2wd vs. 4wd

[mista2turbo]

I'm looking at getting a later 3rd gen (99-02)4Runner. Pretty much all that i am finding so far are 2wds. On the rare occasion i do find a 4wd its about $5k more and im wondering is it worth the extra coin? I'm not a hardcore offroader. I might take a trip now and then up to the mountains, but wont be blazing any trails. I might want to hook up a trailer and tow my car up to WA a couple times a year(About 1300 miles/way). Will a 2wd suffice for my needs? What are some pros and cons of each? I'd appreciate any insight you guys might have!
~Dave

 

[Thai]

2wd should be fine with you. Since you're gonna travel a lot, i would recommend 2001-up 4runners because they have a more sophisticated ABS system (4-channel vs. 3-channel), Brake Assist, Electronic Brakedistribution (EBD), and stability control (VSC).

On 2wd 4runner (2001-up), the rear wheels have traction control...so, you do have some additional traction capability. Unlike in 4wd, this traction control feature can be turned OFF.

One thing to make sure of...in 1999, there was a recall on 2wd models to fix the rear suspension. I forgot the exact details of this, but i am sure your Toyota dealer can pull it up. It had something to do with it being unstable when towing or having a heavy load.

2wd...good = fuel economy.

4wd...good = traction/off-road/snow ability.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mark86]

On the generation of 4Runners you are looking at, the car is always in 2WD. You have to switch manually into 4WD if you get a 4WD model. I don't know where you live, but 4WD is very useful in slick conditions. I think it is very good to have this option at your hands if you need it.

 

[Biff]

On the generation of 4Runners you are looking at, the car is always in 2WD. You have to switch manually into 4WD if you get a 4WD model. I don't know where you live, but 4WD is very useful in slick conditions. I think it is very good to have this option at your hands if you need it.

I have a 2wd and towing has never been a problem. Even better if you add a supercharger.