SR5 4x2 or TRD OR 4x4?

There are no downsides to the 4X4 even if you don't need it. You made the right choice. The initial cost is a bit more, but value down the road is also a bit more. A fellow could spend a lifetime buying/trading into 4X4 vehicles and not spend any more money than the guy who only buys 4X2 vehicles. Us it it once every 2-3 years and it was well worth the tiny difference in cost.

The 4X4 components aren't used enough to ever wear out. If you drive the truck 300,000 miles you probably won't be in 4X4 10,000 of those miles. The only extra maintenance costs are changing the fluid in the transfer case and front diff once every 100,000 miles. Fuel mileage is so close to the same you have to go several spaces to the right of the decimal point to see it.

 

If you can afford the 4x4 do it. Even if you are never off-roading, you never know when you will go Kayaking and get into a muddy launch, decide to take a trip into a snowy area, or move jobs to a northern climate. I made do for years working in construction with 2wd company trucks in upstate NY for years. I can tell you it’s not a necessity to have 4x4, but it is really nice.

Now that you have a 4x4 truck and are already into outdoor stuff like camping and kayaking, check out some local trails and places to explore. It sounds like overlanding or exploring mild trails could be up your ally. It is addicting.

 

I have 2020 Sr5 4x4 and live in PA where we get snow. I don't do any serious off road driving maybe a little more than the Op but nothing serious. It is the Ideal package that you won't miss anything you are likely to want. I totally love my truck also.

Of course prices are crazy now that demand is back. when I got mine in July 2020 I was able to get it 33,600 plus tax and registration fees with no trade. I private sold my Old Liberty with in a week of putting it on Facebook Marketplace and got a bit more that I originally expected.

 

Aside from our climate in Oregon and I enjoy wheeling and skiing; every single stuck Tacoma I've seen beach to snow has been a 4x2 pre-runner. I would never buy a 4x2 truck.

 

I found a 2018 SR5 4x4 with 39k miles. Price $34k. Is this a decent deal?
It has a bed cover too but I cannot tell what kind or condition. It is not available to look at it yet.

 

I actually did the opposite and bought a 2wd SR5. I personally couldn't justify the extra cost, potential cost of maintenance, ect. I had a FX4 F150 prior and never truly needed 4x4. I'm in GA and we get snow maybe 1x per year and it's not really a good idea to drive in it since no one here knows how to drive in snow (hell, most don't change their tires until they see the steel belts, not kidding). I also don't really go "offroad" other than some well maintained gravel roads. I'd personally rather buy a older model 4x4 that could be used as a toy than offroading my daily driver. If it breaks then it can sit until I can get it fixed. I need my DD to work everyday. I hope I can actually hand this one down to my oldest when it's his time to start driving so resale is not an issue for me (these trucks hold their value better than all other brands anyway).

I don't plan on lifting it. My only real plans for it are upgrading the shocks to 5100's but set at stock height (I would go with the 4600's but don't want to see the yellow shock bodies. At least the 5100's will match my silver truck better) for better ride and either 265/70r16 or 265/75r16 SL AT (not sure which brand but will be 3-Peak rated) tires. From what I understand the 265/75r16 is the largest and widest you can go on stock height without rubbing. If I can't make due with that then I don't need to be doing it.

 

Considering the current options you shared (SR5 $37k 4x2, OR 4x4 $42k) and everything you've shared as far as requirements I feel it is a financially sound decision IF the truck is in excellent shape. My 2018 has 66k miles and still drives/feels like new.

Note I did say IF in excellent shape.If you cannot tell whether it's been treated lightly correctly then post up a bunch of photos here and you'll get lotsa opinions (LOL!)

Others might have a more complete list of differences but imo the only functional thing you'd be giving up between a 2018 SR5 and 2021 SR5 is the power seats. I added front seat spacers** so that I don't feel like I'm sitting in a hole.

**desertdoesit front seat jackers for $100 and 10 minutes of work

 

Buy what you want, and then you can do the diesel conversion since you actually have freedom in Texas...

 

I've known several people (myself included) who bought vehicles based on their current situation only to have that situation change drastically within a year or two (kids, move, job loss, etc.). Don't buy purely based on where you are in life currently.

 

Definitely get the 4WD.

 

Get an sr5 4x, a 2x4 shouldn’t even be considered if you were looking at an off-road.

 

Get a SR 4x4. You don't need a TRD, save $5k

 

Uh, just saying, the diffs are the same size/gearing on either 4x2 or 4x4 . . . it's just that 4x2 doesn't have a front one LOL

 

Get the trail edition

 

The Off Road, Pro, and all Manual Transmission Models actually have a larger rear diff.

 

You should buy what you want. Get the color and options and price.

That said, get the 2WD. Don’t pay more for a used truck with no warranty than you can get a new one for. The 2wd for 37k is probably the SR5 with one of the upgrade packages. Did you ask dealers if they have any 22’s coming in? That or if they have any incentive to give you on the 21.

The 2wd looks better, is faster, lighter, has more colors, better gas mileage, smells better inside, glass is clearer, and sooo much more

 

Tacomas, from my understanding, are all part time 4wd(unless they have an auto setting on the TRDs) so it’s useless until you go on snow/off road. Even up north I find it annoying having to switch between 2h and 4h when I come across some unplowed side streets, then hit pavement again.

4wd is one of those things that you don’t care to have until you are stuck. If you are always on pavement then you won’t ever get stuck. Therefore, you don’t need to carry the extra weight/complexity around. 2wd with proper tires will do the same stuff as a 4wd H/T set up.

 

Not in a snow storm, a rain storm or even just mudding. The rear end of any pickup truck will slide around, but much, much less in 4wd, without the need for extra weight in the rear.

 

Oh shoot, you're right--my bad