4x4! ...or PreRunner?

I always have peace of mind in my 2wd. Just gotta know the limits of your truck and how to drive it.

 

Prerrunner with O/R. But I'm biased.

 

When it snowed or the roads iced up. Granted, in the PDX area that is only about 2-3 times per year. But I was not able to drive my car because I wasnt confident enough that I wouldnt slip or get stuck. I dont want to worry about that anymore - I want to be able to look out the window and no matter the weather (save for a tsunami) I'd be able to say "Sure! No problem!"

That's why I wanted a 4wd taco. But if the locking rear diff on the TRD PreRunner will allow me to have that peace of mind without spending the extra cash, why not?

I still would prefer a 4x4. But i've done more math, and to buy what I want (Double cab short bed, 4x4, SR5 or TRD OR) I will have to wait longer. To the tune of 3-4 months, most likely. But I need it sooner rather than later - the tranny on my saab is going the way of the Titanic. If I could buy a PreRunner in July or August that would be a huge weight off my shoulders.

I appreciate all the feedback! Keep it coming, this is a hard decision.

 

4x4. Do it.

 

4x4

 

Wheres Kingfrog when you need him

 

In my opinion, I say you wait the extra 3 months.
Do it right the first time and you wont have to deal with the 4x4 dilemma in the future. Just my thoughts

 

Those who buy 2 wheel drive trucks need to pull their balls out of their purse. Trucks should only come with 4 wheel drive.

Bacon

 

my balls are perfectly fine, sweet cakes. yeah you ,may need 4x4 where your at, i am in florida. i have never seen snow, and i rarely go somewhere good driving skill cant get me out of... if you are thinking this hard, go with the 4x4

 

Get the 4x4... if you don't at some point you'll regret it and not be happy with your PreRunner.

Just sayin'....

 

I bought the PreRunner with TRD package, and don't regret it one bit. I'm in central Illinois where we do get snow, and I still wasn't concerned with 4x4. It's all in what your planned usage of the truck is, and your driving style. I've never had 4-wheel drive, and never been stuck. And that doesn't mean I stay home in the snow, I just drive within my (and my vehicle's) limits. Do I do any off-roading? Sure, if driving down a dirt road to a fishing hole counts.

I was in the same boat as you. I couldn't justify the additional cost of the 4x4, and I don't regret going with the PreRunner at all.

 

+1

OP, it all depends on what you think your usage is going to be over the life of your truck. My last 2 vehicles were 4wd (well, 1 4wd and 1 awd), and I'm now in a Prerunner and am just fine with it.

Also keep in mind that the 09+ have traction control and the auto-LSD. For your use, from you're original post, that will work fine for you without the added expense of the Off-road package. The e-locker in the Off-road package will work better in true off-road situations and low speed-low traction situations though.

Again, all depends on your needs, timeline and budget.

 

My budget constrains me to the older 2nd gens - 05-06 most likely. I'm looking to spend between 16-17k, and could possibly go up to 19 with a wait. 09's are all 20k+ where i live. (I'd love to have one though - timberland mica is where it's at )

 

A rear locked prerunner will not do well in the snow. The locker will do better for you if you were to get stuck in the snow. Locker off driving around will keep you from losing traction. I put my locker on during the winter if I'm messing around doing donuts or something

 

Live in VA, we have snow from time to time nothing major. I don't go off roading so 4X4 is pointless to have. Save the money and buy a Prerunner and use the extra money for MODS, I've been averaging 22+ mpg around the city so far this summer. (Yes I really do!) If you drive the speed limit with a Prerunner it can be done. I see way to many Tacomas ripping by me to prove that there hicks with no brains and then watch them pull into Sheets to get more testosterone I mean gas!

 

How bout I smear my balls all over your face

 

4x4 or forget it

Unless you're gonna get balls smeared in your face

In that case I would settle for a Prerunner

 

Hello fellow Oregonian!

Based on your price range, needs, and style, I see two options:

1. Older PreRunner TRD: Go this option if you want more cab space and you are out of time on the Saab.
-I wouldn't worry about snow, it usually melts in a day. For those times when you need to get through, I would recommend a good set of the Quick Fit chains at Schwab's. 2WD with chains on all corners will outperform a 4WD with mudders around here, at least on pavement and the well graveled logging roads until you get real high up.
-I'm still recommending the locker. This will most likely cover all the offroading you sound like you will be doing, plus will give a good tool for use if you use your truck for home/garden - driving around the backyard and you park somewhere wet with a load, you can sink just enough that a 2WD will sit and spin. Locker should help get you out.
-Also consider that you can later on add an offroad bumper and a winch. We have tons of trees out here, and *typically* you can rely on them.
Another argument for 2WD is cost of ownership. This truck will eventually get old and need repairs. Less parts = less cost.

2. 1st gen 4x4: go this option if you have an idea that you are going to get the offroad bug. They can be hard to find and spendy for a used vehicle, but for very good reason. I often wish I had gone this route, but my 22 year old car was costing me $300 every summer for carb adjustment and the unburnt fuel fumes was getting too much.