Do I really need 4WD? Or, is a Prerunner sufficient?

Hi folks,

This is likely another one of the "those" threads, so please accept my apology in advance. I'm hopefully a future owner of a new Taco. I've already decided on getting a DCLB, in Spruce Mica of course. I had thought it was gonna happen this year, but I had the opportunity to invest my truck savings into a recent business expansion, so the truck purchase will likely come at some point next year.

My vehicle for the past 6+ years has been an '05 Ford Escape XLT with 4WD. I recently turned 180k on the odometer, and the only major repair I've had is the transfer case, after 140k. Of course, this has the "automatic" 4WD, so I have pretty much no control over whether it engages. I don't put it through any hardcore activities, and the most it's really ever seen is the sand at the beach, when I take the family out there. There are only 2-3 beaches in my area where vehicles can drive on them, and we don't really even go there much. I live in FL, so there's no hill climbing or other off-road activities I'm even close to, and it's never been something I've been interested in doing. I'm a 40-year-old real estate broker, with 3 young children and a demanding wife so I don't realistically expect to be picking up any hobbies like that, ever again. LOL

What I've loved most about my Escape is the fact that the 4WD system works VERY WELL on wet roads. I can't force my tires to spin from a dead start at a red light, and I try it on a regular basis. But, the clock is ticking on this vehicle, and I do want to have a truck with some payload capabilities. We live on an acre, and I'm constantly needing my utility trailer to bring building materials, hay, etc, to the property. I have some carrying capacity in my Escape, but I just want a truck with a little more flexibility in that regard.

From reading the different threads about 4WD here on TW, the more I've questioned whether or not I really "need" to have the 4WD. I can't use it in the same fashion I've used my Escape for the last 6 years, and I rarely need 4WD, except for the infrequent trips to drive on the beach. I don't yet have a boat, but may eventually get one and there's a boat ramp less than 2 miles down the road. But, do I really "need" 4WD to tow a boat? It may help will launching/recovering, I guess, but it's such a rare thing...

Anyhow, I think you get the point of my thread. Am I missing some other benefit to owning a 4WD? Or is it money spent that I can put towards adding leather seating or a supercharger?

Then, the secondary question on the TRD packages. Will adding a TRD Sport or Off-Road package change anything performance-wise on the Prerunner?

Thanks, guys!

 

The TRD OR has Bilstien shocks tuned for offroading, and it also has a rear- differential locker. The sport has a skewp...

Also I remember as a kid using our minivan to load and unload a boat so i think with a 2wd you'll be fine. If you personally think you'll need it someday or will want it, get it. you wont regret having it in emergencies either.

 

The thing about selectable 4wd is it is there when you need it. I dont advise engaging it on the pavement even if it is wet. This may cause your drive train to bind up under the stress. 4wd is going to add value to your vehicle if you decide to sell it in the future especially because it is a yota. If you want the TRD package get the lsd since you dont wheel (sport package). It will get you better traction. When a shitty hurricane hits and there is shit all over the road and you need to get somewhere you may wish you had 4wd.

 

Oh, and I forgot to mention my concern on the different things I've read here on TW about regular maintenance/preventative care on the 4WD. Maybe it's no big deal, and doesn't take much time, but what if I forget to switch to 4WD to give it the necessary exercise for like 1-2 years. Will I have done a bad thing to the 4WD system? Sure, the 4WD may be nice to have for those random needs, but what if I don't properly maintain the system? Know what I mean?

 

Apology accepted. Although I am one who thinks 4wd is always a good thing to have, it sounds as though you have presented a good argument to yourself for not getting it. That said, don't get it.

Also being a guy in his 40's though, dude get the 4wd and take up the new hobby, the kids will love it and hopefully the wife will too. Don't think of only the utilitarian aspect of 4wd but ponder the possibilities of exploring areas with the family you wouldn't otherwise get to see.

Decisions Decisions, Good luck and welcome.

 

X2

 

I think 4x4 is always good to have, but it sounds like you've already made up your mind to not get it and you want us to talk you into getting it. Just get the TRD OR prerunner and you'll still have the locker at least

PS you stay on this sight and your gonna start doing trails and offroading so your gonna wish you had 4x4

 

Im sure there are millions of people in this country who have bought a 4wd without ever engaging it once. Think of all the Ford Broncos that were made and every single one was 4wd. Just dont engage it and leave it on lol. 4wd you will wish you had it, but thats just my opinion, not yours.

 

Well, I haven't really made up my mind. This thread is to help me decide. Trust me, I would prefer to have it and not ever need it, than the contrary. But, if I'm not gonna maintain it, then why have it? I'm not saying I won't maintain it, but from some threads I've read here, it just makes me question if it'd really be the right decision to get the 4WD.

And, yes, I'm prone to peer pressure.

 

After a quick read, I vote for the Prerunner...better on fuel, similar look, and fewer things to break I suppose.

 

Yeah, I didn't mention fuel costs. Not a deal breaker to get 1-2mpg less in a 4WD. But, I probably put 20-25k per year on my vehicles, since my business is rental property management. I drive a lot around town.

 

I'm a little biased as I live in a place that has a propensity for dropping a foot+ of snow conveniently in time for the morning/afternoon commute - I say get the 4wd.

Granted, not much chance of that happening where you're at, but it's one of those things that's just nice to have. Even just running it a few times every winter I feel it's worth it. To keep all the parts moving during the warmer months I just run it down some crappy dirt/mud roads every three weeks or so with the 4WD on. (easy, and a fun distraction!) This is my second 4WD taco and haven't had any issues with the 4WD system under this kind of usage. (Knock on wood!)

 

Sounds like you need a fuel sipping DD and buy a 4x4 tacoma and enjoy a new hobby

 

Wife mentioned that, but then I'd have a need for the truck when I'm clear across town, while driving the sipper. I'd rather drive the truck all the time. Besides, I'd have to keep insurance on the sipper just as well, so the cost savings wouldn't necessarily be there.

 

I have 4wd and rarely use it. Besides it's a Toyota and if something breaks, it's nothing someone on here hasn't fixed or can help you figure it out. 4wd is like a condom, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

And +1 to the family time, exploring is something that's fun and something I hope my son gets into when he's older. "Let's go climb that mountain son before mommy finds daddy and beats his ass.".

 

I can honestly say I DON'T have 4x4 and I've never wished I had it, not even in the snow. I used to own a 4x4 taco and it was a waste for me, I used it maybe 3 times a year. there's no shame in owning a 2wd pickup. with modern advances such as traction control and LSD standard, I get around just fine and so will you!

 

Not to try to talk you out of the 4x4 but I'd wanted a Tacoma 4x4 since before they were called Tacoma's. I finally got mine at 41 and haven't really used the 4x4. Sometimes I think I should have went with the pre-runner but I do love knowing its there when/if I need it.

Back in the day when I had my other 4x4 I'd take it pretty much anywhere, now driving a $30k and being older I take more care of my truck and don't want to take it wheeling and tear it up. Although I'm thinking about a local trail run that's coming up here in N. GA.

Aside from wanting the 4x4 the only need for it is the occasional snow we get and we like to take long weekends into the Smokie Mountains, mainly in the fall/winter time. Have got caught in some snow up there before in my wife old car (Dodge Neon) She already had that when we got together btw.

So for the most part it sounds like a money thing. If you have the extra $ then go for it. If the cost is tight for it then maybe you need to let it go?

My brother bought a DC Sport after I got mine and he too wanted the 4x4 but considering the extra $3k or so plus the extra insurance cost he decided on the pre-runner.

With all this said, I also say if you're spending that much then get what you want. I know I'm leading you both ways but just trying to help give both trains of thought from my experience. It's a tough call, Good luck!

 

Having read what you wrote I would say that a 2WD would serve you very well. In fact, aesthetics aside, I believe the 2WD SR5 (non Prerunner) is a better riding truck and returns maximum fuel economy. That is if you do not require a V6 for towing your boat. I towed my 17' Boston Whaler with a 1st generation Tacoma with the 2.4 ltr L4 with no issues. The 2nd generation Tacos use the 2.7 ltr.

 

... if you ever need 4x4 you'll be glad you have it. I almost got stuck launching my boat when my right rear wheel got into some gravel off the ramp and 4x4 had to come to the rescue. I definalty didn't think I would've needed it that day. It was one of those situations that can't be prdicted.
If you do get a prerunner, a off road model would be good with a rear locker, that would probably get ya out of most situations. Untill it turns into a "stuck-runner"

 

DCLB doesn't come with a 4-cylinder engine.