Which model '08 Tacoma to buy???

[Oskar Pilot]

Hay all! I've just signed on looking for some experienced advise on how to spend my hard earned cash!!

I need a new Taco to build into one for Expedition travel. I've been lurking here for a while and have read a lot of posts on the different builds you all are doing, the things you all like and don't like.

Well, I'm in the process of selling my '03 Ford and intend on buying an '08 Tacoma Access cab. Looking at the options one can get on these...now here comes the big question:

Which one do I buy? Yes, thats what I said, which one?

Spec me out the perfect new Taco so I can build my Expedition model...and while were at it answer me this: Why a Taco? Why not a new Frontier??? Uh-oh, did I say a bad word here???

Sport or off road? I read about the cool stickers and over priced wheels in one thread so, I get that that option is garbage...

Ok, I guess you pros should understand my question, so I'll leave it at that.

Thanks! This is the coolest group of off-road enthusiasts I've come across since the Advrider.com guys!

Take care, Walt

 

[HMR]

Didn't realize the Sport package was considered "garbage" by some.

I love my Sport but if I were buying a new "Expedition" Taco I'd probably go with the non-Sport TRD for 2 reasons: 16" wheels and rear locker. There are more tire choices available for 16" wheels (I switched from the Sport 17" to 16" a few months back). The rear locker will work better in situations where one rear wheel is in the air. I'd also recommend the towing package (is that available on the non-Sports?). I have the towing package and like the trans cooler, bigger alternator and bigger battery that's included. All of those items could be added later but you could also throw an ARB locker in the rear of the Sport.

FWIW- I'm not a hardcore off-roader like some here but with 47K miles on my '05 (zero commuter miles) it's probably been to more places/trails in N. America than most and I have yet to regret purchasing the Sport.

Welcome to Expo!

 

[Schattenjager]

I love my 05 TRD SR-5 Access Cab Tacoma! It is comfortable, reliable, gets pretty darn good gas milage, does everything I need and is very well thought out in design and function. I chose the access cab over the four door because - for me - it is MUCH easier to use than walking around an open door to load / unload gear. Also, it holds just about the same volume of gear. The four door's rear seats eat up a lot of room. And I don't have enough friends to put back there anyway. The German Shepherd travels under the Snug topper in supreme comfort.

All this said, it is a horrible off road vehicle. Even with the TRD locking rear diff, the front IFS setup is SO limiting that you must pick your trails very carefully. Granted I came over to the wonder of Toyota after years of Land Rover ownership, so i am a bit spoiled by superior off road rigs. I four wheeled year in Colorado - many times with Bill Burke - and for three years more in Alaska - some of the toughest conditions you can imagine. The new Tacoma's are easily embarrassed with anything more pronounced than a big speed bump. I know this gonna stir the pot a bit, but I feel like I have adequate experience to offer my opinion in print.

Now, with all that behind me, I would never consider getting rid of the truck - it is so awesome in so many different ways. I just wish I could afford a second expedition-only rig.

 

[crawler#976]

Buy the TRD Offroad - the locker and tow package are worth every penny. The upgraded seats are nice too.

If you plan on using the truck, take off and relocate the trailer wiring - it's $180.00 from the factory to replace it...

My major complaints with the new Taco's are size and visibility.

Size wise it's not really any smaller the the first generation Tundras, yet isn't nearly as roomy inside. Forward visability is poor at best. Cresting a steep hill is truely an adventure... While it's not nearly as large as a full sized truck, it certainly isn't quite as trail freindly as the older Taco's.

The stock suspention is OK, but it really does benifit from being upgraded. With upgraded suspension (aftermarket coil overs, add-a-leaves or new rear leaf springs) the TRD Offroad is a capable wheeler. You gain rear flex that makes up for the lack there of in the front.

Mark

 

[Oskar Pilot]

HMR, I didnt mean the sport was garbage...really. it has been noted in one of the threads that the "off road" is because its just overpriced black wheels and a fancy sticker...

Wasnt tryin to slam any of your trucks in any way!!! Sorry!
Walt

 

[adrenaline503]

As far as "why not a Frontier' goes, thats pretty much preference. I have a 2004 crew cab long bed, all I can say is that truck is LONG. The new model Frontiers have had a problem with the front diff gernading, some people have gone through more than one. That might be do some rough offroading, driver skill or a design problem. Its most likely a bit of all three. I would just test drive them all a few times each. I think I test drove 12 trucks before choosing mine.

 

[HMR]

HMR, I didnt mean the sport was garbage...really. it has been noted in one of the threads that the "off road" is because its just overpriced black wheels and a fancy sticker...

Wasnt tryin to slam any of your trucks in any way!!! Sorry!
Walt

Hold on...
(sound of feet running)
OK... I just went out to the garage and gave my truck a hug. All is well, again!

I forgot about that new "Off Road" package with the bling wheels. I haven't seen one, yet, in person. If the upgrades are only cosmetic I can't imagine that it would be a good choice for what you want to do.

Another thing to consider: how extreme do you plan to go with your mods? Think about your need for lockers, trail armor, winch, etc. If I were going to build a totally tricked out Tacoma, I'd probably start with the cheapest SR5 4x4 I could find. No sense in paying for "upgraded" Toyota bumpers, suspension etc. if you're only going to change it out for aftermarket goodies. What are your bare essentials? For me it would be A/C, auto trans, cruise control and bucket seats. You could take a fairly stripped SR5 and add dual lockers, full armor, suspension, etc. Just depends on what your goals are for your rig.

If you haven't seen it already, check out heeltoe989's Tacoma build to see some fun/functional options.

 

[AZTRD]

I have owned both the last and now current generation (08 dble cab TRD). You will appreciate the amenities and comfort of the 05-08 Tacoma trucks. The factory rear locker on the "off road' package is especially valuable. I have put mine to use quite extensively without complaint. The build potential and after market support is reasonable as well. You may also want to take a look at ttora.com as an additional resource for information. Good luck with your purchase!!

 

[Jacket]

All this said, it is a horrible off road vehicle. Even with the TRD locking rear diff, the front IFS setup is SO limiting that you must pick your trails very carefully. Granted I came over to the wonder of Toyota after years of Land Rover ownership, so i am a bit spoiled by superior off road rigs. I four wheeled year in Colorado - many times with Bill Burke - and for three years more in Alaska - some of the toughest conditions you can imagine. The new Tacoma's are easily embarrassed with anything more pronounced than a big speed bump. I know this gonna stir the pot a bit, but I feel like I have adequate experience to offer my opinion in print.

This is just bad, misguided advice. You have personal issues with your truck that you should not project onto others. There is WAY too much evidence that points the other way.

To the OP:

The long wheel base is the one factor that makes this truck struggle on certain obstacles (but on others, makes this truck way better than 90"). But that is no secret.

Otherwise, for an off-road, overland rig, you can't do much better. I agree with the others that the factory-warrantied, field-proven Toyota e-locker is a wise investment. And for me personally, the TRD package also brings with it the sport seats, which are very nice for traveling and sitting in your truck all day.

 

[Streakerfreak]

Well, I am not having any problem with my NON-Trd Model. Most of us are modding the truck anyways and tossing a lot of the trd off road stuff any ways (getting better shocks for instance) If you have no plans to put and ARB Locker on it then get the TRD OFF ROAD. But if you plan on up grading the shocks and putting on an after market air locker then there is no need to pay the extra unless you really got to have those nicer seats:shakin:. I am just joking with you Jacket, no worries.

The TRD Sport is a very good rig too. It is just tuned a little differently then the SR5 like mine or the Off Road Package, plus that non functional but cool looking hood scoop.

Your thinking of the new "advanced" version of the Off Road TRD by the way. Same truck just useless bling. Don't waste your money on that version.

Which ever version you get, you will get a tried and true off road rig, that is very capable off road no matter what others say. I love there size and visibility is very good for me. It's better then my pre 05 Frontier, but that might just be my body size I guess.

Oh and take a new Frontier out for a spin before you lay your money down on a new Tacoma. They are almost on par with the Tacomas. Nissan is doing a great job and if I wasn't driving my new Tacoma, I would be driving a new Frontier instead.

Most of us have build threads in our sigs. Take a look at them to give you ideas and help with your decision.

 

[Dave Bennett]

All this said, it is a horrible off road vehicle. Even with the TRD locking rear diff, the front IFS setup is SO limiting that you must pick your trails very carefully.

I totally disagree, and many Portal Members have seen my truck in action and have marveled as my truck followed the same lines as Jeeps and Defenders with ease...

I love my truck and it takes me anywhere I want to go within reason (it will never be a rock crawler for instance).

I highly recommend the TRD Off Road for the locker and the upgraded seats. The level of comfort in this generation of Tacoma is phenomenal, especially on long road trips leading to a trailhead. Once at the trailhead, the real fun begins

 

[heeltoe989]

XXX10 Tacodoc

I love my 06 Double Cab long bed, the best truck I have owned, its a TRD without e-locker, I have ARB's front and back. Love them too. My Taco kicks the hell out of my friends LR3 Landrover in just about any off-road situation that we have both come across. He has allot of problems with it and it seems to be in the shop all the time. I had considered buying one when I was looking for a new rig, and I'm sure glad that I went with my Tacoma. It's way more reliable and way more powerful for pulling and hauling. Landrover says the new LR3 can pull 7700lbs, but I wouldn't pull that much weight with it

I wouldn't trade it for anything out there.

My 2 cents!:26_7_2:

 

[Overland Hadley]

HMR, I didnt mean the sport was garbage...really. it has been noted in one of the threads that the "off road" is because its just overpriced black wheels and a fancy sticker...

Wasnt tryin to slam any of your trucks in any way!!! Sorry!
Walt

It is the TRD Off Road Rugged Trail that has been the topic of another thread.

The Rugged Trail adds some stickers, black wheels, black fenders, and thats all.

 

[richard cabesa]

Hold on...
(sound of feet running)
OK... I just went out to the garage and gave my truck a hug. All is well, again!

I forgot about that new "Off Road" package with the bling wheels. I haven't seen one, yet, in person. If the upgrades are only cosmetic I can't imagine that it would be a good choice for what you want to do.

The package yoiu are refering to is call "Baja" and it is all cosmetic. Almost the same exact wheel just painted/coated black, and a different sticker The only funtional item is an extra skid plate.

Another thing to consider: how extreme do you plan to go with your mods? Think about your need for lockers, trail armor, winch, etc. If I were going to build a totally tricked out Tacoma, I'd probably start with the cheapest SR5 4x4 I could find. No sense in paying for "upgraded" Toyota bumpers, suspension etc. if you're only going to change it out for aftermarket goodies. What are your bare essentials? For me it would be A/C, auto trans, cruise control and bucket seats. You could take a fairly stripped SR5 and add dual lockers, full armor, suspension, etc. Just depends on what your goals are for your rig.

I researched the stripper/SR5 option and it didn't pay. It only worked out to about $1300 less than the Off Road. No locker and I couldn't live with the seats, Upgrading those items would have cost a bunch more. I really wish it would have because I really liked the fenders and bumper being black instead of body color.

If you haven't seen it already, check out heeltoe989's Tacoma build to see some fun/functional options.

That's a nice truck :nod

 

[Overland Hadley]

My vote would be for the TRD Off Road, with the tow package.

(and yes, that is exactly what my truck is)