TFL Truck Says Not to Buy a New Tacoma TRD Pro: Video
There’s good low-mileage and then there’s scary low-mileage. This 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser seems like the latter.
I’ve been watching The Fast Lane Truck since the channel got started a few years back, and while I’ll admit that some of the videos the guys put together can get a bit goofy, I always enjoy them. So before we get too far here, I want to say that this headline is a little misleading. Our friends over at TFL Truck didn’t put together a segment trashing trashing Toyota trucks, as even a quick glance over the content they’re created over the past couple of years proves they’ve big fans of the brand.
Instead, this video is focused on how you can save a little bit of coin if, instead of opting for the the TRD Pro, you opt for — drumroll please — another Toyota! Yup, in this clip, Andre goes through all the reasons that many off-road fans might be able to get all the performance they need, and save around $10,000, by opting for the Tacoma TRD Off Road.
As someone who tends to automatically gravitate toward the most expensive variants of products I’m interested in, whether they be cars, cocktails, or computers, I was pretty interested to see his take. Because while you can likely hear my home stereo from the moon? Sometimes I think I buy more capability than I need.
So while the snorkel — let’s face it — looks amazing, and will clearly allow your truck to ford deeper waters, some bits, like the Goodyear rubber and the skid plates on the Off Road, are pretty much comparable to what you’ll find on the pricier Pro. Obviously, the Fox shocks which come with the range-topping truck are quality units, sourced from a legendary company that’s synonymous with off-road performance. But as Andre points out, the less expensive Bilstein units aren’t exactly bargain bin equipment, and will be more than a match for whatever most buyers will decide to throw at them.
Also, if you’re looking to do a bunch of mods, you might be better served by going with a cheaper initial truck, and choosing aftermarket bits buffet style. The longer bed of the Off Road might actually come in handy if you’re looking to build an overland rig too, so there’s plenty to think about when considering making the jump to a rig that’ll set you back around $50k. Now admittedly, this buying strategy isn’t exactly new. But it’s still interesting to get an expert opinion of differences between trim levels.
So watch the video and let me know what you think. And when you bought your truck, did you go for the TRD Pro or the Off Road? What made the difference? Hit me up and let me know!
Photos: Toyota