Deciding to get a new tacoma. Prerunner or 4X4?

Hello everyone! I am a newbie to this site. Ive been Interested in getting a new Tacoma for a while now and have been debating for a really long time whether or not I should get a 4X4 base or a Prerunner with the TRD OR package. Pretty much 99% of my driving will be on the street and I will be doing some light offroading and some driving in the sand since I live in Hawaii. I figured the Prerunner would be more feasible because it is much cheaper and I can use that money for some upgrades but the 4x4 might be better in the sand even though ill be rarely taking in the sand because there are only two beaches you can drive on without getting arrested or running people over! I know 4x4 is better but would a pre runner with a locker get by almost as well? The 4x4 would be kinda nice though for the peace of mind and to save the embarrassment of owning a pre runner although the pre runner is cheaper and more practical. I really need help. This is the main question. Should I get a 4x4 or a pre runner? and will a pre runner with a locker be just fine? Thanks guys for taking your time to read this post because I am in need of assistance.

 

Just my opinion is I would never own a 2wd truck, but I go hunting in remote places where I don't see other people often. I have a base 96 4x4 4 cylinder I have taken it in some bad mud and sand, the only time I have gotten stuck the truck was messing up with me and went dead in the mud and I lost my momentum and dug when I started again. I have been in situations where a locker would be better than 4x4, but It's up to you, if you air down the tires and be care full where you stop you should be good.

 

4X4 without question, and no regrets later....................

 

Have you ever had a 4x4? If no, you may not know what you are missing.
If you ever have, then stay 4x4.
Just my 2cents.

 

Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Get the 4X4

 

4x4 because you will regret not getting it.

 

To me, trucks are for 2 things: hauling stuff and getting you places a car cannot.

4x4 fo sho!

 

If you're already planning to take if off road, might as well opt for the 4wd. It's only about 2 grand more. They're both good trucks, either way. When I went from having a 2wd to a 4wd, I started enjoying going out more to trails and generally anywhere cars can't.

I also started putting more money into mods when I got a 4wd.

 

I just bot a new Tacoma and never considered anything but a 4X4. I may never put it in 4 wheel drive, but I can if I had to. It's a security measure that's well worth it in an emergency situation, even to help others in bad situations. The resale value is not bad either. Go 4X4.

 

4x4 any day of the week, you may change your mind down the road and want to do more thing off road, spend the little extra money now.

 

If you're doing 99% of your driving on the street, get the PreRunner. Save your money and throw it into a lift/wheels/supercharger

 

I wouldn't buy a PreRunner but then again I don't live in Hawaii. If driving in the sand is pretty much the extent of the offroading you anticipate doing than a PreRunner is probably a good move for you. PreRunner will have more amenities than a 4x4 base. The 4x4 base will feel more like a truck, in my opinion, because it lacks all those cool gadgets. The TRD OR, I believe comes with some cool stuff like a rear locker. It just depends what you want. Good luck.

 

4x4 No question

 

I bought a prerunner. Then I got to know its limitations. Now I have a 4x4. Get the 4x4 or you will probably just regret it later.

 

I have had my Prerunner for 12 years now, and a 2-wheel drive Ford before that, and I have never had a need for 4-wheel drive. It would have been a waste for me to get 4x4. But that's just because of how/where I use my truck. If you are going to be on the road 99% of the time and don't expect that to change, then Prerunner is fine.
But, based on the other comments above, it will be a hell of a lot easier to sell it if it is 4x4 - seems that's what the majority wants.

 

4by. That 1% where you get stuck sucks.

I am a street driver as well. But my hunting gets me off the path enough I feel I can justify 4x4.

 

4x4's also come with the sweet 4x4 mudflaps.

 

Thanks guys for the advice. I am seriously thinking about a 4x4 now. If I can get a good price for one then ill just go for it. I am just in high school so every dollar counts. Whats the difference in insurance and gas between the two?

Also my dad is trying to talk me out of a 4x4 because he thinks ill try and do something stupid in it with my friends, which is probably true

 

If you are going to do allot of off roading in mud sand and rough Terran and you can afford it then pay the extra money for the 4wd it is well worth it . If you dont do much off road the the pre runner is the way to go . Having the 4WD is always nice to have when your in a jam .Just my opinion .

 

go 4x4 that way you can go offroad more often