeah the SR5 test drive left a lot to be desired. Super clean in and out but no power. Plain plain and brown interior didn't really excite me.
Drove the sport also and different story. Stained interior, scratches and paint missing. you can tell it wasn't taken care of. Had more options but still did not seem right. Carfax had it going almost 30k miles in one year. Sure they rode it hard the entire time.

Drove a 16 Nissan Frontier Pro4x. Granted it was newer but it had more zip. Still like the looks of the Tacoma and that was 28,900 for a 16 with 10k miles.

You are correct, in my area they run 1-2k more then other areas. I could go up to Colorado but hate to waste time

 

@Chewie look into what else comes with the trucks. Check the SR5 vs the Sport to see if either are equipped with the factory tow package because that will also yield you the factory transmission oil cooler
I voted sport because skewp (and I like the 12+ body style)

 

I got an SR5, but love the hood with the scoop. Check out TrueCar and look at prices on there.

Also, I don't have an tow package and that wasn't a selling point. I see too many people not towing right and end up causing damage to the vehicle.

 

Was the SR5 a 4 cylinder? No,couldn't have been. What do you mean no power?

 

It does look nicer thats for sure, however the truck was not taken care of. Even some rusts on the bolts holding the bed down. Might just be me being paranoid but was not a good sign.

As for the power in the SR5. It just didn't respond off the line like i was used to or expecting.

 

The hood scoop can be swapped later if it's really something you want.

The bed outlet is basically worthless considering it's max output is 400w. You're much better off doing your own aftermarket inverter if you REALLY think you will use it(most haven't).

Color matched bumpers, mirrors and door handles make a difference IMO. Unless you're planning on aftermarket bumpers I'd consider that.

Condition, year, miles(in that order)vs price.

I have a Sport and the only thing I don't have and want is an elocker(TRD off-road).

 

Have you driven a Tacoma before? If you're looking for quick off the line look elsewhere. They are slow - until you add a supercharger at which point they are just a little less slow - but still slow

 

My dad has an sr5 dcsb 4banger.. its possible..

 

I own an sr5, double cab, 4x4 and like it, and really do not miss any of the options of a trd. The engines are the same. Some features like the outlet in the bed I thought I would like but after reading on tacomaworld it is all but useless. I am a bigger guy and find the sr5 seats more comfortable, my interior is grey, not sure I would like the tan either. The locker is nice but never been in need of one. Also find the resale value marginal between the two. The color matched grill on the sport is the only thing I would like to have, that will happen at some point......maybe, I am tight.

Found my truck left over after the 16s were already on the lot. Dealer came off the MSRP, which is rare here. Ended up paying a shade shy of 29k for the truck brand new, warranty, and lower interest rate than a used car loan. Feel like I got a good deal.

My advise would be to look for the best value.

 

I would have said the 2 year newer TRD Sport originally for that small of cash difference if it had been in better shape. However I own an SR5 and I got a sport hood for free and mine has the tow package so I'm happy.

 

Keep on looking and don't rush yourself if you can help it. Something will show up.

I prefer the Sport. I actually found use for the plug in last weekend. Plugged in the crock while traveling to the in-laws. I can see future tailgating!

Anyway, good luck on the hunt.

 

So... unless the SR5 was a 4 cyl.... they have EXACTLY the same drivetrain. Zero difference in power. Tacomas don't have power.

TRD Sport has hood scoop, color matched shit, bed outlet.

I bought an SR5 and then turned it into a "Better than Off-road".

 

Hmm, I don't envy you. I looked for months. Had a new one on order with my favorite local dealer. Then it happened! AutoTrader ad. Only one pic. At a Toyota dealer 600 miles away. It was exactly what I was looking for. A white 2013 (this was in 2012) TRD 4x4 DCLB, 4.0, loaded. Used!!!!??? Called the dealer. It only went on AutoTrader two hours earlier. It had 506 miles on it. I said "How can that be?" Turned out the same dealer sold it new to a couple who was giving it to their 16 year old son. He had it 6 days and killed himself with a drug overdose. The couple couldn't stand seeing it and sold it back to the dealer. Very, very sad but a good day for me. I gave them a deposit over the phone. Went the next morning to pick it up. Window sticker was $34, 200. Paid $29k. Came with new car warranty and also the Certified Toyota Used Car Warranty. I've loved it ever since. I feel horrible about the tragedy but someone was going to buy. Who better than me. Dealer just called today saying they can't get enough 4 x4's, would I consider selling it.

It will come. Keep looking!

Frank