Buying 4x4 or 4x2 for new purchase ?

Only get a 4x4 if you absolutely need it. It is more expensive and have to deal with more things that can go wrong like the diff, bearings, cv's, etc..

 

Good input .... and this from a 4WD owner ..... a team player ..... .

 

I still get the feeling that the OP really wants 4wd but is trying to convince himself otherwise.

I did the same thing dude, just get 4x4.

 

It all depends on what you need, or think you need, over the life of the truck. You have to assess if the trade-off between increased initial cost and maintenance over time is worth the increased capabilities you'll gain. If you don't use the capabilities, it's a waste of $$$$. But if it makes you feel better to have it without using it,,, it's still your decision.

I actually came from the other direction, over the last 10 years before the Tacoma I had a 4wd SUV and an AWD truck. Never used the capabilities to any extent in either of those vehicles. So for the Tacoma, it was Pre-runner all the way.

You just need to figure out if the trade-off is worth it to you, then go with it.

 

LOcal dealers seem to range 1-3k difference in price between DC's in 4x2 and 4x4.
Of course selection is way off. 1 4x4 to nearly 20 4x2's.

That's not a lot of difference. At least to me. I planed on putting 90 % down and finance a small amount to be paid off in less than a year.

Hmmmmmmm, may have to try and find a 4x4 non TRD.

 

In the OPs first post he states DC LB which means the TRD OR is out. Toyota doesn't offer the LB with the Off-Road package. So you have the option of SR5 or Sport. If I was in your shoes I'd get as much bang for the buck and get the Sport. I prefer the OR having driven both before my purchase and also driving my buddies DC SB Sport.

Test drive both and see what fits you best.

 

What increase in maintenance? The only thing you have to different in a 4x4 is change the front diff fluid every 60K miles. Over the life of the truck it may range in the ~$250 range. Now how much do you think an off road recovery would cost if you get stuck and need a truck to come pull you out? More than differential fluid costs over the life of the truck.

 

Meh, I don't get what bang for the buck you get with the sport. Although I just personally don't really want 17" wheels on my truck, not a big fan of the hood scoop, and I'd rather a locker over an lsd.

 

I could have bought a loaded 4x4 if I wanted one, but chose to buy a base 4x2 with the 2.7L, Auto, AC because in reality that was all I needed. I'm very happy with it teeny tires and all.

With that said, I have owned 2 or 3 4wd pickups and 2 jeep wranglers. I liked them and I like the look, but I used the 4wd very, very little. i'm disabled and don't work so if it snows that damn bad, I'll just stay my ass home. LOL

Nothing wrong with wanting or getting what you want/need, after all it's your truck and I try not to poo on what anyone else likes even if it's not my cup of tea.

 

I was just looking on the Toyota build your own site. It seems a DC LB can be had with the TRD OR / Sport pkgs. They list them as options.

Still. I don't know if those packages are really necessary.

Any thoughts ?

 

My humble opinion is that the offroad package is basically good for just the locker. If you want to get a locker, you can do so aftermarket later (for less than the cost of the package, too!)

The upgraded wheels/tires/shocks that come with the respective TRD packages are not worth it IMO. The tires still suck, and you'll probably end up replacing the TRD bilstein shocks.

So in short, the only thing I'd keep from any of the packages is the TRD Offroad locker. If you're in the same boat, don't bother with either TRD package.

Edit: Unless you're planning on keeping your truck stock. Then the TRD Bilsteins should be a nice upgrade. But a set of bilstein 5100's all around at stock height is also cheaper than the TRD offroad package.

 

IMHO...a 4x4 wheel cared for has a much higher resale value. Buy what you want and enjoy!

 

In regards to the off road package and if you intend to take it off road the bells/whistles do come in handy-ATRAC and locking rear diff. Maybe it has changed for 2011 but in prior years the DC LB was only in SR5 and Sport with 4x4. I can't build one on Toyotas site with my zipcode with a DC LB TRD OR.

 

My philosophy has always been, a vehicle has 4 wheels, why not use them all.
That being said. There has been 2 instances where I needed 4wd and I wasn't planning on using it. One was at the boat ramp and my RR tire went off the concrete pad into the gravel under the water and the other was when I was getting a simple "flexing" pic in the grass.
It depends what you do day to day but I like knowing that I can get out of just about any situation my truck gets in. The only extra maintenance will be transfer case and front diff fluids.

 

please get a 4x4 i got a 2x4 thinking i wont need it ..i will be on the street...wrong!!!
better to have it and not need it rather than not have it all all

 

I stand corrected.

For 2011, the DC LB 4x4 can only be had with TRD Sport or SR5 pkgs.
Some choices are color dependent.

Perhaps I might reconsider the LB or SB option.
Grrrrrrrr..... I'm trying to get the most truck for the money.....
So many choices !

 

As for choosing the short bed over the long bed, I'm thinking of long term usability.
I've had four other truck before and they had the short beds. The full size ones had the 6 ft box. The small trucks had the 5 ft. Never had issue with either.

I think it's just a matter of scale and how it looks. The Taco just looks soooooooo long with the LB. I think the SB looks more proportioned.

 

Wow, you are kind of all over the place with your Bilstein comments and as for the Off Road TRD, the A-TRAC (in L4) and Hydraulic Brake Booster that greatly enhances the TRAC (in H4) are far and away what sets the '09 and newer Tacos way ahead and off road ability! Forget the Rear Locker, it is obsolete since A-TRAC arrived! Yes, I know... I have had three Off Road Tacomas over the years and wouldn't want one without the rear locker... then I tested the A-TRAC when I got my '10... WOW!

The Off Road TRD 4WD will not disappoint you!

 

Okay, here's the plan......

DC 4x4 TRD/OR Auto & Tow pkg. Barcelona Red baby !

I went to the dealer again today. I thought I should give the TRD Sport / OR pkg another look. I had first thought the sport seats were a bit uncomfortable with the seat bolsters digging into the backs of my legs.

I sat in an SR5 and a TRD Sport to compare seats again. This one TRD didn't feel as bad as the first one I had sat in. So I took it for a 20 minute drive (Sales guy encouraged me). After about half an hour, I didn't find the seats bad at all. I understand they'll 'break in' a little more so that should alleviate any issue I had.

I did look at a long bed DC, and decided I didn't really want it that way. I think the SB should suffice. If I need that much bed space, I'll grab a trailer.

And the last option: 4x2 or 4x4.

4x4. May not need it that often, but since I have the money and might have a need for it in the future, I'll go ahead and get it. Yep, 4x4. I see some off roading in my future....

Oh and that Barcelona Red.... Beautiful.

So that's it. 6 weeks or so 'til I have the funds available.
DC 4x4 TRD/OR Auto & Tow pkg. Barcelona Red baby !
Mine.

 

Excellent color choice .......