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Looking to buy truck...need advice

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by trdchic, Jun 30, 2010.

  1. Jun 30, 2010 at 7:35 AM
    #1
    trdchic

    trdchic [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Erie CO
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    07, TRD Sport, 4x4, SR5, V6, Access Cab
    Looking into getting a truck for graduation but cannot decide between 4x4 or 4x2. Parents suggest 4x2 because it is cheaper and they are buyin but I am not so sure. I don't want to have to get a new truck later. I really like the stance of the Prerunner but don't know if it will work for me. Eventually I want to tow a small boat (paved and not paved ramps), a quad (to the dunes), and I like to go up to the snow. However, I do not do much intense off roading in a vehicle since I have th quad. Any ideas??

    I for sure want TRD, V6, double cab...
     
  2. Jun 30, 2010 at 7:39 AM
    #2
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    bay area, california
    Vehicle:
    2006 access cab. 4x4, TRD-OR + 2023 TRD off-road.
    back to bone stock.
    graduating from college? since the parental units are buying..get them to buy the absolute "best" truck they will pony up for. i would get an off road 4x4. you never know. these dudes on this forum will talk you into all sorts of mods, up the steepest trails, and tow the burliest loads...bastards!! trust me...
     
  3. Jun 30, 2010 at 7:54 AM
    #3
    WNYTACOMA

    WNYTACOMA Well-Known Member

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    Clarence, New York
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    09 Metalic Grey TRD OFF ROAD
    Toyota Nerf steps Bugflector 2 Tool box Weathertech floor liners Wet Okole F/R - Bk/Char
    From what you have descibed as your intented uses for the truck, it seems you will be disappointed if you don't get the 4 WD.

    In as much as your parents are buying it, maybe compromise a little on the year to compensate (dollar wise) for the difference in price between the 4 and 2 WD?

    Also, are your parents looking to adopt? I would imagine some of the other posters might be interested...

    Good luck.
     
  4. Jun 30, 2010 at 7:59 AM
    #4
    YotaDude01

    YotaDude01 Kentucky Boy

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    KY
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    01' TRD off-road
    My first truck was a 2wd. It was a great truck until you took it through a wet field. It was terrible in the snow. I had to add about 350 pounds to the bed to get any traction at all. But now I own a offroad 4x4. I really haven't had to use the 4x4 yet but its summer and I still have the 4x4 whenever I need it. If I was you your better off getting a 4x4 just to be safe. Because you never know when you will need it.
     
  5. Jun 30, 2010 at 8:04 AM
    #5
    NAAC3TACO

    NAAC3TACO Middle aged member

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    Just east of crazy, NV
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    2014 SR5 DCLB 4x4
    Color matched door handles, Weathertech floor liners, bed mat, Durafit seat covers, tailgate clamp, 2016 TRD Sport 17" wheels with Yokohama Geolander AT tires , Toyota exhaust tip, Toyota/Yakima bike rail mount, Toyota wheel locks, Toyota hitch cover, Redline hood struts, unifilter on air pump.
    A lot of people do not need or want a 4x4, however, if you have any doubts, you should buy the 4x4. You don't want to regret not having it later. BTW, welcome to TW.
     
  6. Jun 30, 2010 at 8:10 AM
    #6
    BrettBretterson

    BrettBretterson Wild Ginger

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    5100's
    Definitely 4WD (IMO: TRD Sport)
     
  7. Jun 30, 2010 at 8:15 AM
    #7
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Lancaster, PA
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    First off, let me QUOTE what you are saying here:
    Eventually I want to tow a small boat (paved and not paved ramps), = GET A 4WD with towing package

    a quad (to the dunes), = GET A 4WD

    and I like to go up to the snow = GET A 4WD

    However, I do not do much intense off roading = GET A 4WD

    You've answered your own question.
     
  8. Jun 30, 2010 at 8:25 AM
    #8
    SplitDecision

    SplitDecision Phones Ringin Dude

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    Haywood Jablowme
    NY
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    Silver TRD OR
    Bilstein 5100x4, Truxedo lo pro QT,Hid Retro,2011 painted grill,Alpine head unit,Foglight mod,NFAB steps
    I owned a 2wd truck back in high school and will NEVER own another one. BUT that's for my personal needs and northeast winters. My truck was an 86 ranger and obviously none of today's computerised assists but if you can get the 4x4 and from what you said you want to do with the truck I think you will be much happier.Congratulations on the graduation and for having kick ass parents.

    Do me a personal favor and appreciate the truck and show appreciation to your parents by taking car of it.:thumbsup:
     
  9. Jun 30, 2010 at 8:29 AM
    #9
    MxRacer190

    MxRacer190 Well-Known Member

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    Gender: Chick


    Ummm are you single? :cool:
     
  10. Jun 30, 2010 at 10:18 AM
    #10
    TACOMA TRD

    TACOMA TRD Well-Known Member

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    get a base 4x4 if your parents will only pay so much. Or put the difference in yourself and get a sport TRD access should be enough.
     
  11. Jun 30, 2010 at 10:23 AM
    #11
    cgs2k2

    cgs2k2 old man

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    Definitely get the 4wd if you intend to see any snow/sand/water. You can get a slightly used truck... 05/06/07 and it will save your parents money. Or you can get a new truck with all the fixins you want and maybe help pay the difference. Congrats on graduating and welcome to TW!
     
  12. Jun 30, 2010 at 10:30 AM
    #12
    OCTaco

    OCTaco Well-Known Member

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    Best piece of advice, and I know this is a little off topic, be patient and make sure you look at a lot of trucks before you chose anyone. Also, make sure you have a mechanic check out whatever truck you want to purchase.
     
  13. Jun 30, 2010 at 11:26 AM
    #13
    S.B.

    S.B. Well-Known Member

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    Sean
    San Diego
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    LT, Glass, CBI Front bumper, NWTI Rear bumper, 35s
    IMO get a TRD offroad 4x4. And like stated before be patient and look around because there are plenty of what ever configuration that has been made.
     
  14. Jun 30, 2010 at 11:45 AM
    #14
    twr437

    twr437 Well-Known Member

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    Tim
    East Texas
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    08 TRD Sport 4x4 LB
    nerf bars, bed cover, husky liners, Icon coilovers, LR UCA, rear 5100s, TSB AAL, diff drop, carrier baring drop, axel shims, AFE pro dry filter, BHLM, mesh grill, Black emblems,
    If you don't do a lot of heavy offroading get the sport 4x4 with LSD and a tow package. If you do want to do some extreme offroading get the offroad 4x4 with locker. The locker benefits when you have one wheel off the ground..........like I said extreme offroading. The LSD will benefit you more on the road especially slick roads.....snow, and plenty off road IMO. Plus the hood is sweet. I know guys knock the hood because it is nonfunctioning. But I can't tell you how many threads I have seen where guys want to trade their non scooped hood for the scooped one. One more thing...don't get the JBL sound system, it sucks!!!! Plus you will have hell replaceing it with aftermarket.
     
  15. Jun 30, 2010 at 3:57 PM
    #15
    JKD

    JKD Well-Known Member

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    The new (09+) tacomas all have traction and stability control. All worries about winter handling and ability to get around in snow were proven wrong to me this past winter.

    Still, if you're concerned about it...go 4x4. I had a price point I wanted to meet, so I had to choose between getting the V6 and getting 4WD. I haven't regretted my choice, but then I don't go out playing in the mud like I might have when I was 18.

    If you're young and unmarried, then I suspect a 2.7L 4x4 Regular Cab would be plenty, and it won't break the bank (your parents).
     
  16. Jun 30, 2010 at 3:59 PM
    #16
    BrettBretterson

    BrettBretterson Wild Ginger

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    06 DCSB TRD OR 4x4
    5100's
    ...
     
  17. Jun 30, 2010 at 4:03 PM
    #17
    toyotacoma

    toyotacoma Member

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    Kenwood Excelon X-592 Custom TRD Badges
    My parents got me a Prerunner, but now I go to college in Colorado and wish it was a 4x4.
    So definitely go with four wheel drive
     
  18. Jun 30, 2010 at 4:06 PM
    #18
    JKD

    JKD Well-Known Member

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    Arrgh. Don't know how I missed that.

    Well, since she's getting the most expensive end of the spectrum anyway, then I change my recommendation.

    Go ahead and get the TRD Offroad 4x4. You're looking at what, a 10% premium on a $30,000+ truck.
     
  19. Jun 30, 2010 at 4:13 PM
    #19
    doodle_cakes

    doodle_cakes Well-Known Member

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    Get a 4x4. I got a 2wd because I don't do much offroading but I still regret it and want a 4x4. Plus 4x4 looks way nicer and sits higher.

    ...Or buy my 2wd :)
     
  20. Jun 30, 2010 at 4:16 PM
    #20
    StandingCow

    StandingCow Well-Known Member

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    x2. Couldn't have said it better myself.
     

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