which Toyota Tacoma Pickup?

J

JeremyKS

New member
Im going buy a used tacoma 4x4 pickup 05 or newer and want to know which one to to get. This pickup will be used for normal highway driving along with hunting.
The way I understand it is the SR5 is more less the base model and the TRD is the offroad package with the locking rear diff. Would I be better off with the TRD if I plan to hunt out of it or will the SR5 work for me?
Thanks
Jeremy Gugelmeyer
 
Jeremy, 05+ is a little out of my preferred price range, I do cheaper vehicles, but I've owned and sold several dozen Toyota trucks. I recommend them highly.

I don't know if it still holds true, but the SR5 is a trim package above the Base trim. They didn't used to have TRD, and it went Base, SR5, then the 4Runners went Limited. Within each trim designation there's LOTS of variation too. For instance, an '04 Tacoma in identical condition can run from $8000 all the way well over $20k. (Base model, 2wd, reg cab, 5 speed, 4 cyl, AM radio... Up to Fully Loaded, Power everything, Auto everything, 4x4, Quad Cab, leather, Sunroof, etc...) The packages vary wildly.

The SR5 should be a really good package, and you should look closely to see what you actually gain by going TRD over the SR5, especially if it's a multiple use vehicle, getting lots of highway use like you describe. The Racing Development package might not do you much good for the money.

Good Luck! Excellent Choice!
 
If you really want a good locking diff, by the cheaper of the 2 vehicles and just put in an after market locker. Much Better in MY opinon. I have an 01 tundra SR5. It goes just fine, but a locking diff would be better.
 
Elks and I have the same truck (2001 Tundra) only mine is a TRD Limited. Don't go thinking I'm crazy, I purchased the truck used in 2005 for less than half what is listed for new and it only had 55,000 miles on it. However, I am a big Toyota fan myself. I would still have my 1997 4Runner if that log truck had not run me off the road. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif It had 157,000 trouble free miles on it. I've also had an Avalon I sold with 275,000 miles on it.

In my opinion the TRD trucks ride is rather stiff and bouncy. I'm sure it's all in the springs and shocks, but I would opt for the SR5 version. As a matter of fact, if I were to go purchase my next truck this afternoon it would be a Tacoma SR5 double cab 4x4 short bed. My buddy has a 2006 long bed Tacoma Sport and I like it except the goofy fake hood scoop.
 
I drive an 01 dbl cab trd offroad tacoma. Get the trd OFFROAD (trd sport comes with only a limited slip) if you dont plan on modding it. The locker is plenty strong and i believe it is made by eaton. Now if you do plan on modding it, just get the sr5 and put selectable lockers front and rear, some good coilovers up front and a new leaf pack out back. Then you would have yourself a sweet taco.
 
Jeremy, you'll love the Tacoma for your intended purpose.

It used to be Deluxe (base), SR5, and then Limited (too frilly).

I've never owned a TRD (pronounced "TURD", so I hear) but I suspect that you'd be just as well off with setting the truck up yourself.

I'm a little dated but it used to be that Northwest Off-Road was the best place to get off-road performance parts and upgrades for anything Toyota. They knew Toyotas better than anyone.

I'm a huge fan of Toyotas - I've had several of the earlier trucks, a 4Runner, and a T100. My next vehicle will be a Tacoma.
It is too bad what they have done to the Tundra - too many bells and whistles, compete with the domestics, etc.... Not what Toyota does well. too much crap to break and it puts them in about the same reliability category as the domestics.

The best one I ever had was a 1982 diesel with full plastic interior. You could clean up after the best weekends ever with nothing more than a shovel and a garden hose.
 
Back
Top