I got my 1997 4x4 for $4500. It was in pretty great condition. However I did do a ton of work on it to make sure it was offroad ready. There are great deals out there, you just gotta keep an eye out every day. Good deals pop up all the time. My buddy got his a few weeks ago for $4800 and it...
I wouldn't get a 2x4. I had 2x4 tacoma and wished I had gotten a 4x4 from the beginning. Now that I have my 4x4 4runner, I wish I had the 4x4 a long time ago. Don't be impulsive, be smart. :) 4x4 rules!
Jon