2010 Tacoma AC I4 2WD VS. 2013 Tacoma AC I4 4WD $10,000 difference..

Hello,

I am a new member to Tacoma World (Great site)

I am currently in the market for Tacoma and I am torn between 2 Tacomas below:

1. 2010 Tacoma Access Cab I4 2WD MT $16,000.

2. 2013 Tacoma Access Cab I4 4WD MT $26,000.

it's approx. $10,000 difference (new/old & 2WD/4WD)

I don't do much off roading, but I have to deal with snow & slate on some winters (South). I need to haul a motorcycle, small boat or a riding lawn mower.

Which one would be better? 4WD worth $10,000?

Needing your expert advice.

Thank you!

 

why not find a 2010 or older 4wd?

 

A word of warning: I4 Access Cab 4WD will be a pig. Others here may say it's fine, but it has the worst weight-to-power ratio of any vehicle in Toyota's lineup, worse than the Prius and the 3-cyl Scion iQ.

I'd try to find a 2010 (or even 2009) V6 4WD (basically what I'm driving ). If you have to deal with any snow, 4WD will make a big difference.

 

From experience - with hauling anything I can't really recommend the AC 4 in either configuration, but if had to choose the 2wd is more bang for the buck there. The auto will be hunting a lot. The 4 is just more responsive with a manual, but that rules out hauling anything. You may be better off spending $20k on a older v6.

 

I think he specified both were manual transmissions.

KenLyns--That picture in your signature line makes your posts hard to read. I respectfully take exception to your statement about the 4wd 4-banger AC being a pig. It won't win many drag races, but mine moves alright in traffic. It has been quite reliable and economical to drive. The mpgs are much better than what V6 owners are reporting.

OP--if I were in your shoes, I'd opt for the 2wd for the use you describe.

 

That's pretty much my experience. I've got a 2013 4WD Access Cab with the 2.7 and automatic transmission and it's fine. No question the V6 has way more power, but I don't really need to set 0-60 records with my truck.

If you're towing a lot, or spend a lot of time going up steep hills into headwinds, you would probably find the V6 absolutely necessary. Other than that, it's just a matter of personal preference (and a few thousand dollars).

Heck, I think the 2.7L has probably made me a slightly better driver. I've learned to sigh and relax rather than blasting around every idiot on the road.

 

Thank you for all your advice. I will post pics after this weekend!

I am leaning toward the 4 CYCL. but we will see after my test drive.