Why In The World TRD?

Hey everyone I am new to the site, so thanks in advance for all the research material! I am finaly ready to pull the trigger on getting a new Tacoma DC and I have a scenario I would like to describe in hopes of purchase advice.

1. Most importantly I live in Orlando, FL and have little plans to adventure anywhere I would need 4WD, so I have decided to do 2WD.
2. I will upgrade to 18" wheels/tires, 3" lift. (because of the wheels)
3. I will completly redo the stereo and don't care about nav.
4. Whatever trim I end up getting I will have the tow package just in case. Jet ski's or what have you. (Nothing huge)

So my question is... Why would I buy a TRD version vs an SR5? What have I missed here in the forums that hasn't already pushed me toward TRD?

Thanks for all your help!

 

Interior trim and seats are different in the TRD. The seats are more comfortable in the TRD my opinion. You don't need the TRD though, it's just personal preference in your case.

 

^^ If that's the difference, get the better seats.

 

If you do go with the TRD-Offroad, then you get a rear locker which could come in handy.. Depending on where you launch your boat/ski from that could/would help.

Sport gives you the color-matched bumper/handles and the hood scoop (that at least gives the impression of 100+hp increase..lol)

 

Why not get 4wd? I mean I have it and I rarely use it but it is nice in case I need it plus you get stuck once and you will wish you had it.

 

Thanks for the quick replies. I drive a 2002 Nissan xterra 4cyl 2wd now and I haven't gotten into trouble yet. I think just getting into a 6cyl with a tow package will be just enough for me without having to go full TRD.

I will however look into the comfy seat situation. Had no idea their was a difference.

 

Just bought my 2014 DC Prerunner Sport. I spent a LOT of time going over the different trims, packages, etc. I decided to go with the TRD Sport primarily for aesthetics. No chrome bumper (I dislike chrome on trucks), color matched sideview mirrors, hood scoop. It also comes with the 17" rims, which have a little bit higher value when you decide to sell them.

There's also the suspension to keep in mind, but since you're gutting that too, it doesn't matter all that much. So, it's going to boil down to whether or not you like the look the SR5/offroad package, or if you like the Sport trim enough to justify the extra bucks.

 

I have the TRD OR package and love it. I wheel my truck a lot and the power outlet in the bed (comes with TRD package) comes in handy when airing up tires. Sounds to me like you would be just fine with the SR5 model. the only thing that would be nice is when pulling jet skis out of the water it's nice to have the rear locker the TRD OR package delivers. And it comes on Prerunner trucks as well (non 4x4).

 

You don't need a TRD. Save the $$ and buy the SR5.

 

A lot of people who save $$ on not having 4WD do get a PreRunner Off Road TRD for the locking rear differential... which divides power equally to both rear tires. Otherwise, when one rear tire gets off firm ground, it will spin and the other does nothing.

2009+ Tacomas do have AUTO LSD, an electronic limited slip which may get you unstuck by braking the spinning tire so power is shared with the other... But, nothing is as good as a locking differential if your 2WD gets stuck or has to get through something that would cause issues for lesser traction trucks.

IF you do opt for a SPORT or SR5 and not get the OFF ROAD, then remember that lowering tire pressure by 50% or more is a great trick to get unstuck in sand... as well as keeping your momentum up, and never spin tires when you stop moving forward.

 

Because you get the cool bedside stickers

 

Because he lives in Florida and doesn't need it. I've have 2wd tacomas and 2wd titan the last 12 years and never once needed 4wd. I live in Ca, ride and race dirt bikes and still have never needed it. Why get less MPG, pay higher insurance and a higher up front price for something he does need? That's like tossing away 10k over 5 years just "in case" you get stuck once

 

I'd rather have an SR5 4x4 than a TRD 2x4



and the seats are different...but better is subjective.

 

$2000 / year to own a 4WD vs 2WD ?

 

I live in Florida and almost every truck I've owned has been 4x4. and 4x4 is not a 10K upcharge.

 

Like I said, over 5 years. 4-5k up front cost, 1-2mpg less gas mileage for 50-100k miles depending on his driving habits, higher insurance rates and most likely more maintenance.

 

He doesn't need a 3" lift, but he's getting it. There are plenty of places in Florida to make good use of a 4X4. But the OP doesn't want it and that's good enough reason.

 

about 3K for the 4x4 upgrade in a Tacoma

 

Ok, so 7-8k over 5 years. Why if you don't need 4wd would you spend that? He specifically said he doesn't need 4wd.

 

Take some time and do some math. 3-4k upfront cost, 3-4k for gas if he drives ~75k miles over the 5 years. Add in extra insurance costs and possible some extra maintenance and it's right where I said it was.