Can a 2013 trd sport off road?

Update: Thank you everyone for your replies. As it stands I’m a first time buyer besides my 04 xB I bought with cash. I appreciate all of you for helping me through this process and won’t be following through with this truck.

My family owns a 20 raptor a 150 and a GX and I want to try and keep up. I’ll be patient and wait for a 4x4 to pop up in Vegas!

(original post)Howzit guys Been in the market for a mid size truck for a while now and love the idea of a Tacoma. I seen a decent priced 2013 Tacoma trd sport. But it’s a sport so will that mean I won’t be able to do light off roading with it? What should my expectations be as far as being able to go through sand, mud, or snow with a 2wd.
Here’s the truck. He asking 21k with 70k miles. What you think?

 

Not all TRD Sports are 2WD if that’s what you’re assuming. Unless the particular one you looking at is? I’ve read of 2WD trucks making it on sand but momentum and tire pressure is key. Those tires look decently wide to help on sand, but I wouldn’t count on it in mud or snow for sure. I personally wouldn’t risk taking that one off road

 

I don't see a lot of info on that truck, but I do see some red flags and personally wouldn't buy it if I was looking for an off-roader. As a daily that occasionally does fire roads, snow on road, or packed sand, talk him down a few $$$ and go for it.

I get worried any time I hear "structural damage" - you need to make sure you know what you're getting in terms of vehicle condition and title.

With the 20" rims on 33s you don't have too much sidewall: that limits your ability to air down to make things more comfortable off road or get unstuck in sand/rock.

A 6" lift can put more stresses on the frame, but not an issue with mild to moderate off-roading.

2WD/no locker means you have less options for getting traction back once you lose momentum, but if the truck makes you happy get it checked by a trusted mechanic, throw some traction boards in the back, weight in the bed for snow, and go have fun with a buddy.

 

Hard pass

 

Welcome to the forum Caleb Jon
x2 on the hard pass.

 

As a 2wd owner, I’d pass on this too.
I’ve taken mine on some moderate trails and it’s handled snow fine, but I have a rear locker which I think makes or breaks the deal.

 

A bone stock 4wd sport will get you a long way, and a lot of places. 2wd not so much. The primary functional difference between a 4wd sport and OR is a rear locker. A locker is Definitely helpful when the going get rough, but not an absolutely necessity.

 

There are other factors that play into offroad ability including driver skills but unfortunately on that particular tacoma, the drop bracket lift and tire combo would be negatives. Buy a 2nd gen 4WD tacoma within your budget and go with a 3" lift and a tire /wheel combo with more side rubber if you want to offroad.

 

If you want to off road then get a 4wd. You want to go through mud, snow, sand then get a 4wd. You can lift it, put big aggressive tires on it and do a number of other mods and make it look like a big tough 4wd but it’s all for looks. It’s still a 2wd and very limited off road capabilities.
A 4wd Sport will take you seriously off road. I have an idea you are interested in this truck because it looks cool with the lift and big tires. I’d pass on this truck. Get a stock or mostly stock 4wd Truck and do the mods yourself or have them done. You can run into big problems on a lifted truck depending on what lift package was used, who and how it was installed etc. etc. Pass on this truck and look for a 4wd, then do what ever mods you want.

 

Not a drop bracket lift, that's a spindle lift according to the ad

 

Can it, well yes... should you is a whole different debate all depends on what you’d use it for. I’d rather get a clean 4wd and be done with it.

 

I think I’d pass too. With a 4wd truck you have the option to be in 2x or 4x but with 2wd that’s your only option. The only thing that really would allow you to get through sand, snow, mud, ect In 2wd is momentum. Problem is going fast in these conditions isn’t very safe and and generally beats the crap out of your truck.

 

My bad, thanks for the correction. Regardless, still not an ideal lift. Top plate spacers and 4" rear blocks not the route you want to go.

 

Six inch lifts are for Bros.

Pass on this one bro.

 

Agree to all the posts above; start with basic requirements you can't add yourself (4WD) and then build out from there. Don't be distracted by the subpar lift and big tires; move along from this one...

 

Yes you can absolutely off-road in 2wd. Driver skill will take you a long way. You will get it stuck eventually but that happens with everything. My father always told me “4wd just gets you stuck deeper” and I have certainly buried myself places I couldn’t have gotten too without 4wd. If off-roading is your goal I’d get a 4wd. You may not use it much but when you do you’ll be happy to have it. Like others have said I’d pass on this truck for other reasons(mostly the lift and wheels). My advice to you would be decide if you want a 6 foot bed or a 5 foot bed first, then find yourself the best deal you can on the nicest 4wd you can. After that go wheel it for a while. More time on the trails will tell you where you want to spend your mod money first. It will probably be tires which usually entails a lift. Don’t get too hung up on the fact that the off-road has the rear locker you won’t use it as much as you think. I’ve used mine twice in 3 years. Also: depending on where you live be very aware of the frame rust issue and check it thoroughly. Best of luck and welcome to TW.

 

I have a section of the road I cut on my land that’s pretty steep. When it’s raining that dirt is as slick as snot and in 2wd I just spin the tires. I even have the TRD/OR locker which helps but it’s still a struggle. Pop it in 4WD and it climbs the hill like nothing. So yeah get a 4x4.

 

2 hard no go's for 2 wheel drive off road, mud , sand.