Do I need a 4x4

fwd is waaaaaaaaaaay better on snow/icey road than a 4x2 pickup.

if I'm staying on the road in light snow/ice, i take my camry instead of my 4x4 taco...

 

A hybrid really? Please tell me you aren't one of those 1st or 2nd gen guys that complain about technology in the 3rd gen.

 

I was in your position kinda. Only ever had one truck(2wd) (26yrs). I knew I wanted a v6 no matter what due to my boat. Didn't want a Tacoma with a 4banger w/turbo so I knew I had roughly a year to get one. Here in MD some of the boat ramps aren't for the faint of heart. Facter in slim etc. I thought 4wd would be damn handy. At first I was looking for a 2wd sport or sr5. Let's be clear........there will only be one new truck for me. Then I noticed the aesthetics. The sport and sr5 had all one color(fenders etc). Didn't care for the look. Also, there wasn't a 2wd even close to look at. Sales guy called me and said a Trd OR just came off the truck this morn and come test it. Rest is history. Something else to consider........You may not need a 4wd NOW. What's to say you don't expand your horizons and start doing different things....clubs.....camping.......etc where a 4wd would be handy.

 

Get a real 4x4, not a girlie Sport!

 

The difference is 1-2 MPG. Theres a few more maintence things, but that'll add up to maybe 500 dollars over 100k miles. I would absolutely go for it.

 

I would think this decision may be different depending on what area you live in. Some places there is just no need to have 4WD.

 

Down in Texas I was fine with RWD trucks since I knew I would literally never use 4WD. But up in the PNW it's been great having the 4x4 for the rare occasions I've found myself dealing with snow and ice and having no drama while other vehicles were slipping and sliding off the road.

Also, although I never do any real off roading, knowing I can is nice, especially since I'm surrounded by opportunities if anyone ever asks me to join. I went once when the Tacoma was stock and the thing is insanely capable from the factory with the locking rear.

All that to say, depends on what you want to do and what region you live in.

 

In my area 4x4 is a must. 4x2 only truck in the winter is almost undriveable unless you're putting hundreds of pounds in the bed to get some weight on the wheels. I do appreciate the wife's Rav4 in the winter, that thing is just great in the snow, AWD traction for days and just comfy as hell to drive. Highly recommended winter vehicle.

 

Not really true. Depends where you put the 2x4 up for sale. Sold my 2x4 in a part of California that doesn't need 4x4. Sold immediately, for 5k less than a 4x4 (the difference in value between 4x4 and 4x2).

That said, I wish I went 4x4 the first time, even when I lived somewhere that didn't need it 95% of the time. The 5% where I did need it, I had to leave the truck at home.

 

Asking for unbias opinions on a Tacoma 4X4 enthusiasts forum is like asking a dog lover if they prefer cats or dogs.

 

dogs!

Should be a Poll

 

Will I buy 4x4? YES

One of the most embarrassing things is getting stuck on the boat ramp with 4x2 truck.

 

It sort of depends where you live and how you use your truck

 

My driveway is on an incline and needed 4x4 at least 5 times this winter to get out without having to shovel my whole driveway.

 

Any maintenance that a 4x4 requires you can learn do to yourself here on TW or YouTube. You’ll be happier you did it yourself, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, you’ll learn something new and the best part is you didn’t let some crook dealer rape your butthole at their service department by letting a bunch of lazy millennial techs and overweight condescending service advisors strip your diff plugs and forget to put on new crush washers. But that’s just me.

 

Hate to tell you this but LSD Dose Not engage or lock in your rear diff.

 

Do you tow? Typically 4x4s have a lower payload capacity due to the extra weight of the 4x4 parts. Not sure if that is the case with 3rd gens.

 

I have known plenty of people who opted for 2wd trucks knowing that they would never need 4wd. The advantage of a 2wd, is a lot less weight and better mileage. I would always opt for 4wd myself, but I can understand someone getting a 2wd. The difference in price is huge as well.

 

I don’t even know why they make a 2WD pick up truck. It’s the most useless of any vehicle. I rather have a Prius than a 2WD pick up truck.

 

Yes...you need 4x4