TRD Off Road Question

I am in the market for my first Tacoma. I see a fair amount of TRD Off Road Trucks available. I do not go off road. I mostly drive to work and back on the freeway. The TRD Off Road seems like the top of the line with all the bells and whistles, so it costs more. It seems like I am paying more and there is more stuff to go wrong with this truck for someone who doesn't really need it (locking diff, skid plates, etc).

Thoughts?

 

If you want the top of the line, but without going off road, look into the Limited, or Sport, in that order.

More appearance stuff than off road toys.

 

You could certainly save some money if you just got a 2wd base model if you don't plan on doing anything major. But I don't know how easy it will be to find exactly what you want, seems like 90% of the trucks are either a sport or off road. From what I've seen is that cab size seems to have the biggest factor on price.

 

If you are driving it just to work and back, why are you thinking about a truck? These get horrendous gas mileage and if you dont require a truck, get a commuter car. If a truck is your preference even if you don't intend to use it as a truck then go for a prerunner TRD sport.

 

I want a truck for getting mulch, 2x4s, plywood, etc. I have a 2003 Ranger, it's time for a new one. I agree about the gas mileage. I want a 4x4 for the snow in Ohio.

 

I would test drive a Sport and Off Road to see which would fit your situation better. I guess you could always drop down to a basic 4 Cylinder 4x4 too but that may or may not have enough power to satisfy you.

 

I believe MPG for 4 banger 4x4 and V6 models is almost identical.

 

Get a truck bro

 

If you want to drive in snow get the off road package. It has a locker.

 

Don't use the locker on road in slippery conditions. Open diffs have better on road traction and stability.

 

Not quite.

 

I didn't need a TRD but I liked the thought of having that capability if needed..plus it looked cooler.

I drove mine daily to work, 35 miles each way for 5 years. I got a car in April so the TRD is only occasional duty until it gets cold again. My car has summer tires.

Let me say though..I don't have a job that requires a truck. Same as you..home projects, junk yard trips, gun range, drum kit..stuff like that. I don't know how I got by without it before. And in the snow and mud this thing is an ANIMAL. I have BFG AT's on it and it goes anywhere. We've had a couple nasty storms and I'm a public utility employee so I have to go in. That truck goes..no questions asked. Have I used the tow package? No. Bed power outlet? No. Locking diff? Twice. Once to pull a BMW out of a snow bank and once to pull some bushes up. It's a great truck and although the TRD-ness wasn't a necessity, I'm really glad I got it.

 

Locked diff is not recommended in snow/ice

 

Only if stuck, and even then you're better off with kitty litter and a shovel.

 

True, I should've elaborated a bit...if you're stuck it could very well help you get unstuck but you definitely want to turn it off once you get going. I had an auto locker (Detroit) in my Prerunner years ago and while it was awesome off-road, it was a little scary to drive on rainy days around town. If it decided to lock up on a turn you had to be real careful or you risk losing control of the rear end. Best thing to have for snow/ice is just plain ol' 4wd and maybe some traction control like the auto-lsd. And some kitty litter haha.

 

Why is someone who lives in Tampa Florida giving advice about snow driving?

Unless you do a small modification, the electric locker won't engage in hi range anyway..... Besides, a locker is a liability rather than an asset in snow/ice.

 

Dont worry about the extra items being more things to go wrong. The only issues that may pop up is some people submerge their trucks in water and the electrics in the locker actuator can corrode and stop working. Its a simple fix if it happens, but it doenst sound like youll be doing that. Also the locker should be exercised atleast once a month to keep it free. These trucks have great reliability. There may be some annoyance issues, like vibrations if you mod, but overall these trucks will run forever. If you buy used, just make sure the frame is in good condition.

 

I traded in my Pre Runner OR for a 4x4 OR because I needed it in the snow occasionally getting to the house. Plus, using it around the gravel, rocky road is better when/if needed. More of an insurance deal but well worth the money. I love it! I also don't do any "off roading" and my 18-20 mpg is just fine.

 

The locker isn't useless in the snow. If you need torque, it's what you need. The 4wd can't transfer as much power to the ground. When I pulled that Z3 out of the snow bank last year I started in 4 low and got nowhere. The locker pulled with no problem. But yes, driving on the road wouldn't make sense. Only 2 wheels working at identical rpm's at a max of 5mph isn't gonna cut it and would be unsafe at times.

That guy in the Z3 was nuts. After we got him free he took off in a 2wd roadster like a bat out of hell on a completely empty interstate that looked and felt like frozen icing on a cake decorated by a four year old. Meanwhile I'm not going over 40 in 4 high.

 

Because I am also from Canada and own a farm up there. Did you ever consider that or are you a typical myopic american that never travels more than 100 miles from the place they were born?