I'm new, am looking at a 4cyl Tacoma but have some questions...

I'd go test drive a 4x4 or preRunner before comiting to a 5 lugger. You won't be disapointed with a 4x4 IMO. I wish I got 4x4

 

This is what I've been on with my prerunner. I have stock suspension and street tires. Most of that trail is hard packed dirt btw.

 

Iv taken my prerunner on some nasty shit that's gooten me into trouble but with some strategy I overcame it. Once I'm locked ill no fear keeping up with some 4x4's out there on their trails

 

When i first got my truck i took it offroading on a decent trail 100% stock, i almost got stuck once but i ended up getting out of it on my own power. Idk if you get a lot of snow where you live but here in va this past summer it did alright almost got it stuck once in about 4 inches of snow maybe...i dont really remember but if your just doing mild offroading 2x4 is def enough

as for gas mileage, if you get a 4cyl your already getting pretty good gas mileage

i do agree about the ride height i like mine how it is...id like a higher one though with 4x4 just to have fun so you definitely wont regret which ever decision you make

 

get a prerunner. easy to lift. better ground clearence. and you can search around for an older year with bucket seats. which are awesome.

 

A 4x2 will take you almost anywhere, I've trailed with 4x4 guys before. I did ok, for the most part you dont need it, but where I had trouble the 4x4 guys cruised out like nothing.

What made me want a 4x4 or wish i had a 4x4 is a small hill of compact dirt and loose rock... My truck just spin the tires and kicked rocks all over the place, was so embarrising watching the 4x4 guys going around me with little to no effort. I had to be pulled up the hill cuz I couldnt park and lock the truck up in the area we had to keep going forward.

Another occasion was we were taking a trail ride when I hit a small patch of loose mudd that was no more then 15 feet long and maybe 6 inches deep. Really heavy clay type. I could have easily kept to my right and made it threw but since my rear tires were in the mudd before I realized this I was dug in and couldnt get my truck to make a right or left or even rock forward and backwards. Another embarrising pull out that the 4x4 guys handled with ease.



And both of these incidents happened with decent tires, BFG AT KO's.