Need help deciding on a used Tacoma for off roading

I'm thinking about a used late model Tacoma that's good for off road use.

At first I considered a new Tacoma Trailhunter. There is a lot I like about it, but it will
cost me over $70k out the door. That's expensive for me, considering I'm paying for
a 2025 Rav4 hybrid that I recently got.

I know very little about Tacoma off road trucks, so let me ask...do they come with
front & rear lockers, and sway bar disconnect? Suspensions suitable for off road?

My budget is $40k or less. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

I purchased a used 2017 Off-Road a few years ago, specifically because it has the locker and crawl control. Other trim levels, other than a Pro won't have a locker. If you're not looking to add a locker, etc. the Off-Road has the best starting point. Just my opinion, Good Luck

 

I'd look for a used 2009-2015 TRD Off-Road.
Then add a manual Sway-Bar disconnect.
Add a front locker or or Helical LSD to the front.
And do the suspension.

That's about all you're going to get for a $40k budget.
But you'll have a GREAT platform to build off of......

 

Define what you are thinking of as "offroad use" be as specific as you can. Since you mentioned a new Trailhunter we will assume it needs to be road legal. But how much on road use should be clarified as well.

 

3rd gen TRD Off Road, comes with rear locker. 2018 and later years have fewer issues. 3rd gen better than 2nd gen off road because it has a bigger 8.75" axle with more reliable locker, better quality rear view camera, and no pesky manifold air injection system.

None of the Tacomas came with a front locker OEM. You can add aftermarket electronic or air lockers at additional expense.

 

I will give maybe a different perspective. How much do you or have you off roaded? It is not for everyone. I used to be part of NPORA, a Nissan off roading association. Off roaded a 92 Pathfinder, mostly stock, then built a 2nd gen Xterra. Like custom suspension, brakes, etc built. I much preferred taking the stock pathfinder. It could go pretty much anywhere the Xterra could, anywhere the other peeps in my local group could, and pretty much anywhere that a local jeep club I went out with could go. And, if I beat it up, it was a $2000 vehicle, no worries. I was always worried about damage to the Xterra. I found that going to off road parks, rock crawling , etc wasn't really my thing, but when I did the Washington back country discovery route, that was a blast. Discovered I preferred overlanding to off roading. Now, I don't do any of it. Sold it all for dirt bikes and keep my truck stock. Long story short, maybe buy something cheap and see what you enjoy doing before spending lots of money. Besides, a stock rig can go 90 percent of the places a built rig can go if you aren't worried about hurting it.

 

Heck, off road the 03 you have and keep your new vehicle nice

 

Thanks folks.

I want a 4x4 truck that will mostly be used as a recreational vehicle...camping, mountain roads, desert travel, and exploring off road trails.
No, I won't be rock crawling in Moab, but maybe traveling on rough dirt roads or gravel roads. Perhaps crossing shallow streams.
Mild to moderate off road use is what I have in mind.

But, the truck will also be used for trips to Home Depot or transporting large items (furniture for example). Not much as a daily driver as
I have my Rav4 hybrid for that.

The off road features I'm interested in are...front and rear lockers, sway bar disconnect, crawl control, and skid plates.
Maybe a Tacoma that's no more than 10 years old. I'm not really looking at making a lot of modifications. I'll buy A/T tires if needed.

About myself...I recently retired and now have time to explore off road. I currently own a 2003 Tacoma SR5 that I bought new.
It's the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. But it's only two wheel drive. I'm gifting it to my nephew.

 

Buy a gently used SR5 4x4 and go to town. That's what I did.

It's fkd up how fast one can add $40k of off roading mods to an SR5

A lot of fun tho


Forget about sway bar disconnect and crawl control. Hell, forget about a front locker (get a winch instead)

 

May I ask which trim level? And if the is a chance it has passenger seat lumbar support?

We have a 14 limited, but considering moving up.

 

Thanks, you make some good points, especially about stock trucks being very capable off road.

In the 1980s I owned a 1947 CJ2A jeep. It's the civilian version of the WWII jeeps. I took that off road and I had a blast! Tons of fun!
I'd like to recapture some of that fun and adventure, but with a more modern truck.

Besides a Tacoma, I have been giving strong consideration to the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon (or Rubicon X). But after spending a couple of
months reading Jeep forums and car reviews, I'm concerned about its reliability. Besides, a new Gladiator Rubicon will cost around
$60k to $70k.

 

What you listed as the use case is perfect for a stock truck. Unless you are really articulating the suspension, like rock crawling, sway bar disconnects aren't needed. I agree with @TacoDell60, winch over front locker. I did very similar driving with the '16 OR taco I had. I would go for a late second Gen, 13-15 TRD OR. Keep it stock, add some armour and a winch, and go from there. Use it and see if you actually need any other mods for what you are doing. Old enough that you don't have to be too worried if branches scrape on the body going down unmaintained fire roads.

 

Mine is a 2025 XSE hybrid. I bought it will all the options, or fully loaded.
No lumbar support on the front passenger seat. It has only manual adjustments.

But the driver's seat has lumber support and a few other electrical adjustments.

 

Yeah, but I want a really cool truck and have bragging rights!

But I understand, some of the off road features I want may never be used. More than what is necessary.

 

Sounds like my 2015 supercharged TRD “Pro” with many upgrades and Vagabond Drifter camper may be perfect for your intended uses. Send me a DM if the details in my signature interest you.

 

Meh. Our 14 is the same.

 

Likely be selling my 15 TRDOR this spring if I decide I like the vehicle I've been looking at. won't be cheap but it'll be the lowest mile 15 you're likely to ever find. It'll have a matching color cap to go with it.

 

Don't rule out a standard cab Tundra or F-150 especially for the added bed size for gear and stuff. A full-size standard cab short bed can still do very well offroad.

 

LR4. Go in style.

 

This information is helpful and gives me a good starting point. I'll start looking at used Tacomas from 2018 to 2022.