Help me decide! 15 4x4 Sport or 16 Prerunner Sport

I've got two dealers one with 2015 4x4 sport for around 30k OTD and another with a 16 Prerunner sport around 30k OTD.

I've got a 07 Prerunner now and have never needed 4wd, but buying new would love for the truck to be what I want. No plans to do any off roading. Truck use is 75% work and 25% personal. I inspect houses and need a nice reliable truck for that. Also have a small 16' flats boat that the prerunner pulls just fine, but have a few long trips planned to the keys and never know if I will need 4wd or not. Also my other family car is a AWD Rx 350 so that pulls the boat great too so there's always this one incase!

I'm honestly torn on which one I should choose. The 16 seems like a better truck all around, but I'm scared buying a first production year. Then the 15 is 4wd sport, but I'm afraid I will feel it's outdated very soon compared to a 16.

Help me decide! Thanks!

 

I think you have to ask yourself two questions. 1) How much do you want 4wd and 2) Can you live the next 10 years with another 2nd gen. To me it wouldn't make sense to get a 2015 4wd, not use it, and basically have the same truck that you have now. I'd rather have the 2016 because you would actually benefit from the improved NVH, powertrain, interior quality, etc.

What is wrong with the 07 that you have now? If I were in your shoes I'd wait a few more months, save up a few pennies and get a 2016 4wd TRD Sport. The difference between 2wd and 4wd is typically 1k - 1.5k. Better to get what you want now versus buying something and having regret for the next 10 years.

 

What is a prerunner sport?

 

2wd trd sport with color matched bumper, grill, door handles, mirrors and the fake hood scoop loll!

 

Great response and knocks me off the buying wagon real quick! My 07 has 9" of lift and 37" tires. It's just not practical and I'm paying for a new truck in gas. Right now its in the shop getting a new rear end and has 140k miles. All in all its still a great truck and has been super reliable. I feel its best to get rid of it now while its got newer tires and running good.

 

Oh, never heard of a TRD referred to as a prerunner. haha

 

I could be wrong on that! lol! The dealer has it listed as 4x2 TRD Sport Double Cab V6 (6 Spd Auto). I'm guess I'm just use to calling a 2wd a prerunner.

 

Why not get a '16 4x4?

 

Price. I started wanting to get a nice used Tacoma for under $25, now I'm already up to $30k lol! I will see what a 4x4 16 would be.

 

There is very little need for 4x4 unless you legitimately go into soft areas and with hills a lot. The LSD works amazingly well. It depends upon your intent. Personally were I you where you are, I would get a Sport 2016 in 2 wd.
Ty

 

How much does 4wd add per month? $20? Where I live, dealers don't even stock 2wd trucks except strippers for fleet use

 

In resale value, the 2015 4x4 will likely win out even though it will be an older design.

I would never by a 2wd truck for the huge difference in capabilities and the almost nonexistent price difference (when you factor in resale value).

So I guess i vote for 2015 4x4.

 

Yeah but I plan to pay it off in about 2-21/2 years paying $1000 per month. Only putting 1500 down, the sale of my truck will pay off wife Rx350 and my boat. So every dollar counts, but deep down I know I should go 4x4, then torn because I've never truly needed it on my current truck!

 

I have a fire extinguisher I've never used.

Just because you haven't needed 4x4 doesn't mean you wouldn't start finding ways to make use of it if you had it.

 

If you cannot foresee using a 4x4 I would not want the extra weight, maintenance, and insurance costs. IN 20 years of buying Tacomas. Only my first gen go any 4x4 use. Since then I cannot imagine needed a 4WD and I have driven in the snow with the 2WD and was fine. Most of the vehicles I saw in the ditches on the side of the roads were 4WD and AWD vehicles. Some people think 4WD is akin to driving on dry pavement. False sense of security

 

I've driven in snow with a RWD car and while I did fine, a properly equipped 4wd/awd is still a better option

 

Which one do you like the look of more?

If you like 3rd Gen more than 2nd gens, you may start kicking yourself for not picking one up. Especially if you picked the 2nd Gen b/c you thought you needed 4x4 and have never used it.

If I were in your position, 3rd Gen all the way. Just know the limitations of 2wd.

 

4wd 3rd gen, best of both worlds. If price is an issue, drop trim levels

 

Don't get 4x4 if you don't need it. It's your money, spend it how you would like. Not how others would like. 4x2 is probably perfectly fine for 90% of buyers.