2005 V8 Limited - 2x4 or 4x4?

[neocacher]

Have an opportunity to buy a low mileage 2005 limited V8 at a good price, but it is a 2x4. Next nearest one in my price range is at least 300 miles away, and quite a bit more money for a 4x4. I am struggling what to do. I won't need 4x4 all that much, but when you do need it , it is a blessing!! I had a 4x4 V6 4x4 a few years ago, as pictured but I sold it. Sometimes our winters are harsh, sometimes not. HELP!

 

[Bumbo]

Its one of those questions only you can answer...

You know your own driving habits better than anyone else, and you have owned a 4x4 in the past so I presume you know what to expect.

That said, there is a reason the 4x4 trucks like the Tacoma and 4R have a hefty premium attached, hold their resale value like crazy, and get snatched up fast.

Personally I couldn't fathom owning one that wasn't a 4x4... but I also use them often off-road, trail, and desert. For road trip and snow, the convenience of not having to deal with chains was a big deal. I use it enough to the point I am toying with the idea of getting ARB lockers front and rear...

I also have a 1500 Silverado which has 4x4, and is more of a tow/hauler and not an off-road rig, but there have been times where having it has saved me a great deal of grief. If it was a 2x4 I would feel like I have a crippled rig.

But if you never leave the city... then... you should at least get a TRD Supercharger on that V8 for it to make up for the lack of awesome on drive train. But all joking asside, you could always add an ARB rear locker if you were worried about traction, but that really isn't an accessory for snow. If snow is an issue, then a 4x4 adds a lot of on-road confidence when driving.

 

[theMayor]

Where do you live?

If your winters aren't that harsh, keep in mind that with the money you save buying the 2wd could be put towards a good set of winter tires. A 2wd car with a good set of winter tires will out perform a 4wd vehicle w/ all-season tires in the snow.

 

[Lolrax]

No point driving a 4Runner without 4WD in my opinion. I wouldn't be bothered owning one otherwise. Lots of great 2WD options out there.

 

[Krayziekid]

Are you sure its 2x4? I thought all 03-05 Limiteds were full-time 4x4. My 03 Limited is full-time 4x4.

 

[4Rnr4Evr]

Are you sure its 2x4? I thought all 03-05 Limiteds were full-time 4x4. My 03 Limited is full-time 4x4.

Yeah I thought all V8s were full time 4wd? First time I hear about a 2wd V8.

 

[*Kevin C.]

Get the V8 with a 4wd.
I bought mine in hopes it was a part time 4wd and that I could switch it from 2wheel to 4wheel when needing. Test drove the part time 4wd and was not happy with it. Bought the full time 4wd V8 Sport Edition . And as far as gas mileage goes, it's not much of a difference.
I use to drive a 2011 Camry 4cyl. I would get 380-400 miles per tank. No modifications, a mix of city and highway, mainly city. Then I bought a 2006 4Runner V8 4wd sport edition and I get up to 345 miles per tank. Not much of a difference going from a 4cyl to a V8. All in all, having a 4wd is nice to have when you need it. Yea people that don't have a 4wd will always say "why do you need it if you not gonna use it everyday? That's why I didn't buy a 4wd". I was always a fan of 4runners, now I finally bought one used with low Milage and its in mint condition inside and out, thanks to previous owner for keeping it that way. Many people asked me what year is it? I tell them it's 10years old, they say "no way, it looks and drives like it's only a couple years old" lol
I say Go big or go home! Lol get what you want, even though you aren't gonna use 4wd everyday but it's nice to have as you mentioned.
Hope my response helps.


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[Inv4drZm]

Are you sure its 2x4? I thought all 03-05 Limiteds were full-time 4x4. My 03 Limited is full-time 4x4.

Never heard about any limited's being limited to 4x4.:shrug:

Yeah I thought all V8s were full time 4wd? First time I hear about a 2wd V8.

Either 2WD V8 or AWD/ Full time 4WD V8 - No selectable 2WD + 4WD V8s were available.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Get the V8 with a 4wd.

I use to drive a 2011 Camry 4cyl. I would get 380-400 miles per tank. No modifications, a mix of city and highway, mainly city. Then I bought a 2006 4Runner V8 4wd sport edition and I get up to 345 miles per tank. Not much of a difference going from a 4cyl to a V8.


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That Camry had a 18.5 gallon tank? Your 4Runner has 23? Your point?

 

[SacNorCal]

No point driving a 4Runner without 4WD in my opinion. I wouldn't be bothered owning one otherwise. Lots of great 2WD options out there.

I second this. There are plenty of 2WD options out there that will ride smoother and save more money on gas. But if you are getting it for a steal then why not..

 

[Atlanta_man]

Mine's never been off the concrete.
Reason I like it, even if it is 2WD:
Big strong and safe relative to other vehicles (body on frame, height)
Holds a lot of stuff with the rear seats down
Reliability - its a Toyota
Not much snow and ice in the South
Excellent V8 - well that was true back in 2005, not so much today (missing 2 cyls today)
Superior axial / planetary gear 5 sp transmission
The Limited has nice towing ability and several electronic features
In hot weather you can open 5 windows and the sunroof and cool it down quick