Why the TRD love?
 

Could someone explain to me the attraction of TRD parts? It appears to me that some of these parts are more expensive but no more functional than other aftermarket parts. I don't understand. *brain spins in neutral/no forward motion*

TRD parts holds its value. TRD parts gets discontinued at a certain period

once they are discontinued, they are like GOLD

i remember selling a 20 year old strut bar for $1000 before

The parts are more expensive, and at best equal quality to other brands .. often just rebranded, but they are the works parts and have a nod of support from the factory = legit. Same as STI or NISMO or whatever.

I will give it a shot since I am also building up a TRD 86.

In order to understand what is the hype with TRD parts, you have to first understand the concept of a factory tuner. For JDM cars, they are:

Ralliart for Mitsubishi
Nismo for Nissan
Mazdaspeed for Mazda
STI for Subaru
TRD for Toyota
and in some case Mugen for Honda.

For European cars, think M Motorsports for BMWs and AMG for Mercedes.

A factory tuning program is like a "special, high performance model" directly from the car manufacturer and to some people, this is how the car should be. Sure, the parts are more expensive compared to other non factory aftermarket parts, but almost no other aftermarket manufacturer offers a complete tuning program. While a TRD equipped vehicle (in this case the 86) does not necessarily outperform (both power output and handling characteristics) another 86 equipped with non TRD parts, the authenticity is what a TRD owner is the most proud of, not pure performance.

In terms of Toyota, TRD has a long history of releasing tuning packages for their vehicles (and not offer them directly off the factory with all the parts already assembled). the TRD 2000GT is a factory tuner program that transform a 2nd generation MR2, and the TRD 3000GT is the equivalent for the Toyota Supra :)

These vehicles, when completed with authentic parts, are collectors' items and if well maintained, can yield high dollars :)

Because Racecar !

Because Racecar

Thanks brianlo622, you have explained it well.

The downside for us is that the JDM parts are not really recognised by Toyota AU. From what I have read in the states most of their dealers will support TRD branded parts as if they were oem.

I like TRD because they are "factory tuner". They may be manufactured my other companies, but they are designed to specifications from TRD and tested extensively by TRD. They are very high quality parts, and not to say that other stuff isn't, but they don't release pieces of crap.
Most of the TRD stuff is trivial these days, but in the old days (AE86) TRD made REAL performance parts. extractors, camshafts, pistons, headgaskets, valve springs, etc.
The only things they do for the 86 that will improve performance (and that doesn't just mean power) is coilovers, strut bar, bracing, brake pads, LSD, and (arguably, as the benefits are slim at best) and air filter, if it's a cold night maybe....
Also, people like TRD because they have an opinion of their own, and just like a different brand to someone else ;)

Lots of overpriced stuff. Maybe the price makes it more lust worthy