Why In The World TRD?

This. 4WD isn't that expensive.

According to IIHS data, you are twice as likely to die in a Tacoma 4x2 than a 4x4.
http://www.iihs.org/externaldata/srdata/docs/sr4605.pdf

 

$3K + $3K = $6K

The difference in insurance between a 2WD Tacoma and a 4WD Tacoma is $750 a year. ?

 

Or 4k + 4k. It's all depends on how much he drives. Point is its A LOT of money to buy a 4wd "just in case". Like I said earlier I have owned 3 different 2wd trucks the last 12 years and never once needed 4wd. I don't off-road and don't plan to, its boring. I ride and race dirt bikes so my truck gets me to and from riding areas as well as hauling tools and lumber for work. Had I owned 4wd trucks I would be out a ton of money for nothing. Just my 2c for the OP who says he has no plans to off road.

 

Yeah , I don't care if the OP gets 4x4 or not

 

OP is getting the double cab automatic. EPA milage difference between 4x2 and 4x4 models is negligible: 1 mpg in the city and nil on the highway.

If the OP drives 75k over 5 years (which matches up with the EPA's fuel cost calculator), OP would spend just $150 more per year in fuel with the 4x4:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=34410&id=34406

 

As long as he gets a DCLB I'll be happy

 

For me it was the body color bumpers , and the seats are a little more comfortable IMO .

But all can easily be upgraded

 

Go to the stealership and see what you like the best, hell you may end up going green in your new Prius?

 

The only thing I would change about mine is I wish I had your mirrors

 

I don't know where you guys bought your trucks from, but every "Build Your Own" I have done comes with color matching bumpers front/rear and over fenders when I choose SR5 package.

I also get why some of you have suggested to get a 4x4 for S&G's but I seriously do not need it. I just need to get a couple of mountain bikes to trailheads. Also down the road a bit, the jet ski's.

About the locking rear diff... some of you make it sound as if I don't have it I will lose the truck in the lake at the boat ramp? Seriously? That last "seriously" was an honest question - not sarcasm.

I guess in the end, I can't see financing beefed up TRD options if I am just going to change out all the cool TRD stuff (shocks springs etc.) anyhow.

I think I am on the right track! Again, thanks for helping the noob!

 

Why do I NOT need a 3" lift? I would like to keep the suspension geometry kinda close to toyota spec. They probably know what they are doing.

This guy is my inspiration so I just assumed I need to do it?

 

I just got the base 4x4 which was hard as hell to find since I figured out all there extra fees for upgrades I would change out anyway.

 

If that guy is your inspiration, you need a sport with color matched rear bumper, color matched grille, and hood scoop.

 

Zip,

If you don't plan on any off roading then a 2wd will be just fine. I had a 2011 2wd and never had any issues with it. Went to Colorado twice and made it around just fine. It snowed almost every day we were there back in March and I went everywhere I wanted to go. I ended up with a 4x4 because I just decided one day that I wanted one. If you plan on doing suspension upgrades the only thing you'll be missing is the interior which, like others have said, is very nice.

Good luck with your purchase. Either way you'll be getting a good truck.

 

Sweet! Thanks B.Turner

 

one of the good reasons for 4x4 is slippery boat ramps. I've trailered and launched boats for over 2 decades around Florida...and a few times I was sure glad I had that 4x4 switch.


and if you get off the pavement on to the sand you are usually done. around here the sand is like sugar.


my $.02 = I'd rather have a less equipped SR5 4x4 than a 2x4 TRD, I'll take the mechanical equipment over stickers and wheels and a few other goodies (like "upgraded" seats, I thought the seats in my SR5 were just as comfortable as the ones in my current Sport)

 

With all due respect, interesting how many topics quickly become a "be a man and get a 4x4".. OP asked about TRD vs. SR5, and that's about it.. Not 2 vs. 4.

Many need 4x4 and many don't. I don't "need" it, and I go fishing and other stuff I need to do just fine. If I really need to, I go with someone who has straps and can be a bigger man and allow them to pull me out. . Lol.

OP, if you really need it in the future, you could always add a rear locker or possibly LSD, so in that case, do how you see fit. .

 

The advice I gave was 2WD only... and suggested he consider an OFF ROAD TRD to have a rear locker... 50-50 power split between both rear tires, the least chance of being stuck. I did say if he didn't, at least with a 2009+ SR-5 he would have AUTO LSD, which is the next best thing to a locker... AUTO LSD= electronic traction control limited slip.

If you have traction problems with either 2WD system, then let the air out of your tires to about 10-15 psi...

 

The only time I have used my rear locker was when I was pulling my boat out of a gravel launch this summer. Glad I had it, steep, very loose boat launch.

These were the biggest reasons I paid for the TRD package:
-the seats
-the locker
-the nicer, big tires and rims
-the tow package comes with it
-AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, I just am not the kind of person that ever "mods" or alters their truck. I leave it stock, so I bought it the way I wanted it.

 

DCLB TRD SPORT FTW....