Advice please on 4x4 vs RWD first time buyer

get the 4x4! I have a prerunner and I wish everyday that I had a 4x4. If you keep a Tacoma for 10 years its going to be well worth the money, even if you spend more on a 4x4.

 

Thanks Tyler very valid points. Each forum member whether pro 4x4 or non 4x4 have made very strong arguments and cases for and against my need or non need for a 4x4. Confusing decision for me. I agree with you that I would not need it that much so why buy it....but I also agree with others who said better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. The added costs (sale price, insurance, little less mpg) definitely do not appeal to the practical side of me.

Every time I think I got it figured out someone comes along with very valid points and sways me back to the other side. Ha! This is a good thing (frustrating but good).

I found a new 2016 TRD Sport 4x4 DCSB today with the Premium and Tech package (plus side tubes & door sills) and they are asking $35,800. That is a solid price already based off my research and I am sure I can get them down a little more. I am emailing with the guy now. IMO getting a price like this helps with the upfront cost of the 4x4 but you are right I still have insurance and possible more expensive issues down the road of things to fix.

Man I'm confused on what to do! Thanks again for giving some very good points from the other side.

 

I think the one thing that would seal the deal for me is that you never hear anyone with a 4x4 say 'I wish I never got a truck with 4 wheel drive'. Plenty of 2wd owners on the other hand will say that they wish they had spent a little extra for the 4wd option.

More expensive issues down the road isn't something to ignore but I wouldn't base my decision on it, it's highly unlikely that anything's going to go wrong with any of the added components of a 4wd system unless you really stress out the system on a regular basis (i.e. regularly off-roading in harsh conditions or aftermarket mods like a suspension lift). Remember, the system was designed to work and to be used...it's been tried and true for decades and the latest technology is stout. It's not going to just crap on out you. The warranty is there just in case. And someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think insurance is swayed by 4x4 vs 2wd...

 

Just to be clear one of my biggest reasons for considering a 4X4 was I hate being unable to get out if and when it snows here in Nashville. It is rare but it does happen. I would say every couple years we get a lot of snow that has kept me in the past from being able to get out. Yes I may on occasion be using it camping/fishing but I am more concerned utilizing it during bad weather. You made a comment about the trucks these days are heavier and better equipped even in 2WD than my 10 year old Ranger. Just to be clear do you think I would notice a big enough difference between my old 2004 Ranger and the way it handles (or fails to handle) in the snow compared to what I would get with a 2WD 2016 Tacoma?

Just FYI I appreciate everyones input. I've def been learning a lot here.

 

I would be curious to hear on the insurance cost on a 4x4. I always heard 4x4 is way more expensive but I am 42 years old with a good driving record so I would think I am in a lower risk range than say if I was 22.

 

I stand corrected, 4x4 is typically a little more expensive to insure.

http://www.carinsurancecomparison.com/how-much-is-4x4-truck-insurance/

I guess I just didn't really notice it when insuring my truck because of how ridiculously expensive it is to insure a vehicle in Los Angeles in general, lol.

 

2nd this. I've got 4x4 and slipped in grass before I engaged 4wheel last week. It would be embarrassing to slide around without it.

 

Yes, there are lots of good reasons to go with 2wd or 4wd, both are very valid arguments. I don't see a whole lot of snow either, but my work demands I'm there no matter what, so I HAVE to get out. My 2wds do pretty good, but cant do it all. I drive carefully as 4x4 doesn't fix stupid driving. Where I live, you can be stranded for a couple of days, so being able to get out, especially in an emergency, is critical. The insurance isn't too bad, maybe a little higher, but not unreasonable. Just get what suits your needs, as you will be keeping it a long time (I plan on keeping mine till I die ).

 

What profession are you in?

 

The most unpopular one right now

 

I support our men and women in blue!

 

I support law enforement, thank you for your service.

 

Thanks. Most of us in this profession care deeply about helping people and making things better in our communities, including our dispatchers!

 

Go 4wd, you already answered your own question when talking about your 2wd Ranger...

 

Funny, I was just talking to my roommate about how bizarre it is that now when I pass an officer I think to myself "are they okay, is there any need for me to help out..." when that's what they signed up to do for the community.
/thread jack over. Appreciate all LEOs and their service.

Very well said. I'm actually surprised how civil this discussion has been so far, usually it degrades into a shit-flinging contest pretty quickly because of some bizarre combination of ego and purchase regret on both sides of the fence. Really and truly it has to be your choice between the cost and benefits, and dealing in absolutes is foolish.

 

That boiled it down

Thanks I'm pricing out with a dealer now a 2016 Limited RWD just to see what I can do on one and got them down to 34,600 plus tax title etc and I think I can get it in the 33k range if I'm patient and persistent. I like the idea of the 4x4 but I'm starting to lean towards the RWD just for price and practicality since I don't off road at all and would only really need it the rare instances we get snow here.

I'm sure many here will not agree but I really like the Limited trim and the idea of paying 34k vs 38k for the 4WD when I won't be using it on a consistent basis just is making more sense to me.

 

As long as you are happy with what you pay and with what you buy, that's all that matters. Make YOU happy with what you spend your money on. Enjoy whatever you decide!

 

I'll be that one guy...

If you really think you won't use the part time a lot, go 2WD, lock that rear diff with a selectable locker, add a quality winch, a pull pal, tree saver, and get some traction aid boards. Those items would save you in a majority of situations getting stuck. Unless you plan on steep hill climbs, rock crawling, or mudding, the setup I described above would get you through any normal service road, back woods trails situation you might encounter.

 

My thoughts exactly!!

OP: When we lived in Pleasant View several years ago, I sold my 4x4 Jeep Cherokee and bought a 4x4 4Runner Sport for my wife who worked in N'ville. Of the few times it DID snow, she would have been stuck at work or difficulty getting home. Prior to living in TN, she had never driven in snow (Bama Girl) and was very grateful I have always insisted on owning a 4WD or AWD vehicle. Anyone who says 4WD is only for driving in snow, clearly has never really been in mud. Not that you can't get stuck with a 4x4, at least you have with all 4 wheels powered. Just my .02

 

I don't disagree that there will be times it would be needed because I know those times do come up. Just wondering if the few times it comes up is worth the extra cost etc. I haven't 100% decided against it yet just weighing the options.

Everybody here makes such good points for and against its easy for me to keep second guessing myself. I'm going to take a few days think on it before I decide one way or another.

Appreciate input