Advice please on 4x4 vs RWD first time buyer

How about a 4WD with snow tires? JS

Seriously though, having lived in that area for 14ish years (minus Bosnia, Korea, Iraq, Iraq, Asskrackistan, etc.), the 4x4 is the right choice.

 

4X4 For Life

 

I agree and I am the OP! I never thought this question would spark this much debate and opinion and create a 7 page thread. But put yourself in my shoes you have a LOT of knowledgable people on here who make very strong arguments for and against. It is very easy to see the valid points each side makes and agree with each of the different opinions. I also live in a part of the country that is very borderline for bad weather. Generally it is ok but we are not immune to getting bad snowstorms on occasion so its not as cut and dry for me say than if I lived in Florida vs Pennsylvania.

After many days of thinking this over I have come to these conclusions.

1) I am not concerned with the extra cost for the 4X4
2) I keep vehicles for a very long time (my truck I have now I have had for 10 years and plan to keep the Tacoma longer than that) I imagine a lot can happen in 10+ years. We could move to a harsher climate, I may get into off roading etc. I am into trout fishing and there may come times where I need to get into more remote areas in TN off road and who knows when I may need it. I also feel that if I do have a 4WD knowing myself I will actually seek out places to use it.
3) Nashville also does not have the same amount of equipment as northern cities to do snow removal on the roads. So when we get even a medium sized snow storm the major roads will get cleared but the majority of the back roads stay bad for awhile. I live in a very hilly neighborhood which doesn't outlet to a major road for a few miles so the 4x4 will be used its more of a question of how often each year.
4) I am having a hard time justifying around 35k + for a RWD truck (TRD Sport DCSB Or Limited DCSB). When I look at it financially it makes me think of going to a steak house and skipping dessert to save on the bill. You don't need dessert but if your are paying $70 for a steak you are obviously committed to spending money on the meal and may as well get what you want.
5) Resale value for a 4x4. Even though a poster here made a good point on resale value being more tied into the region of the country you live in I can't help but think on down the road when it does come time to sell that there would be more interested in a 4x4 than a RWD.
6) And finally "I can't get the saying "Its better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it" out of my head. I would be royally pissed at myself if I needed it and didn't have it after spending the coin these trucks cost.

So thanks everyone for all your help! Awesome people here and EVERYONE has been extremely helpful. I'm looking forward to getting my new Tacoma now comes the fun part actually going out and finding the one. Matt

 

x4

 

Haha, the suspense is killing me!!! At this point, I am almost convinced that you started this thread just to mess with us. Are you going with the 4X4?

 

Ha....I decided on the 4x4. See my previous posts if you are interested in the reasons why I went in this direction. Thanks!

 

I bought a prerunner. A year later I bought a 4x4. Ive never met anyone that's said I wish I got a 2wd truck. I have must a lot of people that said I wish I got a 4x4. You may only use 4x4 once but when you need it, its worth its weight in gold.

 

see this thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-in-the-snow-then-a-stock-4-4.267203/page-13

 

I never once considered a 2WD, as an option. JS

 

got stuck in the sand the other day driving on beach, had to get pulled out. will be trading it back in for a 4x4 soon. i even have offroad ko2 tires.

 

Get what fits your needs.
Personally I live in Southern California. I use the truck to haul home improvement materials. Also purchased for the recreational weekend adventures (camping, bikes etc.)

The opportunity cost just didn't make sense for me.. spend extra on the 4x4 or get the 2wd that was plenty for my needs..

Occassionally when I'm up in the mountains I throw a few sand bags in the bed. I maneuver around fine in mild snow.. living in new England for several years my winter driving is where I perform best!
In conclusion 2wd was practical for me and did all the things I need it to do.
Just my .001%

 

When in doubt, buy a 4X4 *speaking from deep saddening regret*

 

4x4 is in style now.
There, that's different.

5-10-20 years from now older street trucks will be in style because SWB SC 2WD trucks will be rare.

 

Hmmmm, interesting philosophical addition to the conversation. A completely different way of looking at it than anybody else has. Not sure if I really agree, but I suppose it's possible.

 

I would say the changes that trucks have undergone has more to do with added function as opposed to style preferences.

 

Function over form is an old Land Cruiser.

Nah, we're clearly going the other way.

 

Way to go OP. Very wise to way all options and come to reasonable decision based on needs and feedback. Good to know reasoning wins, enjoy the new purchase and post pics when finally arrives.

 

Smart move!

Yesterday, we had a neighborhood party down by the river. Several vehicles (trucks, minivans, SUV's, etc.), golf cats, ATV's and one tractor (Alabama, JS), were able to navigate the ruts and large mud puddles to our "picnic" area.

Of all the vehicles present, only one got stuck by backing muddy area. Sadly I didn't take a picture of it, but sure enough, it was a 2nd Gen PRERUNNER.

After he was pushed out and returned to the group, I kindly reminded my neighbor that Toyota DOES make a 4WD product.