TRD is DEAD

It's not a matter of getting mad, for me it's a matter of practicality. I had/have no interest in tearing apart a brand-new vehicle to make it into something I already own/built. My VW Thing is probably the most trail-capable vehicle I own; but I also have ~25 years of off-road experience so that comes into play as well.

 

I had the exact opposite experience when I bought my Taco. Maybe it's because where I live Taco's literally fly off the lots but my experience buying my Taco was the most low-pressure car deal I've ever done. But I also had done my homework ahead of time; I knew exactly what I wanted, I shopped dealer inventory's on-line until I found it, I made an appointment to see it (had to back then, because of COVID the dealer where I bought my truck was only open for appointments). Truth be told I would have been happy to upgrade to a Pro but the truck I selected was waiting for me when I got there, I drove it, we made a deal and they delivered it to my house two hours later.

 

I think the entire thread just serves to point out that a 4WD SR5 is plenty capable for 99.99% of us who occasionally commute to work in a few inches of snow or take our kayaks down a gravel road to a put-in point.

I'm sure there's a game warden in Saskatoon who needs a front skid plate and locking rear diff to do his job. And even more folks who go off-roading as a weekend hobby who appreciate the differences between an SR5 and a Pro.

But for most of us, an Off Road or Pro is just a trim level, no different than a Camry SE or XLE.

This whole debate reminds me of the people on a similar watch forum who brag about their dive watch with 1000 meters of water resistance when it'll never go deeper than the deep end of a swimming pool.

Blame ego, testosterone, etc.

 

you mean, she would have left you if you bought a SR

 

I have a feeling that TRD will just be the American Toyota tuning brand and Gazoo will be mostly Japan. Problem is, TRD doesn't really do much. I think TRD should focus on developing just for Toyota trucks and SUVs as those sell the best in the US. Let Gazoo hold the reigns when it comes to the tarmac and cars.

 

Gazoo is coming to USA. GR

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a32434970/toyota-gr-hot-hatch-usa-confirmed/

 

we'll see. That article is from a year ago and I still havent heard anything about a GR model in the US.

I would REALLY like to see a V8 from TRD since they are still in NASCAR (super improbable, I know).

 

I like the Yamaha tuned V8 in our ISF. Fantastic machine. GR Corolla is on its way.

 

Probably so!

 

Let's be honest, TRD and Gazoo are just names for trim levels now.

A "Gazoo Off Road" pickup truck sounds ridiculous. Toyota would be wise to stick with TRD for trucks and SUVs.

"Gazoo Racing Edition" Camry or Supra sounds better.

But Gazoo sounds too much like kazoo for me to ever take it seriously. Maybe people in Japan don't share that association.

 

Bill you gotta get out of Kansas a bit more

For the discerning USDM crowd, such as yourself, Toyota is badging the high performance cars with "GR"

 

"What do you mean you didn't get the $7000 skid plate and badges!?! The neighbors are going to think we're peasants!"

 

Trust me, I'm trying. Counting down the days until we can leave.....

 

The TRD/ GR history lesson was really cool, great video!

A few folks in this thread are putting words into the mouths of TRD OR/PRO owners. Insinuating those purchases are "ego" or "image" based. Trim levels are not statements about who a person is and ego issues they might have.

If you applied this stupid conversation to a toilet paper purchase you'd have people telling me I bought Charmin Ultra Strong because of my ego, and your commercial grade single ply is really the logical solution because you paid 30% less and you can just fold a few squares together to get the job done. Man - I just like wiping my ass without tinkering with aftermarket modifications. I know the single ply can get the job done. I just like the extras my Ultra Strong has with it, hahaha.

 

Don't forget to keep that ass warm with your seat heater

 

I heard about TRD downsizing about 3 years ago from a reputable Toyota employee. I was told TRD will be more of a “selling point” in the future. Guy was like you will see less TRD teams in the off road department and more focused on NASCAR and other main stream racing.

3 years later, I’ve seen less TRD on dirt, and only more TRD sponsored teams on NASCAR...


Looks like this dude was right.

 

That one is interesting. I always wondered why TRD wouldnt want the Supra in the Cup series as a flagship racing vehicle, but I've read they're committed to Camry being manufactured in the US and as a result, using that as a flagship vehicle in NASCAR Cup Series. Supra BR would have undercut Camry as a 'foreign' vehicle in an American racing league. Wonder how long that lasts if BR continues to gain steam and see success?

 

I am just expressing my opinion you're getting bothered by it lol.

There is no animosity or chest thumping behind my post.

And you're right we all have our preferences.

=)

 

Thats debatable

I did a lot of online research before covid took its toll on the inventory of these trucks...all the dealers i checked had at least a dozen or more tacoma on their lots. Only issue none were what i wanted. Dealers wanted me to take something else which likely would have been a good deal to be made, but i was stubborn, and didn't budge on what i wanted. The final dealer i ordered my truck through never asked if i wanted something else, only what my 2nd color choice would be. We just negotiated over phone, and fax what i needed to get this order done.

 

If you think your getting something very special by having the trd badge, you been reeled in by toyata's clever marketing schemes...Yeah you get a few spiffy extras, but in reality its the same basic truck many of us own by another trim. Btw charmin works pretty well to, but you need to be careful not to let it clog your toilet.