Why did you choose Prerunner (or 2WD) over 4x4?

CO = SNOW = 4X4

 

Location: Southern California
The rest is what HE said ^^^^^^^

No need for the complexity, maintenance, insurance, and worse fuel mileage hit if I am primarily stuck in traffic, traffic, traffic, traffic, traffic...

 

I live in Florida. But use the 4x4 because I manage construction at my employers farm. It's also handy for slippery boat ramps and hunting trails. And pull off the side of the road on sandy shoulders, to park at the beach and...BAM, you are stuck-like-chuck!!!
yeah, I could probably get by with a 2wd, but I've had dozens of trucks and most have been 4x4. I never said...damn, I wish I had a 2wd in this particular situation.

Also, insurance is based on value not drive train.

 

Year/Model: 2013 DCSB PreRunner 2.7 AUTO

Location: North SF Bay Area

Driving habits: 14-18k annual miles, DD, work deliveries, camping cruiser, road trips, people hauler, homeowner activities and trips to HD/Lowe's

Main reason for 2wd: First 4x2 truck I've ever owned. We already own a 4x4 that gets horrible gas mileage and I didn't see the need to buy an another. 4x4 use with current lifestyle is minimal. Next car will be Subaru AWD to replace the current 4x4 for snow trips which is all we need. Next truck might be 4x4, just for the option, but my Tacoma will be a owned for a long time and I have no current intention to replace it with anything else. It's setup ideally for me and my needs.

 

If all other options are the same (tire style/size, lift, weight etc) how much better mileage will a 2wd actually get? I can't imagine it's much. If you throw a canopy and some tools in your truck you've already negated the weight savings.

 

According to Toyota there is no difference mpg wise, other web sites peg the city mpg on the 4x4 ONE mpg lower, so at the end of the day, its a moot point.

I suspect the main reason one opts for the 4X2 vs the 4X4 is the upfront cost and all the other stuff, maintenance and fuel cost is noise me thinks.

 

Cost and I don't need it.

 

I dunno.. the few thousand dollars difference isn't much when you're in the $25-30k range to begin with, and if you're a monthly payment kind of buyer that's a difference of $60 +/- for just the 4x4 addition. Up front cost is minimal, I'd sooner think that the main reason someone buys 4x2 over 4x4 is they genuinely don't need 4x4.

 

I bet upfront cost is the #1 reason. Maybe not here on a forum full of enthusiasts...but in general. If you go to a lot or cruise a dealer website, the 4x4 Tacoma's are all in the 30K+ range. Most are mid 30's. But the 2wd's are mid to high 20's. big difference to a lot of buyers. and that 60 bux a month is a big deal to a lot of folks' budgets.

 

I'm with you on that. A budget is a budget for sure.

Its a financial decision no doubt, not so much the maintenance, gas, etc stuff others brought up, because those are kinda moot points.

 

I bought used and saved 5 grand for a truck with 30,000 miles on the OD, the 4x4s held their value too well and cost almost as much as new.

 

2015 4.0 DCSB PreRunner in Georgia.
I don't even need a truck much less a 4X4. Although I did haul a lot of rocks, I could have had them delivered or rented a truck a whole lot cheaper than buying a Tacoma.

 

Year/Model:2007 DCSB Prerunner

Location:Vegas


Driving habits: Stand on jet ski towing, home depot runs, lowes runs, and future full LT for prerunning in Vegas desert and dune runs

Main reason for 2wd: Don't need 4WD and insurance is less was originally a family truck so...

Other vehicles: 2013 Honda Pilot, miata, about to by a triple street or ducati diavel...

 

Without a doubt.

I had a negative equity trade in which reduced my comfortable budget, but I still built my truck to order and waited 5 months for what many call a silly configuration. I got exactly what I wanted when I picked my options and trim, build configuration, and got exactly what I wanted as a result.

Been more than a few who question my truck choice, but it is exactly what I expected and what I wanted. If anything, it's comical to be told I am underpowered because I don't have a V6. If we are talking underpowered, a V6 isn't much better. I come from V8s and diesels and don't consider any V6 midsize truck to be much to brag about, much less with a 6 ft bed.

3/4 ton is where real trucks begin, IMO. Tacoma's are great for off-road and for DD duties, not what I would choose for a working truck.

 

2015 DCSB Pre-Runner TRD Sport
Florida East Coast
Daily driver plus beach and some fire roads to get to mountain biking (Florida style which might surprise you)

After I sold my boat I saw no reason for a 4x4 plus the Jeep I had once upon a time was a beating when stuff broke. Nothing here to scare me and most (not all) guys will pull your butt out of the sugar sand; then tell you why you should have got the 4x4

I don't think the up-front cost was a big deal or the insurance. Doubt neither make people choose. Buy what you feel works for you and move on; or have buyers remorse; or trade in ; or..... LOL

 

It's not JUST value. Insurance is cheaper on a 2wd 4cyl than it is on a 4wd V8 of the same value. There are a lot of variables. Value isn't the only factor.

 

Toyota doesn't offer a V8 in the Tacoma.

 

And is is absolutely about value. A loaded Tacoma Prerunner TRD Sport with V6 will have a higher ins. premium then a base Tacoma 4x4 with V6. Because one costs more to replace.

 

So many reasons that I got a Prerunner:

1. Truly don't need 4 wheel drive.
2. Added cost.
3. Added weight and slightly reduced MPG.
4. More potential for something to go wrong.

And resale is not a big deal as all Tacos hold their value very well...as I found out with my base truck.

And these will get me through winter just fine.

 

Year/Model: 2015 DCLB Sport
Location: SoCal
Driving habits: 95% DD on hwy & hauling the family around town on the weekends. Garage kept. Occasional light trail when I can find time to get out of town.
Main reason for 2wd: Wanted 4x4, but wife talked me out of it. Additional $2-3k I think, less MPG's, and I'm happy that I stuck with what I could afford. Maybe next time