Tacomas, which model to buy to mod

[unsung]

I have decided to refocus my outlook on a vehicle to buy and after attempting to find the right LC to no avail I'm starting to look at Tacomas. This will be used as an expedition vehicle for exploring the western part of the US, notable Colorado and Idaho and we will be finding the ghost towns and other cool places. We will also use it as a base station to be able to do two night hikes out of without the need to return to town for resupply. Truthfully a defconbrix build would be my dream goal, but I have to start somewhere. That said I know I'll replace the suspension and add armor and swap the bumpers, etc. so I want my money to be used in the best way possible. With the numerous trim levels I was not sure in which to go after, I don't believe it makes much sense to spend the money on a TRD Pro if I'm going to swap everything out, does it? Or is that the best path? Should I go after an SR5 instead? I'm considering MY 2013-2015 for now and looking to keep the mileage under 30k. I'm guessing the interior options would all be the same. I definitely have decided for the quad cab and shorter bed.

Sorry for what might seem the easy questions to answer, I'm coming from the Jeep world (had three TJ's and I know these answers there) and have decided to get into a truck for a little extra cargo room. Thanks!

 

[gmtech]

for those criteria for price and year should just buy new if ur planning on keepin it for a while.
we have a 15 double cab sr5 on my lot with 40k milage they want 32000 for. 2 grand less than I paid for my 16 TRDOFFroad with 5 miles on it.

id go with same truck with long bed if I went again. I do the same thing with my truck that I think you want to do with yours. but im going to keep mine stockish. maybe sliders but that's it.
my dad has a 2011 Tacoma and I like the ride/features/quietness of mine better. :costumed-smiley-007

 

[DaveInDenver]

I think the 2008 and 2009 are the best options. In general they are all mostly reliable, so low mileage and good condition win out over various years and configurations. However...

Earlier ones, 2005 to 2007, have more widespread frame rust issues and a known weakness in the engine mount brackets that was beefed up in later frames. That frame reinforcement was a running production improvement in model year 2007. From 2008 to 2015 the frame was unchanged. There is a fair to high chance a 2005 to 2007 will have a new frame under the service campaign. In that case the frame will be new and of current production, so that moots the point. My truck is included in the frame replacement campaign but wasn't rusty and wasn't eligible for replacement.

Toyota changed the piston design in 2012 in the 4.0L V6 that had led to more piston slap, so the 2012 to 2015 engines are just now getting enough miles to see if this will be a long term issue. These trucks also have an air pump in the emissions systems that earlier trucks do not (at least my 2008 does not). This pump is just kind of a headache it sounds like.

The 2009 and later have A-TRAC, VSC, LSD and integrated back up cameras. More electronic junk to eventually fail. The trucks with VSC have a complex electronic brake booster/anti-lock master cylinder. The pre-2009 non-VSC trucks have a traditional vacuum booster, the anti-lock controller is completely separate and is easy to defect just pulling the fuse. The 2005 to 2008 trucks have these systems as options still.

That's why I specifically looked for a 2008 and 2009 TRD. I got the vacuum booster M/C and electronic locker without getting most of the nanny systems. If you get a non-TRD that has a limited slip it was mechanical from 2005 to 2008. In 2009 it became an electronic LSD using the TRAC/VSC system.

FWIW, if I didn't find a TRD I would have zero issue with a plain SR5 or even SR because the only TRD-specific stuff that I still have is the locker and the 120V inverter in the bed. The inverter, meh, and the locker could easily be solved with an Air Locker or e-locker retrofit. Otherwise the TRD got me fender flares that are color matched, whatever, and some bed-side stickers (which are slated for getting removed at some point, I'm definitely NOT about the flashy). I had a laundry list of things I was looking for, V6, 6-speed stick and being TRD just meant less work installing the locker.

 

[unsung]

So TRD for the locker but that's not anything I couldn't do. Prob go for SR5 then to save a few bucks.

The new thing did intrigue me, now that I know I don't need a TRD I might explore that path if I cant find an older model as described above. There definitely seems to be more availability over the LC's. Thanks!

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[andrew61987]

How many people are you bringing along? If it's 1 or 2, definitely look for an Access cab or maybe Regular cab. That way you can have the longer 6 foot bed without the super long wheel base of a DCLB. Regular cab probably better if you plan to do a lot of more technical terrain because its wheel base is so short, but that extra cab room with suicide doors you get with Access cab is pretty nice to have on trips making it in my opinion the most ideal for your purposes.

That said I'm going to paste up something that I posted a few days ago in another thread. It mostly applies to newer used trucks except for they had the 4.0 V6 up until 2015.

Just gonna throw my two cents in.

If I was going to start with a new vehicle to bug out in it would certainly be a Toyota but it would NOT be a TRD. Entry level base model Tacoma 4x4 with 4 cyl and 5 spd transmission has an MSRP UNDER $25k.

Step that up to a TRD and you instantly jump 10 to 15 grand. The only relevant item this gets you is a rear differential locker. It also gets you a brand new and completely unproven 3.5L V6 which is getting complaints.

The 2.7L 2TR-FE in the base model 4x4 has been in the Tacoma since 2005 and is proving to be just as legendary as any other Toyota 4 cylinder going back to the mid 80s. It's used in commercial vehicles including the Hilux throughout the world and is bulletproof. You can then take that $10k-15k and get yourself not only the rear locker that you're missing, but if you want, a front locker, on board air to control it, 32 or 33 inch tires, 4.56 or 4.88 gears to make that 4 banger unstoppable, top of the line leaf packs, adjustable front coilovers, fully optioned camper shell, or whatever other things you have in mind. Even if you don't want these mods (I realize you said you didn't have a bunch of things in mind) it's still a ton of money saved. This setup would blow any similar cost TRD setup completely out of the water on the trail. I personally wouldn't consider any other approach.

Basically the newer it is the more you'll save by sticking with non-TRD 4 cyl 4x4 which you can then deck out beyond TRD levels with the money saved.

 

[MiloMinderbnder]

The 2009 and later have A-TRAC, VSC, LSD and integrated back up cameras. More electronic junk to eventually fail. The trucks with VSC have a complex electronic brake booster/anti-lock master cylinder. The pre-2009 non-VSC trucks have a traditional vacuum booster, the anti-lock controller is completely separate and is easy to defect just pulling the fuse. The 2005 to 2008 trucks have these systems as options still.

That's why I specifically looked for a 2008 and 2009 TRD. I got the vacuum booster M/C and electronic locker without getting most of the nanny systems. If you get a non-TRD that has a limited slip it was mechanical from 2005 to 2008. In 2009 it became an electronic LSD using the TRAC/VSC system.

I understand the disposition to avoid electronic stuff, but A-TRAC is awesome.

 

[PirateMcGee]

I have decided to refocus my outlook on a vehicle to buy and after attempting to find the right LC to no avail I'm starting to look at Tacomas. This will be used as an expedition vehicle for exploring the western part of the US, notable Colorado and Idaho and we will be finding the ghost towns and other cool places. We will also use it as a base station to be able to do two night hikes out of without the need to return to town for resupply. Truthfully a defconbrix build would be my dream goal, but I have to start somewhere. That said I know I'll replace the suspension and add armor and swap the bumpers, etc. so I want my money to be used in the best way possible. With the numerous trim levels I was not sure in which to go after, I don't believe it makes much sense to spend the money on a TRD Pro if I'm going to swap everything out, does it? Or is that the best path? Should I go after an SR5 instead? I'm considering MY 2013-2015 for now and looking to keep the mileage under 30k. I'm guessing the interior options would all be the same. I definitely have decided for the quad cab and shorter bed.

Sorry for what might seem the easy questions to answer, I'm coming from the Jeep world (had three TJ's and I know these answers there) and have decided to get into a truck for a little extra cargo room. Thanks!

Buy a stock auto extended cab SR5, put some nice all terrains on it in a stock size, a camper shell, and a sleeping platform and go. No need for suspension, bumpers etc. if you are trying to use your money in the best way possible.

 

[04dblcab]

These trucks are very capable even stock. I know people "mod" their stuff to perform well and want the truck to look good, but I know plenty of people, myself included that don't have $10,000 to throw at a truck and expect it to out perform every other vehicle on the trail.

If you're worried about miles, you should stick to your Jeep.

Maintain your Toyota and it'll get you anywhere you want to go.

 

[Clawhammer]

Why not get a first gen that's had the frame replaced? They did a bunch of them and it's a proven platform. Alternated, I notice 4Runners are considerably cheaper than Taco's so that might be something to consider.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I understand the disposition to avoid electronic stuff, but A-TRAC is awesome.

I don't argue that, from what I've seen it works very well. It may be even better than a locker when you compare all aspects. By this I mean it's actually controlling wheel spin and that's huge. We had a 2005 4Runner for about a year (got sold for financial reasons) and it had VSC, TRAC, etc. We never 'wheeled it hard but that system was love/hate with me. It really did keep you stable and in control on snow but that one time in 10 didn't outweigh for me the frustration of it cutting engine power and pulsing the brakes right in the middle of an intersection when I tried to accelerate from a stop sign and forgot to disable it. Argh!

However in my context it's about reliability and I felt the benefits to me did not outweigh the downsides. For example bleeding the brakes is more involved, the diagnosis of brake issues is more complex, there's more parts that interact. My goals may not be the same as the OP, which were to replace a 25 year old truck with another that I need to keep around for a long time as well. I know it's unlikely the Tacoma will last 25 but, I dunno, maybe. And being able to repair (both normally and trail-side) it myself for years to come was relatively important.

 

[collk22]

Start with less than you think you need and let your build evolve from there; seems like many people overbuild compared to actual use / needs (myself included). The defconbrix build is certainly drool worthy, but that trends more towards the 'unlimited budget' type build that isn't achievable for most of us. You can go old-school / basic and have a very comfortable and capable rig. Desk to Glory's build is a good example as is Devon Barker's build: https://adventure-journal.com/2016/03/devon-barkers-1994-toyota-farm-truck-turned-papa-smurf/

If it were me in your position, I'd probably start with a TRD Pro and go from there; more bells and whistles than generally needed with OEM fit/finish/quality.

Good luck in your search / build.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I disagree about the TRD Pro. I've never found the stock suspension on any Toyota I've owned to be sufficient for either ride or cargo capacity. I bought my Tacoma with 42K on it and the original TRD suspension was borderline uncontrollable on washboard empty or full. With a regular camping outfit it was riding on the overload leafs all the time. I think somewhere between a little and a lot of suspension modification should be expected for vehicles like we use them.

So I would start with the minimum and build up, all things being equal.

Unless you mean the current TRD Pro, which has a FOX suspension on it. That probably rides great (I'm running 2.5 FOX coil overs and Dakar/FOX 2.0 rears). Although I can't imagine in any reality paying $45K for a Tacoma.

Since I was buying used I budgeted accordingly. I was also buying a 6 speed without question and when I was looking (early 2015) finding new V6, 6 speed Access Cabs proved difficult. That's actually what I wanted since the price difference was pretty small compared to any used TRD. But I was on a waiting list at my dealer for about 4 months (wasn't in any major hurry) to get an SR5 if one came in. Toyota was apparently not building many while they shifted production to the 3rd gen, so when this TRD popped up I jumped on it rather than wait any longer.

 

[unsung]

How many people are you bringing along? If it's 1 or 2, definitely look for an Access cab or maybe Regular cab. That way you can have the longer 6 foot bed without the super long wheel base of a DCLB. Regular cab probably better if you plan to do a lot of more technical terrain because its wheel base is so short, but that extra cab room with suicide doors you get with Access cab is pretty nice to have on trips making it in my opinion the most ideal for your purposes.

That said I'm going to paste up something that I posted a few days ago in another thread. It mostly applies to newer used trucks except for they had the 4.0 V6 up until 2015.



Basically the newer it is the more you'll save by sticking with non-TRD 4 cyl 4x4 which you can then deck out beyond TRD levels with the money saved.

Good info, lots to consider with all of these replies. I definitely want four full doors, have big dogs and it would be much easier.

 

[unsung]

I disagree about the TRD Pro. I've never found the stock suspension on any Toyota I've owned to be sufficient for either ride or cargo capacity. I bought my Tacoma with 42K on it and the original TRD suspension was borderline uncontrollable on washboard empty or full. With a regular camping outfit it was riding on the overload leafs all the time. I think somewhere between a little and a lot of suspension modification should be expected for vehicles like we use them.

So I would start with the minimum and build up, all things being equal.

Unless you mean the current TRD Pro, which has a FOX suspension on it. That probably rides great (I'm running 2.5 FOX coil overs and Dakar/FOX 2.0 rears). Although I can't imagine in any reality paying $45K for a Tacoma.

Since I was buying used I budgeted accordingly. I was also buying a 6 speed without question and when I was looking (early 2015) finding new V6, 6 speed Access Cabs proved difficult. That's actually what I wanted since the price difference was pretty small compared to any used TRD. But I was on a waiting list at my dealer for about 4 months (wasn't in any major hurry) to get an SR5 if one came in. Toyota was apparently not building many while they shifted production to the 3rd gen, so when this TRD popped up I jumped on it rather than wait any longer.

There's a TRD Pro, and there's a TRD off-road, I'm getting confused. Right now I'm looking at a 2015 Off-road.

There has to be a good site that explains the differences based on MY.



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[unsung]

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trd-pro-vs-trd-off-road.436091/

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