Do I need a 4x4

For the most part it is no more maintenance than a 4x2 vehicle. These maintenance items, while necessary, aren't things that happen very often.

4x4 vehicles will give you a little worse MPG just because it has extra items to turn, even when not engaged. However, I still get 21-24 MPG at 70 MPH in the summer. The 4x2 will get better but those are times I need 4x4 make the cost worth it for me.

I should note, however, that many people have switched into 4x4 before I have in the winter as I like to drive in 4x2 for as long as I can. It's a great way to respect the road and not get overconfident just because you have 4x4.

 

4x4 is worth it for a personal vehicle. You never know when it might be needed, and in hilly places with snow and ice it really helps. Even if you never use it, resale will be better. I have gotten my FWD Corolla through places where 4x4s had clearly had trouble, picking a line, walking it before hand, and knowing how to drive goes a long way. Life is easier if you don't have to be that careful as often though.

 

Get the 4x4 and it make the truck into a toy.

 

90 percent of people that buy a 4 wheel drive dont need it. I say buy it.

 

I live in NH, so 4wd is sometimes a need. RWD just doesn't cut it getting up steep snow hills or tugging a 2wd out of a snow bank. This truck is great in the snow, but a few times a winter 4wd is a must.

 

Being that these things are so hard to get, Id just grab it , and be happy I was able to snag one. The 2 vs 4 debate shouldn't dissuade you. Its new , meaning its not fucked up yet. So the maintenance will be minimal. Gas milage will be close. These trucks suck for fuel milage. But hey its a truck, its to be expected.
Good luck

 

What? 90% is a little high bud lol

 

My stock answer to this question is always yes! Do it man, you won't regret paying a bit more for it the first time you need it!

 

I've owned 4X4's since the 1970's. I've never done most of that. The oil needs to be changed in the front diff and transfer case once every 100,000 miles but that is the only extra service I've ever had to do. If your CV axles and actuators are going bad it is because of improper use. If used correctly you don't operate enough in 4X4 to ever wear out those parts. If you drive a truck 400,000 miles, it would be rare for the 4X4 components to have 4000 miles on them.

The key is to use the 4X4 function correctly. You need to take it onto a dirt or gravel road occasionally and operate it in 4X4 for a few miles. The owner's manual recommends 10 miles/month. I've never worried about doing that exactly, but anytime I find myself on a loose surface I engage 4X4 for a bit. I may only get in 2-3 miles some months. Some months none, but I don't like to skip several months. And other months may see 200-300 miles. The important thing is to use it occasionally to keep internal parts properly lubricated and to ensure electrical components are working and not corroded. If you don't do this, you will end up having to pay for parts replacement.

4X4 isn't intended to be used on hard dry surfaces with good traction. You can get away with it for short distances in a straight line. If used in areas with good traction the 4X4 components are over stressed and it will lead to premature failure. As a general rule it isn't meant to be used on wet pavement either. If you're spinning while trying to get moving on a hill or boat ramp, then temporarily yes. Don't confuse the older simple 4X4 system on these trucks with modern All Wheel Drive features on many vehicles that are designed to be driven on pavement. Just use it occasionally; and use it the way it was designed to be used and you'll never have any issues.

If you can resist the temptation to lift the truck, add larger tires, and buy every accessory in the catalog there are no downsides to owning a 4X4. Fuel mileage is a fraction of 1 mpg worse as long as you're stock. Make any of those modifications to a 4X2 and you'll have the same negatives. 4X4 cost a bit more initially but is always worth more later so that is a wash long term.

 

No snow in you area? You’ll never drive to a ski area? I would not buy a 2WD. Dealbreaker

 

I've walked back and forth between 4x4 and 4x2 vehicles during my various purchases. My last two have been rear wheel drive only.

I have never needed a 4x4. I have gotten around just peachy through occasional ice, snow, and dirt using just my rear differential and a set of good tires.

If you want a 4x4, have at it. I get it, they're fun. I've had my share of wheeling around on the beach or muddy trails. But I would say that a good chunk of people who say you need a 4x4 are mistaken. I'd even disagree with those that say "better to have and not need." You don't need, unless you go looking for it. Another old saying is that "4x4 will get you just a bit farther than the tow truck can reach."

I know I'll be the unpopular gremlin for saying that out loud on a site like this. But hey. Variety is the spice and all that.


Buy what you want.

 

Yes, absolutely. Rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

Do you need a 4x4? No
Do you want a 4x4? Yes

 

Pfft. I've seen the terrain in your neighborhood! That Edisto sand was a cake walk! A cake walk!!

 

I can't tell you whether to buy 2WD or 4WD. But, I will guarantee you that if you find yourself in a situation needing 4wd, you will be cussing yourself for not opting for it. Your tag shows you in Michigan. Got any heavy snow and hills up there, lol?

 

For the love of all that is holy do not come into the CO mountains with your 2WD pickup, stay in Utah or Wyoming or Montana.

 

In my opinion, if you live anywhere that gets snow in the winter, it’s not even a question. 2WD trucks in snow just suck. Sure you can “manage”, I can row a boat with one oar too, but why make life harder than it needs to be?

 

something to consider-. a 4x4 system is hundreds of Lbs heaver and definitely effects fuel mileage.

also, its more parts, fluids and maintenance.

if you really don't need it, it's kind of a waste. on the other hand, if you ever leave the hardball road, you'll probably wish you have a 4x4. if you live in a snowy area, you should consider an AWD vehicle as they are the best on the road.

you never should drive a 4x4 with the front end engaged while on a surface with good traction. the front end is not limited slip (usually)

it does have a higher resale value over a 4x2.

you will loose maybe 3mpg's

 

Rear will drive pickup is way worse than a FWD car except for clearance which is rarely an issue you don’t know about before going out. I agree driving skills are very important