Prerunner or SR5? Stick or auto?

[findtheriver]

Well, my 1986 Toyota pickup has finally bit the dust. Not from wear and tear, but from getting hit in an accident. What a great truck.

So now I'm looking at Tacomas. I like the higher ground clearance of the Prerunners, but I'm wondering about the automatic transmission. Will these last as long as the manual transmission?

Also, is the SR5 model the same height (same ground clearance) as the Prerunner? I saw one on the road and it appeared to be the same. Is an SR5 with a stick essentially the same truck as the Prerunner with automatic? This will not be used for off-roading so I won't need 4x4 or TRD.

Finally, would it be wise to wait for the 2005 model? I've heard that the front grill is going to be changed to look more like the 2004 Tundra grill and that the doors will open differently (wing design?).

Thanks very much for any comments.

[grillmasterp]

First off - Sr5 does not mean the same thing as it did before 1996- Now Sr5 just means chrome bumpers, tach, AC, radio, etc.... Its just a Trim pkg- Has nothing to do with suspension or vehicle height- You can get an Sr5 2wd (non - prerunner-) 5-lug truck mini, or a Prerunner w/ Sr5 pkg etc....

- Prerunners are nice if you don't need or want 4wd, unfortunately they are ONLY available with an auto.

As far as auto vs 5spd- I wouldn't say one is more or less reliable- They will each have their native pros & cons.

2005 is a major redesign- 4.0 V6 should be available, it will also be wider and longer wheelbase- "midsize" like the Dakotas or the Colorado/Canyon, - rear access/suicide doors should be available on the Xtracab model. -

http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_li...5tacomaXrunner

Although , I like many of the the changes for 05- (4.0, suicide doors, etc...) I think the current frame width & wheel base make it a more nimble offroading platform.

[findtheriver]

Thanks for the reply, Grillmasterp. To clarify my questions:

I haven't been make it out to a dealership yet, but I've called a couple of places and seen several 2004s on the road. Here's what I've been told.

A Tacoma with a V6 engine is the same height as the prerunner. The 4 cylinder trucks are lower to the ground. So if I wanted a V6 with a stick, I'd have to get a Tacoma with the Sr5 package. Along with this package I'd have to get 4WD and the TRD package as well. Is this true? I'm really not planning on going off-road. All I really want is a V6 with stick that's the same height as the prerunner.

As for the 2005 major redesign: I've seen the changes that come with the X-Runner, but will the changes you mentioned (wider and longer wheelbase, new rear access doors) come with all 2005 models, not just the X-Runner?

I appreciate your help on this- thanks again

2005 is a major redesign- 4.0 V6 should be available, it will also be wider and longer wheelbase- "midsize" like the Dakotas or the Colorado/Canyon, - rear access/suicide doors should be available on the Xtracab model. -

[grillmasterp]

>>>All I really want is a V6 with stick that's the same height as the prerunner.
Then you're only option is to get a 4wd V6 5spd - unless you get a V6 Prerunner and swap to a manual tranny (its been done)


Not all 4cyls are low to the ground-
Tacos w/ tHe 2.4L Yes, But you can get the 2.7 on 4wd's or Prerunners

- You do not have to get the TRD pkg - because you can get a Non TRD - 4wd or Prerunner w/ a V6-

Basically - don't worry about the SR5 or TRD pkgs- they are just trim/option levels (although the Locker is nice)

- If you want a V6 non 4wd- you can get a Prerunner Xtracab or DoubleCab- HOWEVER, Prerunners are only available with automatic transmissions. So you'll have to step up to the 4wd if you want the 5spd & V6 .
Unless you get an X-runner - but that will be low

[findtheriver]

Okay, I think I understand now. Thanks a lot for the explanation.

[solaryellow]

If you can wait until October, the all-new 2005 Tacoma will be available in PreRunner models with 6-speed manual transmissions and 4.0 liter V6 engines. You'll also be able to buy regular length or long bed Double Cabs in PreRunners and 4X4s. The new dimensions mentioned in the X-Runner press release apply to all 2005 Tacomas.

[findtheriver]

Hey Solaryellow,

Thanks for the information. That 6-speed manual prerunner sounds great. Now I'm thinking about waiting...

[THarms]

If you are looking to buy new, I'd recommend waiting and getting the 4.0L w/ the 6-speed tranny in the '05. I have the 3.4L, 5spd in my '95 T-100 4x4 and IMO, the 3.4L is a little underpowered... especially if you want to do any towing. But the 4.0L should solve that.

[findtheriver]

Hi THarms,

I'm leaning toward waiting for the 4.0L, even though for my needs the current 3.4 would probably be enough (I don't do any off-roading or towing, but I do haul building materials).

I've heard there will also be changes in the front grill, hood and rear access doors. Can't wait to see it.

Thanks-