Should I trade in my newer 4x4 sport for off road

I know this topic has been covered endlessly but I want opinions from people who know these trucks….

Currently in a 4x4 sport with about 5k miles on the clock. Local dealer has new OR double cabs with almost 3k discount….which has me considering trading for the OR to get the locker and a color I like more (currently in MGM) before I start dumping money into the truck for mods. I find myself barely using the truck for “truck stuff” and wanting to do more off roading/adventure stuff with it.

Am I out of my mind for even considering this? Is it feasible to even get close to 40k for the truck at this point (CA market) Should I just stick with what I have and mod the truck with the understanding that I’ll be limited to some extent unless I add a locker (prefer OEM locker over having to add one from aftermarket).

Any clarity/advice to my situation is greatly appreciated.

 

The situation where you need a locker is few and far between. And if you are hardcore off-roading you will either (1) be doing significant upgrades to be safe on the trails solo or (2) with a group who can bail you out if need be.

But if you can get the money desired for your truck and upgrade to an OR, go for it. Peace of mind is worth something.

Also depends on location. Are you paying sales tax again on the new truck?

 

The 4x4 sport will get you essentially anywhere you want to go. I wouldn’t “dump money into mods” until you know what you need. You probably don’t need anything.

 

If i were your financial advisor (which I am not), I would advise you to stick with what you have. But then again, many financial decisions are emotional. Choose wisely and

Carry on!

 

Take trading it in off the table if this decision is financially motivated. Even if you sell it yourself, it's a money losing venture. It just depends on how much you are okay with losing.

 

An aftermarket locker can be had for much less than you’re going to loose. Keep in mind, the OR’s locker will only engage in 4L, and it doesn’t seem there’s a surefire way to override that limitation.
The OR shocks are decent, but if you’re really going to off-road and lift, you’ll be dumping them anyway.
Other things to consider; additional sales tax, property tax, higher interest rates.
As mentioned; the 4x4 Sport will go nearly anywhere the OR will, so if it’s just the locker,,, that’s a big N.O.

 

The real question is if you will be happy with yourself knowing that you always wanted the off-road version and a different color just to save some money that you can’t take with you when you die.

 

The locker was a must have for me when I bought my 2022 off road in June of 2022. 17 months later and I never used it.

 

Same!
It’s nice to know it’s there, but I’ve really only used it a few times and also to keep it moving. As expected; after buying some decent A/T tires, I rarely need to engage 4WD, let alone the locker.
As @whatstcp said, this sounds like OP looking for another toy,,,,, which is totally fine if money isn’t a problem.

 

I sometimes think about trading my 2020 TRD Sport in red for a new model in blue. But when I put a pencil to that deal, I fall in love with red all over again.

 

For the most part, work vehicle's are a "need", personal vehicle's are a "want". Does this scenario happen to you often where you purchase something and then have second thoughts? If money is not an issue, and you get what you consider a good deal, go for it. As other's have said, they wanted the locker and never used it. Me, I'd add the locker because I'd want to use it whenever I wanted, not just in 4lo. You also get crawl control with the OR, not many seem to use that either.

If it was me, I'd keep what I have.

 

I had a 12 tx pro and purchased a 18 off road. Rarely use the locker and crawl just to play. Haven’t had a have to where I needed it. I liked the truck and the 12 had been used hard, it was just a filler after my 08 was totaled by a kid running a red light.
I’m happy with the 18 got a great deal and it’s like buying a divers watch in case it gets wet doing dish’s.
I enjoy my ride gotta enjoy what you drive
Also welcome to TW!

 

Get it. It’s not just that the rear end is a locker…it’s also the 8.75” rear end which is much stouter than an 8”.
It may not seem like much, but even in fords, the 1” jump from an 8” to a 9” is an epic one as a 9” is a NASCAR standard.

For 2024 OR Tacoma I believe there is also a significant bump from 8.75” to 9.5”. That’s super heavy duty and basically what Land Cruisers use.

 

I don't think the resale value of a 3rd generation will go down at all for at least two years due to the engine. Wait a year before you change your truck due to a color you dislike.

 

No one has mentioned that the loss of the swewp will limit your sex life

 

I'm going to buck the curve here. Go to the dealer and see what they're willing to do. It's probably not going to be an even swap, but it could be close. See what they're willing to do. If its a lot, walk away.

 

There's no situation where anyone will see a proper return on investment with whatever the OR offers over what you have. What's the price difference? What will you be spending? How many hours a year would you be actively using the new parts?

If I added a locker to my truck it'd cost me probably $2000. I would actively use the locker - or NEED to use the locker - probably 6 hours a year. I cannot think of a place or time not having the locker would mean catastrophic results. That means without a locker I may have to use the winch, or get pulled out or use traction boards or digging - but I cannot imagine a situation where I'd be otherwise stuck w/o the locker.

What others have said about the rest of the suspension holds weight - think about actual use vs what the word 'need' means. Here's a double-locked jeep going up a hill (and the video is cut - he was trying for twice the time in the vid) vs me, in a SR5. Note - we both had the same make/model tires. His were 33" by 11.50-ish, vs my truck's 33x10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWuRHxCxQDc

That vid is not proof. It's one example where I thought I'd need a locker, but instead i used the truck's wheelbase and picked a different line and that made the difference. If I couldn't make it up that portion, I'd rather have winched or been pulled and save the $2000 for more weekend trips, gas, maybe an ebike or atv to fart-around in. Eventually I'll get a locker, but only when I have $2k laying around burning a hole in my pocket.

It's your money, it's your life, and do what makes you happy - just understand the true value of things that are cool.

 

Many of us regear or contemplate regearing. It’s especially useful for AT. Adding a locker at that time is straightforward. And locker anytime is a frequent topic and now has some harness options. Easier to locker anytime with an Eaton than the Oem locker.

The sport has some advantages over offroad and the suspension is a likely upgrade candidate either way. Some people go nuts over the hood scoop. Stock 17” wheels allow more clearance for brakes and have plenty of 32-33” tire options.

Color is probably the only thing you’d have a rough time changing, though a wrap can potentially do something there.

 

This. Get what you want or you will always struggle with what could have been. Your user name suggest you are partial to roundels. If I know German car people, you are particular and it will 110% impact your overall satisfaction with your mode of transportation.

 

I've got an OR. Rarely use the locker. but it's nice to have when needed. I wanted a sport but when I saw the Quicksand, it just happened to be the color I wanted. I purchased more for the color than the locker. Best of both worlds!