Moving to Colorado and have a few questions about getting a 4WD truck

Hi, I'd like some input from more experienced folks. Not sure if this the right section so please advise otherwise.

I am currently in AZ and moving to Northern Colorado in 2 months. I never see snow which is why I still have my '07 2wd 5spd 4cyl (non prerunner, low pickup). It's served me very well and I stumbled upon it 3 years back for ONLY $3,000 with 110k miles (screaming deal). I've loved every minute of owning it as I don't do much real off roading anymore, only fireroads. I have a platform setup in the back with a camper shell and hitch bike rack. It's simple and I frequently take it camping.

But that is changing. Being a remote employee, I have been approved to relocate to Northern Colorado. And now being in a different climate and on the front range with more free time these days as a single 24 year old, I am wanting to get a 4wd. But wondering if it is even necessary. I don't plan on rock crawling or anything extreme but rather traversing the terrain to get to the camping spots for good gravel/mountain biking and hiking. So I have narrowed it down to 3 options and am hoping the CO folks chime in as well. Here they are:

1. Keep current 2WD Tacoma and get a good set of all terrain tires that are capable of handling snow when it does. (Northern Colorado does not really get heavy storms but when it does, I'd likely stay home to play it safe.) Though, will this be sufficient for getting to the good camping spots on the front range? Again, I'm not going crazy or anything...yet

1. Sell current tacoma for 12k and find the same truck in 4wd and finance it. I got approved through a local CU for 3% for a 8k loan on an 07 tacoma with 150k miles (used just as an estimate to see where I was at). This rate will of course go down as mileage decreases and year increases. It's also my first loan and I'd be putting half or more down and I'd use this to build 'real' credit which will help in buying a home down the line if I do want to do that. Who knows, don't see my self buying a house in the next 5 years.

1. Sell current tacoma, take cash and dump it into my brokerage account and spend about 2k fixing up my Tundra that has been sitting for 2 years. It is a 2000 4wd with 310k miles and runs strong. But - it needs some work since it's been sitting. New upper and lower Ball joints, outer tie rod ends, transfer case seal, and fresh fluid all through out. Will also need a set of all new AT tires. And will need some paint and body work done as well as some parts for the camper. Besides that, I put a new rear end, cv axles, driveshaft, rack and pinion, PS pump, and bilsteins all around right before it sat. New timing belt as well. It's a reliable truck.

Which option sounds best? Does my current truck sound like it'll do just fine for what I plan on doing? I've never lived in the snow but have driven in it. I know to take it slow and controlled but the 2wd worries me especially in the mountain passes. Selling my taco and dumping money in the tundra sounds appealing since the market is super hot right now and I can get quite the money for it and invest it immediately.

I've been spinning my wheels on this for a minute now and would like some guidance from the wiser folks here.
Thanks in advance and please let me know if you have any questions at all.

 

Sell the current Tacoma and Tundra.
Put that money in to a newer Tacoma.
If you have any money left, put it into the brokerage account.

If your current truck has an Open Diff you probably aren’t going to like it’s performance.

Take my advice for what it’s worth, nothing.
I don’t know much about finance or brokerage accounts.

 

Well I wouldn't sell the Tundra since it's a desert truck for me and my brother. It'll be something I drive when I visit town.

It is an open diff. And what performance are you referring to? Regular street driving or in the mountains?

And no worries, all insight is helpful. If you ever want to read about finance and brokerage accounts - bogleheads.com is a great place to start. Their wiki is awesome.

 

Open differential will spin one tire in slick conditions. Limited slip would be a better option. 05-08’ had either open diffs or mechanical LSD. If I were to guess, I’d guess your 2WD is Open.

It would be easier to Google or YouTube the difference.

 

when there's snow on the road. Your best bet is to slow down and avoid using the brakes if possible.

4x4 helps too but isn't required. Some snow tires and a little extra weight in the bed will help too.

 

Post in the TW Colorado forum. See what they suggest.

 

Gotcha, that's what you meant. Makes sense and the more I think of the terrain i'll be on, 2wd is out. thanks.

 

Yeah, in city I think it'll be fine but in the mountains not so good.

 

Posted, thanks

 

I just got home from I-70 a few days ago. The only cars that weren't stuck on the highway in that snow were 4wd

 

Dang, figured as much. Decided I'm Going to go with option 3 based on my post in the CO forum. Thanks.