Advice please on 4x4 vs RWD first time buyer

I used to be one of those people that said "But I don't need 4x4", but got stuck or almost stuck a few times, my Tacoma and my previous truck both 4x4 and I'll probably never get another 2wd.

 

I have a 4X4, owned RWD for the most part and driven in snowed paved roads when I was living in the north east (Boston, NY) and never needed to be towed out with rwd sedans.
The new Taco is awesome in 2WD too.
I got caught in a torrential downpour the other day and decided to pull off the interstate and went far into the tall grass to avoid the high speeding idiots that might hit me on the paved shoulder. When I looked around, to my horror I saw deep mud tracks in front atop the tall grass and said to self…Oh chit! :/
…Don’t know if even 4WD will get me out under these conditions…
When the rain slacked up and saw a merge onto traffic opening, I went for it (forgot to engage 4X4) and heard that sound…TRAC—TRAC—TRAC-…
Next I know I’m moving right into paved shoulder and full speed ahead on the freeway, no sweat!! yippee ki-yay mofo!! HAHA!!
Moral of the story, I think you’ll be fine with 2WD, and keep in mind that 4WD will require occasional off-road operation and may need more maintenance/expense.
But I do agree with all the 4X4 enthusiast here, 4X4 is way more FuN! It rocks!!
Hope that helps!
Cheers!

 

Just my two cents,

Resale Value, regardless as to whether you are keeping your truck or not, is always much better on a 4x4 as stated in previous comments.

Reality: What are you going to use a 2 wheel drive tacoma for that any other 2 wheel drive truck cannot do? Towing? Highway driving? Commuter? This vehicle is meant to be a lifestyle vehicle in all. Those other things I have mentioned any other truck, full sized or mid sized, can handle. I mean it's not like the 2 wheel drive Tacoma is going to be able to do more in numbers than the other competitors! Including, but not limited to, gas mileage, towing capacity, interior cabin room, bed space, etc... Besides you can find a cheaper 2 wheel drive vehicle if that is what you are truly looking for! Unless you are die-hard Tacoma.

Man-hood: Cuzzz come on! 4 wheel drive is for the manly men lolll

Generally and genuinely speaking here, everyone knows Tacoma Trucks for one thing. Off road capability and man, 4 wheel drive Tacoma Trucks are hard to beat. Have a great day brother, and good luck!

 

If you can say that you absolutely 100% will not use 4WD, or you absolutely cannot afford it. If neither applies, definitely get 4WD. I don't think it makes much if any difference mpg wise anymore like it used to(am I right about this?).

 

The mileage on my 4X4 is great, I believe you're right about this

 

Has anyone told Ivan Stewart that 2WD Toyota suck? ;-)







Not that I don't 100% agree with the 4x4 recommendations. But good tires and weight help. There was a time when all vehicles were 2WD and we got around just fine, even in snow and on dirt. Although the art of putting on chains is definitely lost...

 

If you have to ask the question, you should probably get a 4x4

 

Looks like you answered your own question. Get a 4x4 or get an AWD Subaru.

 

I also live in Nashville (Franklin)

Get the 4WD.

Remember this years snow fun? Guess who made it back and forth to work from downtown to Franklin? I did.

It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Blows my mind that people will buy a truck or SUV and not get the 4x4 option.

 

You know, this is as much an argument AGAINST 4WD for you guys. "Sorry boss, can't make it in, roads are too slick."

Out here 4WD or not it's expected you learn to drive in the snow but we get plenty of it. About 6 feet total this winter at our house in town, a couple of which were nearly a foot in a single storm.

 

There was one person on here who made a thread about them not knowing what they were doing with a 4x4
Apart from that I agree 100%

 

It's not unusual to see people stuck here in 4WD SUVs and pickups with just their back wheels spinning. Not to stereotype (but I will), they usually have TX or CA license plates. Having 4WD means knowing when you use it. Plus it doesn't make you handle or stop any better. In a way 2WD when you're not used to it is naturally limiting, much harder to over drive your brakes and steering.

 

I lived in Denver for 15 years and 9/10 the vehicle stuck on the side of the road was a truck. In CO people who drive pickup trucks seem to think they can still go 80mph on the freeway in a snowstorm and not lose control. Must be the bro-factor.

I'd take an AWD SUV with winter tires over any 4x4 truck for the Colorado winters.

 

I am 100% happy with my non-4x4 purchase, albeit I live in southern Florida. Simply no need for it here as I don't go swamping in the mud.

My question would be about a Taco OR 2wd option.... This would get the rear locker (I think) and may be enough to support the Nashville winter demand. Lower purchase price vs 4wd and no downside effects of driveline drag/mpg. Just a thought...

 

If you are going to throw 30+ grand at a truck, spend the extra few grand and get the 4x4. Use it if you need it. Going on family trips or somewhere with your friends that might need 4x4 and not having it could potentially be an issue.

 

Locker is of little to no use for snowy highways and would really make things worse.

 

This argument is valid, have it and don't need it is better. But the thing to remember is having 4WD means a dink in MPG and more things to wear out and maintain. Not to mention you have to periodically use 4WD to keep things from seizing. So it's not completely that simple.

 

Not a damn thing wrong with a 2WD if you really don't need 4WD. All 3 of my Tacos have been 2WD and I've never had an issue with snow or "getting stuck on wet grass". That's just silliness. If the snow gets a little deeper than a few inches....I just throw on my 2 extra wheels with some Duratracs mounted on them and I'm good to go.

 

This one is easy for me. If you have 4wd you can always keep it in 2wd when you don't need it.

 

you need to meet my boss.

shy of thermonuclear war - we are open - and I'm the senior most salesman at the company so I more or less have to make it in, even if I take the fun way and it takes 3 hours