4x4/4wd or Pre-Runner TRD?

I'm new to this board, and looking for a Tacoma. I did a search and found one post relevant to my topic but I need a little more help from everyone else.

First, I'm looking for a Double Cab model. Second, I want a V6. Third, I will mostly use the truck to tow my fishing (12-ft aluminum) and play boats (17-ft open bow) around--I don't expect to be off-roading too much, and I don't live in a snowy area.

I just want to know what you guys would recommend, since I can't find a TRD 4x4 double cab in my area. The thread I found recommended the guy get a 4x4 standard and if he wanted the rear locking diff, he could add it on later. Should I feel the same way? I know I won't be using the 4wd often, but it should help me a lot when I'm pulling my boat out of the water. I'm torn.

Thanks for the help.

 

I can't say much - cuz I've never pulled boat out of the water.

But, I would think a Prerunner TRD Offroad with the e-locker would be fine for what you need it for.

You can add a locker to a non-TRD truck, but you're probably better off getting it upfront & having a warrantee on it.

Are you looking at new or used trucks?

 

Sorry, I'm looking for a used 01-04 Tacoma. Thanks for the reply.

 

id for thr 4wd just in case u need it
-ya never know

 

yeah, a 2wd will pull a boat outta water, but if u could afford it ild go with a 4X4 too!

 

I think you should go with a 4X4. There maybe more stuff that you might want/need to haul. Maybe, you might want to run a couple trails. IMO, the 4X4 will do good.

 

I agree the 2wd prerunner will be fine for what you want to do. I used mine to do what you are speaking of and I didn't have a locker.

But if price isn't an issue I would recommend the 4x4 as some times the boat ramps here are kinda iffy. I was very cautious with my 2wd where I am more relaxed with my 4wd now.

 

I agree with people on here...for the needs you have explained, a 2wd TRD would work fine. But if you have the extra money and time to wait to find 4x4 in a TRD I would do that. They are out there. I just found a few on CL. You might have to go outside you area but it will be worth it. It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/1158086123.html

 

Funny you mention that post because that's the truck I was mainly looking at.

Prior to that truck, however, most double cabs I found near Sacramento were either non-TRD or TRD'd Pre-Runners (2wd). Mainly, that's my issue: TRD 2wd or non-TRD 4x4.

In the past, I used my dad's rwd V8 F-150 to pull the boat, and though it had the power, pulling a watery-boat from a wet ramp was sometimes, uh, challenging due to the lack of traction.

 

You got it there, those ramps are sometime slippery as hell.

 

your in cali! go 2wd all the way! its way easier to long travel i think its a wiser investment then a 4x4. my front set up has given me alot of trouble.

 

I have a TRD Prerunner and have pulled a dual jet ski trailer and a 17' bayliner with it and its done fine. Even pulling them out of the slippery ramps. But if you have the cash, get the 4x4 it won't hurt.

 

I wish i had 4wd so i would definitely go for the 4x4 if you can find one. even if its not trd.