Newbie....help needed 4wd v. Prerunner

Looking at 08-11 DCSB trucks and have a couple of questions.

Other than the obvious are there any differences between the Prerunner and a 4wd truck. As far as exterior looks and interior? Ride quality?

I'm not much of a off-roader and will probably go off roading maybe 5% of the time.

Thanks in advance.

 

I don't know about you but living in AZ offers so many opportunities for using the 4x4. You can drive a hour and be in snow, or stay local and just enjoy all the beautiful back roads that AZ has to offer. The reality is that the 4x4 will hold it's value better and will be a more complete truck for most secondary buyers. When I purchased mine from the dealer, after I made my decision, the sales guy said, "you bought the right truck". My 4x4 TRD off road was probably my best vehicle buying decision ever.

I personally did not even test drive a 2wd, so I can't say if they ride different, I would think they were the same.

 

A pre-runner is just a 4x4 that doesn't have the front drive components. Everything else is the exact same, minus having the option for 4x4. I have a Pre-Runner and regret it. I'm actually converting mine to 4wd this December. Don't get a PreRunner...you never know when you're gonna be in a sticky situation and need 4wd

 

If you plan on going off-roading even maybe 5% of the time get the 4x4. It's a big investment no use in spending 20-27k on a truck only to realize you should have gotten the 4x4 model later down the road.

 

I have a prerunner and while I don't regret buying I will be converting to 4wd next year. For me it came down to cost. Used 4wd trucks around here were 3-5k more and usually has more miles on them. While converting to 4wd isn't cheap, the parts can be purchased 1 at a time as I have the extra money for them.

 

It is amazing how often I hear and read this. Just spend a little more and get the 4x4, it is just a great thing to have.

 

My idea of offroading is taking fireroads to hiking trails or camping spots. Living in coastal california with mild weather the 4WD was overkill for me, so I got the Prerunner. Love it. Bonus is better MPG (so I hear)

 

4wd will hold it's value better and be more useful. I like it as peace of mind when the concrete stops

 

x2

When I bought my truck in January all I could think about is how sweet it's going to be driving it for years and years...

 

Yes they do both hold their value well, only the FJ has better resale value out of all the different makes and models out there. But, with that said, just read this quote from above.

Read into it and you will see that the 4x4 hold it's value much better. $5000 more for a truck with more miles when it does not even cost that much to go from a pre runner to a 4x4 when buying new.

 

If you're gonna do any off-road driving, or live in an area with inclement weather, i.e., ice, snow and steep grades...definitely get the 4X. Anything else like hauling dirt bikes and stuff...the PreRunner does just fine.

 

In the end are you really saving any money for a conversion?

 

No, but buying the 4x was going to put out of my payment range. Converting I can just buy the parts as I find them/have the money and do it over time.