Should I trade for 4x4?

Not getting into a pissing contest in this guys thread but now, as stated in my post, with anti-lock brakes, TPMS sensors (for those who don't know how to check their own tire pressure, let alone change a flat) and other "drivers aids" I am just kind of surprised NHTSA hasn't jumped in and made RWD for sports cars only (along with higher insurance premiums)...

 

I need it to pull my boat, and do a lot of other work. My truck sees a lot of significant use during those weekends. I just think it would be real nice to also have the capability to go anywhere with it as well.

 

The fuel milage difference between a prerunner and 4x4 is negligable if anything at all. My 4runner, which is heavier than the Tacoma gets the same mileage as my girlfriends prerunner Tacoma.

But anyway, its really a decision only you can make. You have to ask yourself some questions; Do you really need 4x4? A prerunner with a locker is very capable and you can always add a winch too. If you don't absolutely need 4x4, then, do you mind parting with some extra cash to trade? You will most likely lose money in the deal and if you don't you will end up with a truck that is older and/or has more miles, which isn't necessarily bad.

 

x2 just buy an old beater

Edit: Nevermind, just read your last post

 

The NHTSA needs to blow a donkey... thats all I have to say on that matter

 

It seems looking around I could probably do this and end up owing about the same money afterwards. I just wonder if I should, or just put a winch bumper on this thing and a locker and call it good.

 

Like towing and hauling...which is why a lot of diesel guys and hot shotters go with 2wd. It's one less thing to break (with many components), and since they may drive up to 100k a year, they need to make money with their truck; might as well save the few thousand on the original purchase since it will never be used. Not to mention a slight increase in fuel economy.

That being said, if it's your weekend warrior, I'd go with 4wd...but not a new one. I'd go for a awesome first gen which would leave you plenty of cash for mods and fun.

 

but having that 4x4 capability is oh so fun

 

Having 4x4 is fun but the challange of only having 2wd is sometimes funner

 

Well given that, I see your predicament...

Fink

 

I went from a 4X4 F-150 to a 2006 PreRunner. I instantly knew I had made a mistake, so I waited until I had good purchasing leverage and traded for a used 4X4 Tacoma. I couldn't be happier with my decision. If you can make the numbers work, go for it!

 

I bought a 2010 DC TRD PreRunner in January... then I got the 4X4 bug (thanks to TW, fuck!) and turned around and bought a second Taco for $7K cash: a 2000 4X4 SR5 loaded with extras to the hilt. Now I have a mildly modified daily driver, and a nicely outfitted 4X4 to mess around with. My advice is to just find an older 4X4 Taco, but it's our money.

 

^^^ Congrats on post # 500 ^^^

 

Hadn't noticed! Yep, I'm moving up in the world...yeah me!

 

sell it and buy a first gen

 

I went from a Pre-Runner to a 4x4. I'll never EVER regret that I did. Even if I don't make use of it that much, just knowing that I have that option (4x4) incase I ever need it or if I just want to go have fun on the beach is a great feeling.

On a side note, I doubt you'll get 24k on a trade, most dealers will stick it to you for way under low Blue Book. But you have to option ofe selling it outside as well. And if you are going to buy a used 2008 or newer, you might as well price a brand new one because the difference in price won't be a whole lot considering that these trucks do re-sale quite high!

Good luck with what ever you decided. Just remember that you will probablyspend the next 5-8 years in either this Pre-Runner or a new/used 4X4. I'd rather spend that time in something that makes me grin ear to ear everytime I take it out to have fun!!!!!

 

Well, for a lot of people, their trucks are cars. A big percentage of trucks never really tow anything or do any off-roading, or deal with very hard driving conditions weather-wise.

For those people, it basically is a car with a bed instead of a truck. I guess to people who actually use the truck-ness maybe a prerunner seems like an el camino with bigger tires, but if they wouldn't use 4WD but once a year or less... do they really need to pay extra for it...?

 

Forgot to mention above that when my 2010 PreRunner is paid down a bit more (like in a couple years), I will be trading her in on a 2nd gen 4X4. I love my 2010, but I shoulod have gone with the 4X4. At the time, it didn't seem all that necessary to me, and it really isn't a necessity. But I sure like the capability of my 2000 and I wish I had not compromised on the 2010. Just my thoughts.

 

4x4 yes if ur gonna have 14k outa ur truck...buy 3yrs old and have that bish paid for in a year

 

get an SAS'd first gen