Purchase advice - 4x2 snow performance, etc.

Will he be driving it enough that gas will make that big of a difference? If he has another more fuel efficient DD then it might not even matter that much.

 

4X4--if you have it ---you WILL USE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

i would not go to NY at least western NY with out 4WD!! just would not do it. we don’t get that much snow here in TN but when we do they don’t know how to clean the roads. but i also got the 4wd so that i can go see family in winter up in WNY.

 

They actually do make a 4x4 2.7L, I know somebody that has one.

 

Picking a good line...are you serious? Wow. Since when do you "pick a good line" on a snow covered road? Please, oh great knowledgeable snow driving expert, show me the ideal line to pick for this situation!



Want to know what happened to every 2wd car and truck up there that day? Nothing, they couldn't move. It took 5 guys to push a 2wd suv enough to get it to be able to move on it's own. I turned on my truck in 4wd and guess what, I let off the brake and rolled right along without even spinning the tires. Imagine if your parents are somewhere with no body really else around and they get stuck just enough to where there back tire is spinning and they cant rock themselves free. Do you really think your parents will enjoy getting out and pushing when they could have just put it in 4wd?

 

The good line is the one to the left of the right hand ditch and to the right of the oncoming traffic

4WD FTW

 

I vote DCLB 4x4 V6 base.

• DC - for the ability to transport grandkids/family/friends.
• LB - for the utility, his home improvement projects
• 4x4 - for the winters in NY
• Base - to keep the price as low as possible.

I believe it still has power windows and door locks. He has been driving 30+ years. I'm sure he will get by without backup camera. Just my opinion.

 

Not in a DC model, only 4x2's. I checked their site -- I didn't even think they made a 4x2 DC with a 2.7L, but they have 2 models, Base and PreRunner.

They only come with an automatic transmission, though. I would want a standard with the 4-cylinder.

Honestly, though, the gas mileage isn't different enough to worry about between the V6 and I4.

 

While they will still have the CRV, this will likely be his primary car. The actual cash difference of mileage might not seem too bad but please keep in mind, this is a retirement gift. My inlaws will be on fixed incomes and every penny matters.

 

Understood, but again, the 2.7 in DC is probably not an easy configuration to find. And partnered with a 4-speed automatic, it's just not very efficient in a vehicle that size. Doing the math, assuming 10K miles a year and $4 per gallon, the V6 only costs $20 to $35 per month more in fuel costs. On a fixed income that can be a hit, but a retiree probably won't hit 10K miles per year unless they are taking long trips in it.

So have you decided whether you want 4WD yet?

 

The most obvious response is, no line because I wouldn't be out in it. Why would his retiree parents?

 

Well then this topic does not really pertain to you now now does it? And because his retiree parents live in a state with snow and potentially un plowed back roads and parking lots.

 

I have the luxury of time and so ordering an I4 DC isn't a big deal. I also share your sentiments about the relatively minor increase in fuel costs but would counter with this.. I personally don't expect gas to stay at $4/gallon... I think it's going to continue to increase. Moreover, there is increased maintenance and insurance costs associated with going 4x4. In an of themselves, each of these increases aren't huge but when you're talking about two relatively young folks in retirement (56 and 62), I am focused on keeping their costs down as much as possible.

I'm actually now kicking around the idea of finding a nice, 2 year old, CPO V6 DC 4X4 here in S. CA (so I can drive, see, etc. it) and perhaps shipping it to NY. It won't have the same pop as a brand new truck but as down to earth as my in laws are, they'd still be pretty excited about that. I think I might be able to get my all in cost about the same. I still have the increased costs over time to contend with mentally but if it means a bit more safety for them those few days a year when they need it... sometimes a little money well spent is worth it.

Again, I really, really appreciate all of your time, input and thoughts. I'm still noodling this over (going to look at a CPO truck this weekend) so please keep it coming.

 

sounds like a good idea.

 

I had a 2008 base 2wd Tacoma access cab sr5. Easy to get into/out of. Plenty of power and great gas mileage. If the double cab existed back then I would have gotten it instead. Stock Dunlops were usable in the snow. When they wore out and I replaced them with Winterforce tires, it went anywhere! Even with the stock tires I never got stuck in snow. Mud yes. I used to drive 35 miles from Massachusetts into Connecticut every day to work. My less optioned 2013 4x4 regular cab was way more expensive than my old truck too.

 

lol holy resurrection

 

They had double cabs in 2008

 

I meant double cab mini Tacoma. 2wd.