UPDATE - Which way would you lean?

Ok, so bearing in mind that I cannot afford 4x4, nor do I think I need it being in NM. Although I do want some control over the rear wheels i.e., Auto LSD or Rear-Locker.

Which way would you go?

2009 PreRunner Auto LSD, 120k

http://www.rjautonm.com/carview.php?view=2176

OR

2007 PreRunner TRD OR, 80 K

http://www.toyotaofsantafe.com/used-Santa+Fe-2007-Toyota-Tacoma-PreRunner-3TMJU62N27M030239

I read that 2009 is quite a good improvement on the earlier models + lower insurance, but then a true rear locker seems way better.

Thoughts are appreciated!

 

Without knowing years and miles its hard to say. Only you know how hard you can take it. I know a LOT of guys who wish their California prerunners had a transfer case and CV axles, though.

 

You might want to check this thread out.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/never-owned-a-tacoma-is-this-a-good-deal.458735/

 

Will check, cheers

 

If anyone wants to chime in that would be great

 

I'd look for a private party 4x4 if you think you'll need a locker in a prerunner

 

Yah, this is what I was fearing. I think i do need 4x4 but the scottish in me hates to pay the premium for something ill use every now and then

 

It's worth it. Period. You can do everything a locked 2wd can do just at half to 1/3 the speed which means a more comfortable ride.

 

I would splurge and get the 4x4 if at all possible. Because the one time you really really need it you wont have it.

 

if you don't get a 4X4 you'll always regret it... especially when your stuck out in the middle of nowhere (don't ask me how I know this.)

 

ok, well i think that has answered it. guess i'll keep saving so i can stretch the budget a bit more!

thanks all

 

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Just saying!

 

IDK what you're talking about



@nonohmic I have the identical truck to the 2007 you posted. If you want a reliable truck go for it, I'm now at 131xxx+ miles without any major problems. Mine is lifted and with the rear locker I can go a lot of places... but... I do wish I had bought a 4x4 when I got my truck. I had the same kind of thought process "Well I live in CA, I don't really need 4x4" but the one time you actually need 4x4 it will be worth its weight in gold.
My .2
Whatever truck you get will be a Tacoma so you'll be happy regardless

 

Dude, sweet rig!

While it is a great deal on that 07, i think ill wait and see if i can swing 4x4. These PR are attractive though as they sell for so much under blue book, whereas 4wd here seem to go for over, and get snapped up fast.

Would be good to take my new daughter cool places as she gets older though, show her the backcountry. So yeah maybe wait on a deal on a 4x4.

 

Lean? Has to be to the drivers side.
Oh wait....that's not what you meant.
Sorry.
I'll show myself out.

 

Thank you. That's what I would do if I could do it over again, good luck on the hunt for the right one!

 

I've had 4x4 since the early 80's. Hell even my wife's Volvo is all wheel drive.

I went hog hunting with a friend that got his full size 2x4 stuck in sand. If you've ever spent 8 hours or so digging a truck out, finding stuff to wedge under the wheels, move the truck a foot or so and repeat you'll cuss every minute not having 4x4. I won't let anyone drive that doesn't have 4x4 even if it's logging roads when hunting anymore. That was the worst 8 hours I've spent outdoors (in the Florida summer heat). I had visions of dying there from heat exhaustion. This was before cell phones were prevalent and he didn't have a CB either. Luckily he did have a small shovel.

 

Sounds horrible haha

 

Here's my take on 4x4... For most, not really needed 95% of the time but it's that 5% when its needed that counts. Yes its more expensive and there's additional maintenance but it gives me the freedom of venturing mostly anywhere without any hesitation.

We do have an 2009 pre-runner with the locker and that's on road 99% of its life. It's great for its intended use.

 

Noted; and i'll trust anyone with the undertow cover as their avatar