Thinking about a Tacoma

Ok I am new here and thought to myself what better place to ask about a Tacoma. I have been in the market for a new Truck or SUV for a while now with gas prices back down. I have been looking at the Tundras but really like the new Tacomas because of the compact size. My question is most of the ones I see are Pre Runner and I want to know how they handle off road (even though they say off road). I live in Wilmington, NC and we have a beach we can drive out on at Carolina Beach. I have seen tons of Tacomas out there but I couldn't tell if they are pre runners or 4x4. How do ya'll think a pre runner would handle in thick sand (because it can get pretty thick out there I have seen)? Should I even risk trying to take a pre runner out there and get stuck. I have been told just because they say off road doesn't mean that kind of off road it means on trails in the woods going over stumps and rocks not thick sand. Any helpful suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Jeff

 

2WD is a huge challenge in the sand. I can't comment personally on the pre-runners but this spring I took mine out on Orgen Inlet in Nags head. I had no problems what so ever in 4x4 with my tires at 30 psi

 

so basically if I want to take the tacoma on the beach where the sand can get thick I need 4x4. I would hate to assume just because it says off road means I can go off road anywhere and then get stuck and look like a fool. It is just hard to come across a Tacoma 4x4 with low miles without it being $30,000+. I will keep looking and see what comes up around my area before I jump on a pre runner.

 

2WD is very tough to maneuver on the sand. But 4x4's also regularly get stuck in sand as well. Much of getting stuck has to do with the quality or the driver. Any package that includes the TRD offroad comes with a locking rear differential that is very helpful in many situations.

 

General knowledge of what to do in those situations help. For example like dgerm said, you can lower the air pressure in your tires. If you do get stuck, options include floor mats under the tire, pieces of wood, bed mat... anything your truck needs for traction. I personally believe the average joe would just give it more gas. If youre smarter than the truck, than a PreRunner might do you just fine. The almighty dollar plays a big role in this decision. I've got a PreRunner. I have taken it to the dessert and not get stuck. I've also seen others get stuck. Luck of the draw!?!?

 

hello & welcome to TW.

 

I would hold out until you find a 4WD. I bought a Pre Runner because I originally just wanted it to carry my dirt bike but, now I want to start trail ridding and go on some harder runs and wish I would have got a 4WD.

4WD Sport FTW!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

dont do a pre-runner if you are even slightly thinking about sand and the fun that comes with having a 4x4. just bite-the-bullet and get the 4x4, youll thank yourself forever.. and never go back

 

X2, well put.

 

Never just settle on a vehicle. get what you want, even if you need to wait a little longer. It's worth it.