sertguy
Observer
Did Toyota make same changes mention above to the 4runners as the Taco's in 2008 and 2009? Have the same question as the OP but for 4Runners. Thx.
Tacomas, which model to buy to mod
- Thread starter unsung
- Start date
Did Toyota make same changes mention above to the 4runners as the Taco's in 2008 and 2009? Have the same question as the OP but for 4Runners. Thx.
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
The TRD option originally was the addition of the rear locker and an upgraded (over base) suspension using better Bilsteins. In the 1st generation, 1996 to 2004 that was it, just "TRD" option on top of the regular SR5 stuff (which was convenience, bucket seats, color matching stuff, etc.).
With the 2nd generation, 2005 to 2015, and now with the 3rd generation Toyota made that original list of parts into the TRD Off Road, which is the electric locker, yellow Bilstein shocks, transmission cooler, chrome bumpers, etc. That is the one most here would want. Toyota also added a TRD Sport, which has the non-functional hood scoop, color-keyed bumpers. Both of these start as SR5-grade, which gets the regular nice stuff, color matched fender flares, better radio, etc. The Sport is more aimed for looks but has a limited slip, so it's not a bad truck.
I couldn't tell you definitively which gets the A-TRAC, VSC and all that. I think both of them do. The locker is Off Road only. Also the TRD trucks get the 120V inverter in the bed and usually a tow package.
Recently (I think 2014 or 2015) Toyota started making a TRD Pro, which is the TRD Off Road with factory installed lift and tires. It's supposed to be a turnkey off road truck and it probably is but the price IMHO does not justify the parts. You can get a used Tacoma and make it just as good as the Pro for a lot less. Heck, a brand new SR or SR5 truck plus a high end lift kit and tires would still be cheaper than a Pro, forgoing just the stickers and special grill.
Yes, it's very confusing. IMO on the used market for overland, 4WD, exploring you want a SR (which is the base), SR5 or perhaps a Off Road. The Sport doesn't get you anything you need off highway and the price is usually going to be a little higher than the SR5 and the Pro is just too new and too expensive to be of any real value for what you get.
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
Don't know. I can tell you the 1GR-FE in the Tacoma was always only the single VVT-i while the 4Runner and FJ Cruiser got dual VVT-i in 2009 that made more HP and torque. My understanding is the 2012 changes were in the bottom end and if I had to speculate probably would be true of all 1GR engines. But I would also not be surprised to hear it was only the Tacoma since engines for it are made domestically while the 4Runner and FJC were and are still Japanese-made.
unsung
Active member
Right now I've narrowed it down to a new 2017 TRD Sport or a 2015 TRD Sport with low miles. I decided to go that route for the few added features over the SR5 and I do not want the TRD off-road because of the elocker as I want to go with air lockers.
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DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
I've had Air Lockers. I prefer the electric lockers personally even though on paper they are weaker. There's nothing wrong with ARBs so much as I prefer the e-lockers, in my experience they are less hassle and maintenance. I didn't need most of the junk on the TRD OR either but wanted factory lockers so it all came along for the ride. If Toyota offered a stand-alone locker option on the SR I'd have already put my money down on an Access Cab with the Utility Package, which deletes the rear jump seats and a bunch of plastic trim. LOL. I'm just here ripping out all the stuff that makes my truck worth anything and throwing it in storage.
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Chris Sandstorm Fj
Observer
2013 Tacomas with 36k miles are reselling for 30-33k.. If that is your year range, maybe consider a new Tacoma, I got a 2016 for 36.5K with 6 miles...
Greenbean
B.S. Goodwrench
Seems folks like the color matched parts of the TRD Sports, I do sometimes.
One benefit to the 2nd Gen aka (2015) is you can order the factory FJ style rubber flooring. It may be vinyl. But it was a port option in 2013-2015 I think.
Deleted the carpet and replaced it. Ain't cheap but if I had a 2015 I would do it in a heartbeat.
The 2017 is going to get you a few nice upgrades by my standards. I appreciate Toyota adding the locking glove box finally, and the tailgate assist is slick.
Just little things. 2015 will have two sunglass holders in the roof. 2017 just one. The redesign is slick IMO. I am not sold on the 3.5L six with the 6-spd yet but it does seem to shift more to keep engine RPMs lower to give better fuel economy. I personally like the 4.0 but it's mainly because it's related to the 4runner, lol...
Both vehicles have the factory weld nuts in the roof for 4-feet or platforms for a factory roof rack or aftermarket. Both will have side rails in the bed,
The 2015 will have one against the cab, it can be purchased and added to the 2017 if needed. many have done this.
Most dealers order their V6 trucks with tow packages. Be sure it has it. It's worth the 650 premium they were in my area to have the trans fluid cooler installed with the hitch and wiring from the factory. Again my personal opinion.
The 2017 is going to have the MID in the dash. A nice trip computer/information center. I like it and it it's on SR5 models and above. Seems it also can show independent tire pressures now also.
Yes the used Tacomas hold their value well. Usually for another 2-3K max in my area you can have a brand new truck vs the used ones. However I love my 2015, BUT it's a 4cyl 5-spd model I had to order and wait for four months. Now the wife and I are trying to start a family and are looking into a DCSB. I really want a 2014 or 2015 TRD OR because I have a TechDeck, mirror risor, Relentless bed bars for a RTT, and a Toyota tool box that I want to all swap over and none of it will to the 2016 and above. Go figure...
Good luck, nice thing is either truck is going to be a great vehicle for you.
One benefit to the 2nd Gen aka (2015) is you can order the factory FJ style rubber flooring. It may be vinyl. But it was a port option in 2013-2015 I think.
Deleted the carpet and replaced it. Ain't cheap but if I had a 2015 I would do it in a heartbeat.
The 2017 is going to get you a few nice upgrades by my standards. I appreciate Toyota adding the locking glove box finally, and the tailgate assist is slick.
Just little things. 2015 will have two sunglass holders in the roof. 2017 just one. The redesign is slick IMO. I am not sold on the 3.5L six with the 6-spd yet but it does seem to shift more to keep engine RPMs lower to give better fuel economy. I personally like the 4.0 but it's mainly because it's related to the 4runner, lol...
Both vehicles have the factory weld nuts in the roof for 4-feet or platforms for a factory roof rack or aftermarket. Both will have side rails in the bed,
The 2015 will have one against the cab, it can be purchased and added to the 2017 if needed. many have done this.
Most dealers order their V6 trucks with tow packages. Be sure it has it. It's worth the 650 premium they were in my area to have the trans fluid cooler installed with the hitch and wiring from the factory. Again my personal opinion.
The 2017 is going to have the MID in the dash. A nice trip computer/information center. I like it and it it's on SR5 models and above. Seems it also can show independent tire pressures now also.
Yes the used Tacomas hold their value well. Usually for another 2-3K max in my area you can have a brand new truck vs the used ones. However I love my 2015, BUT it's a 4cyl 5-spd model I had to order and wait for four months. Now the wife and I are trying to start a family and are looking into a DCSB. I really want a 2014 or 2015 TRD OR because I have a TechDeck, mirror risor, Relentless bed bars for a RTT, and a Toyota tool box that I want to all swap over and none of it will to the 2016 and above. Go figure...
Good luck, nice thing is either truck is going to be a great vehicle for you.
unsung
Active member
Walked out of the dealership tonight because I wasn't having any success with the salesman. I had already called and spoke with someone else who quoted me a price and even said there's more wiggle room, except she wasn't in.
Then I requested an assembled in USA instead of Mexico and they acted like I kidnapped their kids. They can order me one, but it'll take 6-8 weeks. I said no problem, but it was to them because my price that was given to me only applied to the truck on the lot.
I said that we would go home and talk about it and get back to them. The manager then asked me what needed to be talked about? I almost told him none of his business but I said we'd get back to them.
I'm calling that lady tomorrow, these guys were terrible to deal with.
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Then I requested an assembled in USA instead of Mexico and they acted like I kidnapped their kids. They can order me one, but it'll take 6-8 weeks. I said no problem, but it was to them because my price that was given to me only applied to the truck on the lot.
I said that we would go home and talk about it and get back to them. The manager then asked me what needed to be talked about? I almost told him none of his business but I said we'd get back to them.
I'm calling that lady tomorrow, these guys were terrible to deal with.
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unsung
Active member
Another thing there's a premium package that includes climate control, but it also has parking assist with the sensors in the bumpers. Change out the bumpers to something a little more off road worthy and then you lose the parking assist. Too bad dual climate control isn't a separate option.
Price was $40k out the door.
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Price was $40k out the door.
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dman93
Adventurer
New 3rd Gen 2016 and '17 TRD Sports come with 18" wheels. If you really want to add a locker later and do any serious off-road, you'll need to replace those with 17" or 16", since I believe that an off-road-worthy 18" tire (i.e. LT rated and 70-75 aspect ratio) will just be too large in diameter for clearance, or the stock gearing.
Also, and this is just my opinion now, a new '17 is probably better value than used '15. I went through all this over the past 12 months, looked at several used 2nd Gens, and lucked (?) into a used 3rd Gen with just 5K miles. In that case, there was a slight discount from new, I still got "free" service for the next 20K miles, I got the CPO warranty which is actually better than new, and I didn't have to wait several months for the dealership to order a similar truck. So I think it was worth it. But I saw used '14's and '15's going for just a few grand less than new, in many cases with enough miles to be past the bumper-to-bumper portion of the warranty and with 80% worn tires and brakes. Or I looked at '09's with questionable mods and 100K miles for 75% of the price of a new one. So in the end I "plus one'd" myself into a new truck, then found this one which had just been taken in trade when I went to the dealer to look at new ones.
Also, and this is just my opinion now, a new '17 is probably better value than used '15. I went through all this over the past 12 months, looked at several used 2nd Gens, and lucked (?) into a used 3rd Gen with just 5K miles. In that case, there was a slight discount from new, I still got "free" service for the next 20K miles, I got the CPO warranty which is actually better than new, and I didn't have to wait several months for the dealership to order a similar truck. So I think it was worth it. But I saw used '14's and '15's going for just a few grand less than new, in many cases with enough miles to be past the bumper-to-bumper portion of the warranty and with 80% worn tires and brakes. Or I looked at '09's with questionable mods and 100K miles for 75% of the price of a new one. So in the end I "plus one'd" myself into a new truck, then found this one which had just been taken in trade when I went to the dealer to look at new ones.
p nut
butter
There are plenty of tires available for 18's. Lots of people wheel with that size. 32's and 33's available with plenty of manufacturer support.
