Another sad 4x2 story

I recently purchased a 16 TRD OR 4x2 and after being on here, just like many of us, now want a 4x4. The reason I got this model, I have a friend in the car biz, I originally picked up a GTI from them and one year later had him looking for a Tacoma that I could trade up to. About a month later I get a call, someone traded in a 16 Tacoma with 12k miles on it(current truck). Once it clears through his financial department and is good for sale, I jump on it. $500 bucks and a increased car payment, the truck is mine and now I want a 4x4. I've been going back and forth in my head if it's necessary and it's driving me a little crazy. I live in California so it's not needed for everyday driving(which the truck is primarily used for). I go up to big bear and mammoth regularly to snowboard and love camping, therefore I could and would drive with 4 wheels. Could I make it work with 2? Sure, I'll drive my best and go as far as the truck will let me. Do I want 4? Obviously, even if I don't use it as much as I'd like, rather have it than not. So this isn't a question of what's a better truck, more so what would you do? I don't want to take a loss, spend a bunch of money upfront, or increase my monthly payments by much more. what would you do?

 

Get some chains because it's cheaper than the 4 to 5 grand you're going to lose on trade and depreciation.

 

It would be pretty financially retarded to take a big loss on the truck to spend even more money on a new truck with 4x4...unless your household income is over $125K/yr. Even then, its a financially questionable decision.

 

This is why I buy things loaded. I'd rather have it and not need it than not have it and need it. Also, makes no financial sense to dump a vehicle to get 4x4 unless you plan on using it regularly.

 

Same. Especially getting 4x4. You're looking at an extra few thousand dollars (comparing new to new) but the truck is worth almost that much more when you go to sell it over a 2wd.

 

Look around the forum, there are plenty of 4x2 that go wheeling...

 

Every time I start regretting not getting a 4x4 I look at this video,
https://youtu.be/md4W2BW0_Xs
@Dangerousd1987

Then I say to myself,


In all seriousness, I don't regret it a single bit.

 

4X2 is fine practicality-wise for Southern CA, and there are tons of 4x2 friendly trails out here (especially if you have the TRD OR model) if you're into recreational offroading.

There are also tons of really fun 4x4 only trails and if you find yourself unable to resist those, then you might want to weigh your options.

 

When I hear 4x2 on trails, I think of this:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/recovered-bottom-of-miller-jeep-trail-socal.456064



Notice this is in southern California.

 

It sounds like you need an all-wheel drive car. My fricken high performance BMW can even get me through the CA snow. I'd bet 50% of all 4x4 trucks in southern CA have never been Off Road. Just a guess. Northern CA, that's a different story. And a dirt road isn't off roading. But some seem to think the curbs along the sidewalk at mall is. Seriously, if you're just going to the snow, get chains. If you want some fun and "just want one" then definitely get a 4x4. You really don't have to justify it to anyone but yourself. Well, and maybe the wife.

 

If you picked it up used, you should be able to get rid of it without taking a big hit. Get the 4x4. I've only owned one truck that was 2WD, and I wouldn't ever own another one.

 

Financial reasons aside, if you are set on a 4x4 do this: drive it around for a year. Make a mark in your manual everytime you did something that you needed a 4x4. In other words, go prove you need it.

I bet you won't.

 

go find yourself a girlfriend that has a tacoma 4x4, it will be cheaper.....
wait, never mind.

 

I live in the NE--95% buy 4X4--snow better resale. + Drove down to the boat dock yesterday --truck sank in the mud --front end. Just engaged 4X4 and back out...no drama.....

 

Why would they even call it a TRD off-road 2 Wheel Drive. It should be called pre-runner off-road.

 

I remember that shitshow, lol. There's plenty of dirt and trails for 4x2's to peruse in SoCal. Lockwood/Miller Jeep Trail is definitely NOT one of them.

 

For some reason Toyota did away with the "Prerunner" tag with the 3rd gens.

 

Right there with you. Its tough...

 

Fucking captain reverso strikes again.

 

Might as well chop off your balls and feed it to her dad's dog.