Shopping - please help me narrow down the model

Hello all! Glad I found this place...could use some guidance, please and thanks!

Currently shopping and ready to purchase a new-to-me vehicle 4x4 crew cab. (Backstory - was considering a Z71 Colorado but hearing about LOTS of issues). After driving both I like the Tacoma way better. Have 35k pre approved from credit union I am good to go. May need to kick in some cash since the used are going for a little more than that and that's ok.

Looking at 20-22 preowned models with around 50k miles or less. After driving a few I really like the feel of the Off Road model. Love the gray metallic exterior color. And really love the wheel design of the Off Road over the other models. Aesthetics are a big deal for me (I am a designer by trade). What I really like about this vehicle is the aggressive stance and the wheel design. Of course, the drive is fantastic. Coming from an SUV I like being up higher in this pickup. Only snag I will most likely not be doing any off roading however we get a good amount of snow here in NJ so I do not mind paying more for heavy duty. Seems the only thing I am losing with the OR model is some extra cash and that handy sunglass holder in the top section! Not a dealbreaker.

Last week I test drove a 2020 OR model with premium package, Gotta say I loved those seat warmers. My old car had a moonroof and that is cool tho not necessary. As long as I have power drivers seat I do not need the other creature comforts. I checked out one without the power seat and it seemed pretty limited as far as adjustment.

SO here is my question....Would it be terrible for someone not going off road to consider this model? I am unlikely to buy a different model and start swapping wheels and other parts though looking through these forums it appears a lot can be done to customize. Should I consider an SR5 (less money) and see if I can find some Off Road wheels for it or maybe a different grill? I looked around and have not seen any for sale locally. And I really do not want to be getting a new vehicle only to have to do work to it.

Appreciate any feedback, thanks.
Coach

 

Nothing wrong with changing out the wheels/suspension/grill on an sr5.

I’d stop short of putting on TRD stickers.
I really do love the stance and black fender details of the off road not to mention lockers/crawl control.

but if you really never plan on off reading, it’d be overkill… especially if you have an eye on budget.

besides, the 4x4 sr5 models are extremely capable as is.

 

I have an Off-Road and I do not go "Off-Road".
I've had it 13+ years now. If it thought it was terrible I'd of sold it years ago.

So, why did I go with the Off-Road?
I need 4x4 and and hiving the locking differential was nice too. Plus, it was one of the few "used" trucks in my price range.
My previous truck was a 2WD PreRunner. It didn't like pulling a trailer in wet yards.

 

If you like the TRD OR, get it. The suspension is an upgrade over the SR and SR5 if you go over anything rough. It will have a little more body roll than a TRD Sport, but if you've driven it and like it, there's no good reason to to get it.

Be sure to exercise the 4wd from time to time so the actuator stays operational. Check the frame, and read up on fluid film/wool wax. Avoid rubberized coatings like zeibart.

Post up pics when you find the truck!

 

Loving the feedback, thank you! Don't think I could live with myself getting a non off road then adding off road decals LOL. But the other suggestions are great

Thanks for the heads up on the fluid film issue. Just took a quick peek and se it's a thing. That protection could be really handy here with the salty roads in the winter. I heard some Dodge pickups use recycled metal for the frames. How about Tacomas?

 

Cool. What situations do you turn on the locking differential?

 

Another vote for the offroad. The locker will help u get out of alot of "sticky" situations. I have a 2wd OR (pls no comments ), not sure if that's an option for you.
Enjoy ur new taco!

 

I was considering getting a TRD OR not long ago, but went with an SR for money and availability reasons. There’s no doubt the OR just looks better in a lot of ways, but I love my SR nonetheless. I actually like the all red tail lamps on the SR/SR5 more.

That being said, PERSONALLY, I think the SR5 would be a smarter buy, but only from a budget standpoint. Crawl control and a diff locker is a lot of overkill and extra money if you don’t do any off roading. I have taken my 4x4 SR out in some pretty sketchy stuff and it has never let me down so you’d be fine for winter conditions. In the end though you’re paying a lot of money no matter what, and in a couple years when the car isn’t new to you but the payments are still real, you need to love it! I’m a big proponent of getting the exact thing you want for that reason. Take my opinion with a grain of salt

 

Some real world info here much appreciated sir. Just goes to show...beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like the all red tail lamps better on some colors than others. The OR I am looking at has some clear / transparent lenses, not too much red, and I like it better than all red. YMMV!. Same with the front grill emblems. The T symbol is ok but I really like the spelled out "TOYOTA" from the pro model, gives it a real old school vibe. I also notice the vehicle I am looking at has partial chrome on the rear bumper. Similar model with premium package (moonroof etc) has all black bumper. Seems some features like this get mixed and matched I could be wrong.

 

Just to exercise the the actuators and keep it working.

I've used it a few time when doing some ditch crossing. That way I can "crawl out".
I can't say I've ever NEEDED to use it.
Like I said earlier, I don't go off-road.

I went there, spent my money, and learned my lesson.
No more "Off-roading" for me.

 

The TRD OR has chrome on the rear bumper panels, but IIRC if you get the package with BSM it swaps for color matched because the BSM sensor cannot see through the chrome.

 

Is there a story?

 

Story time for sure!

 

Interesting observation! thanks.

 

Honestly I don't intend to suggest stretching your budget, but for $5,000-8,000 more depending on options you could possibly get into a new one depending on how equipped you want it. Obviously a loaded one will sticker around $45-47k which I get not wanting to go that far. But with resale so strong, spending $35k puts you in a 2016-2019 with 35-75k miles. I have found a few that are under $40,000 but they are cloth TRD OR if that is okay.
In the end keep to your budget for sure, but Toyota is throwing out 3.99% which most banks are not able to compete with, rates being as shitty as they are.

 

Here is my feedback

First and foremost, there are more ways to use or need a truck than to hoon it on dirt. If you want a truck, and you like the truck you drove, buy it and enjoy it as you please. The Off-road is a fine truck to use on road, in traffic, or hauling the occasional bag of potting soil. If ya like it, buy it.

Less importantly, there are four different suspension groups available across the varying trims of the 3rd Gen Tacoma. Between that and the number of dashboard buttons to play with, those are your biggest immediate changes to the truck. It's why the OR drives differently than the Sport, which drives differently than the SR/SR5/Limited, which drives differently than the Pro/Trail. However, bear this in mind... Depending on how the previous owner used or abused their truck, the suspension may need replacing soon after your purchase anyway. Some shocks last 10-15 years, others last less than 5. It depends. So if you don't like the handling of your trim model, it is fixable. There's a small chance that it will need to be fixed even if you do like your suspension. Again, start by buying the truck you like, and if it needs fine tuned to become the truck you like even more, so be it.

Don't worry what the bed decal says. Most off-roads have never left dry pavement. Hell, my Dad just bought his second ZR2 Bison, and none of his cars have seen a single situation that even threatened to cause the tires to slip. Except maybe once. in the early 90's he tried to pull his sailboat out of the water with his Buick. That's a different story.

 

It is an option. More than I was approved for at credit union and dealer will only offer the 3.99 % for a 48 month term. That would be too tight of a payment for me. I do not mind cloth interior...as long as driver seat is power adjustable. There is a dealer an hour away with a 23 Off Road on the Lot. Not a lot of bells and whistles, only upgrade is tonneau cover and LED lights. Internet lady said they would credit the tonneau cover....it has been on the lot a while maybe they want to move it? The price is $43,171 and she alluded to crediting around 800 for the tonneau cover and already performed dealer etch of 189. So, for $42,371 I could have a brand new vehicle. Does that sound about what they are going for?

 

Where are you located? Are you willing to fly for a truck? All my local dealers were MSRP or MSRP + $1,000-2,000 of dealer accessories (not PIO, those come from Toyota and are on the window sticker. People here get confused easily). I found a truck at $3,000 off MSRP with a small dealer fee no etch or other mandatory crap. You can find deals like that out there all over.

One in STL for $2,500 off MSRP
One in California for ~$2,400 off MSRP
One in MD for $2,400 off MSRP

I suggest finding dealers in states that have capped doc fees (Texas for example is less than $200, Illinois is less than $350). Also get an OTD figure so they disclose the add-ons if they have them. Then be willing to give CC and fly out within a week. Makes a fun trip and the 2nd or 3rd fart will be yours not someone elses.

 

Thanks for posting those links. I have not seen them priced that low. I am in NJ and not willing to fly for a truck. Appreciate your enthusiasm tho!! There is a '23 in my area. Have been in market for used but driving a brand new 23 (test drive) it was an awesome feeling. Not yet decided on used or new but got them down on this new one to $41,250 plus the doc fee, nothing else hidden the manager was sure to emphasize that. It is a gray model with tonneau cover, sidesteps, mudflaps, and power front seats. I am thinking there could be a little more wiggle room in that deal.

 

I would take the one in Maryland to the dealer local, "I like buying local and if you can match this price I will buy from you" line would probably work out okay. Being there are a bunch of "turbo 4 is dumb" people around the last of the 3G will probably not be discounted once inventory dries up.