2WD or 4WD

Question/asking for opinions. I am about to purchase a new Tacoma and I've had about 5
Tacomas of the 3rd gen; all of which have been 2WD. Should I get a 4WD this time around? Those that have bought a 2WD; do you regret not buying a 4WD? and are there any known issues with lifting a 4WD? I buy cars/trucks for a dealership group in the US so I know about resale values and stuff like that.

 

I'll bet there are plenty of folks that regret not getting 4WD but can't say the same for the reverse

 

I will never be without a 4WD vehicle. Always had one and always will.

 

Let's see, you've had 5 tacomas, all 2WD. You buy trucks for a dealership group. I seriously doubt there is anyone on here more qualified to answer that question for you than you. Have you needed 4wd in all your years of tacoma ownership? If not, then don't give it a second thought.

For my usage, I would not have considered 2WD at all. There can be issues with lifting these trucks, just like any truck. I put in the ECGS bushing as a preventative measure and have had zero problems.

 

I know 3 tacoma owners that regret getting a 2wd, me being included with my 2015 before i traded it in for a 4wd 2017.

 

This is my first part time 4WD, and we had only one other AWD. Prior to, it was either FWDs that all struggled for traction or handling or weaksauce RWDs. With that, I could not imagine living without 4WD. I've tried keeping it in 2WD, then just flick the T case after a short time. It just works in low traction situations. Sure, it might make it too easy, but it just works.

I will never go back to FWD. That stuff is trash.

 

No location included, but since you've had 5 2wd, I'd say you're gtg with a 2wheeler

 

If you've had 5 other 2wd Tacoma's and didn't regret it, I'm probably gonna say you won't regret it on the 6th go around.

 

I couldnt imagine a truck of any sorts being 2WD unless its fast. For the additional cost of 4WD in a taco the value is always there. Why not?

 

I have had three 4WD trucks and one AWD sedan; all in New England. No serious off-roading with the trucks. Being honest, I didn't really need or use 4WD all that often. Once and maybe twice a year on average over the years that I had them. BUT: when I did need it, 4WD saved the trip and absolutely saved me from the ditch or stranded or worse on a few occasions: once during a freezing rain and snow storm on I95 in central Maine, and once during a wicked snow storm coming home from work with 8" on the interstate after midnight one time. The time in Maine, it kept the truck moving in a straight line when 2WD was constant fishtailing on the icy surface: swith to 4wd and the rear end comes back into line and stayed there. Having it also allowed me to Uturn/go off road via the median (with the pemission of the police) to escape stalled traffic and turn around southbound to pick up Route 1 north and continue my trip instead of spending the night creeping along on 95 north. That said: I will always pick the 4x4 option if available. I go to Maine often year round. If I lived in Maine it would be mandatory for me for at least one of my vehicles, even if I could only afford a thirty year + old F150 beater.

So: I'm not trying to sell you on 4WD particularly ...just providing info on why I have chosen it, and how it proved over time to be the right choice for me.

 

Not sure where you live at but around here there's no point in a 4x2 pickup truck. I use my 4x4 system far less than most since I'm used to RWD, but the few times I do use it it is well worth it. Some people don't go out when it's snowing without 4x4 engaged.

 

Had a sales guy ask me: “Do you even need 4wd?” I did not stay there long.

A lot of people don’t end up using it but it sure does come in handy.

 

I've had 2wd trucks in the past and have regretted it instantly (back in the '80s ). Where I live and and drive (Mojave Desert), it's only 4wd now. Not to mention when I visit my family in northern Idaho over Christmas -- 2wd just wouldn't cut it.

 

they make trucks in 2WD?!!!?!?

No just kidding. ummmm , depends on where you live. Out here in the South West you have plenty of desert trails / dunes to rip through. This type of off roading ,for me, is the only type that is actually motivating and fun, so having a 2wd is all you would need to build a decent "pre-runner" type truck that can tackle most roads and even a bit of snow on the ground. However, getting stuck in deep sand , mud or snow can suck and you are def limited in terms of places you can "explore" with a 2wd. Actually my last two "prerunners" still retained 4x4 and it was nice from time to time not being limited or getting stuck. I don't know, either way can be good I guess pros/cons.

 

Someone who gets a 2x4 will regret not getting the 4x4, and a person who gets a 4x4 will never go back to a truck without 4x4. The versatility and usefulness is unbeatable. You may not need 4x4, but when you do, you at least have it.
I’m happy I got my truck with 4x4. But you also need to know what your sellers are selling for your dealership thing… what are they looking for. Maybe ask them and see what they are looking for? As another user stated, you are the best person to ask…

 

Wait...

You've owned 5x3rd Gen 2WD's but insist on asking others (who have owned maybe 1 or 2) if they regretted it?

They should be asking you that question instead

Only issues stemming from a lifted 4x4 is; added wear on cv axle boots, steering and related components if adding much larger tires, and ride quality if you go too high (too much preload will mean a harsh/stiff ride).

 

I think of 4wd every time. But then just realize i never need it. Transfer cases would go bad on my truck. Lol

 

There are no downsides to owning a 4X4 even if you never really need it. But you had better use it regularly for a few miles/month or it will give you issues with not working when needed.

A 4X4 will cost a bit more initially but will always be worth more down the road. Cost is pretty much a wash. Kept stock, or close to it and you'll not use any more fuel than a comparable 4X2. Start lifting, adding oversize tires and accessories and there is a penalty to pay. 4X4 or 4X2.

Unless you abuse it the 4X4 components will never wear out. If you drive 400,000 miles it would be highly unlikely to have even 10,000 of those miles used in 4X4. And you can ease a 4X4 through terrain where you'd have to abuse a 4X2 to get through.

 

I dont belong here but 4WD FTW!!!!

i bought a 2wd and just converted mine to 4WD

 

your kind of early, it's Monday.
got a 2wd myself, lol wish I had gotten a 4wd but I haven't any problems with it nor needed a 4wd in my 53 years behind the wheel. (knocking on wood)