Advice please on 4x4 vs RWD first time buyer

Hello. I am looking at buying my first Tacoma. I need help on if I should buy a 4x4 or RWD. I live in Nashville TN where we have very mild winters and very little snow although we do get a decent snowfall every few years and lots of ice storms.

My current truck I've had for 10 years (Ford Ranger) is RWD and absolutely worthless in the snow. It's actually fairly dangerous in the rain. I do put weight (sand bags) in the back but doesn't help all that much.

I don't get off road much at all but do occasionally for camping fishing etc.

I started out thinking I should get the 4x4 to be on the safe side in those cases it does snow I'll have a vehicle I can actually use, just in case I need it in rare instances camping/fishing etc and also for resale value.

Now I'm wondering if I should just get RWD since the 4x4 would be used very rarely.

I keep my vehicles for a very long time and plan on having this Tacoma for at least 10-12 years or more. Scared about making incorrect decision regarding 4x4 or not.

Any suggestion from people who were in similiar situation as me and glad they bought a 4x4 or RWD instead of 4x4 greatly appreciated!

 

2wd trucks absolute suck. You get stuck in wet grass. That's just my opinion. Buying a truck without 4wd is something I would never even consider.

 

4x4 all the way.

 

Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Plus resale value on a 4x4 is always higher and a quicker sell in the future.

 

4x4

 

If there is any question go 4x4. The truck is so much more versatile for snow/off road/camping/fishing, ect. You never hear anyone saying I wish I bought the 2wd.

 

^^^^^ agreed. Worth the extra cost.

 

My last truck was a 2WD (I live in CA). The first time I took the 4x4 taco offroad in the desert I fell in love. It was well worth the additional money spent up front. I was 100% happy I did not go 2WD again, I would have completely been kicking myself over it, especially with the amount of money the truck costs.

Get the 4WD, even if you don't use it that often. You'll find more excuses to use it and you'll find more than one moment where you are glad you had 4WD. If you live in snow, it should be a no brainer too.

 

If you search around this site, you will find other threads on this question. However, everyone has a slightly different situation, so it's a valid question to ask again (in my opinion, others may disagree).

Unless you will use 4x4 fairly often, it does not make economic sense. You will have noticeably lower gas mileage (about 2 mpg I think, not sure on the 3rd gen), it will cost more to buy, and it's heavier so you lose a little payload.

I don't have much snow experience, but snow tires would be cheaper than 4wd and would also improve braking in snow. Modern traction and stability control do help some. However, if your point is to get something that does well in snow, a 2wd truck is inherently crap in the snow so you really should get a 4x4.

It does help resale, both in price and popularity, but I don't think you will make back the purchase cost.

That said, I wouldn't buy a truck without 4x4 because my whole point of buying a truck was to have something to take it off-road. It also adds immensely to the utility. Even something as simple as finding a "creative" parking spot or being able to make a 3 point turn instead of an 8 point turn because you can back farther into the ditch makes the truck that much more useful.


If the additional cost is not that big of an issue, for heaven's sake, get the 4x4. After you hang out on this site and see all the cool trips folks are doing, you will kick yourself for not getting 4x4.

This unsorted collection of thoughts and opinions has been graciously provided by HalfWayThere. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

Welcome! There is A LOT more 2WD purchase regret here than 4WD purchase regret, so I say get the 4X4. Then do lots more camping and fishing because you have a 4X4. Then if you don't already have enough expensive hobbies, there's lots of cool shit you can buy and modifications you can do for your 4X4 Tacoma.

 

Thanks everyone for your responses. My gut was definitely telling me to go with the 4x4 just second guessing myself.

 

Your gut is right

 

Bwuahahah! You came to the right place to get 4x4 reinforcement therapy.

Personally, I rarely buy cars/trucks new, but when I do, I get everything I want. That $1500 (? funny, that I don't even know since I never looked at 2wd trucks) option that makes you enjoy the truck for 10 years instead of selling it after 2 years because you really wish you got "x" is saving you money. That's what I tell myself anyway.

 

All Tacomas are RWD. I think what you mean is 4x4 vs 2wd. Choosing between 4x4 and 2wd is a personal choice. Personally, I dont want a 2wd truck, 2wd SUV, or really even a 2wd car for that matter.

If you use the 4x4 system one time to get unstuck, it has paid for itself by not being stranded, having to be pulled out by a buddy, paying a recovery vehicle, etc. Get the 4x4 if there is ANY question. And, by you creating this thread and saying you started out thinking of getting the 4x4, you have question. It is your money, your choice, and lots of other things to consider (insurance, maintenance, added expense). Imho, the 4x4 choice is the better option.

And, Nashville is a fun place and lots of near by areas to enjoy (not abuse) a 4x4 Taco. Have fun researching and shopping.

 

This is generally true with any truck that has an open differential. That Ranger the OP had likely had an open differential. Some type of Limited Slip Differential would be of great help, but it will behave a little different in low traction conditions.

The 2wd Taco has an open differential that uses the brakes to brake the slipping wheel in low traction conditions. Toyota calls this a "Automatic Limited Slip Differential." I don't like the name because a Limited Slip Differential is a mechanical clutch system in a differential that holds power to both wheels except when under greater torque difference between the wheels (like turning around a corner). I think ALSD is misleading. Still, the idea should work pretty good, though I haven't really had much experience with it..... definitely not in snow.

4wd will give you more traction for using the gas pedal, but most everything else will be the same in the 2wd for your use. 4x4 always holds more value than 2wd.... of course, it costs more up front.

 

If you think you might need it it's definitely worth it. You'll always get your money back out when you go to sell it too

 

4x4....

 

I'm definitely convinced now to stick with the original plan of getting the 4x4. I'm amazed though no one chimed in fully supporting their non 4x4 decision.

As Halfwaythere said I came to the "right place for 4x4 reinforcement therapy" ha ha I was sick and didn't even realize I needed treatment. Thanks to all for sorting me out! Much better now

 

Well its like my pappy told me. Son There's two types of people in this world. Those who bought trucks with 4x4 and those who wished they'd bought trucks with 4x4.

 

If you ever plan on reselling the truck, you will really want to have 4WD, or no one will want it.

2WD trucks suck