What's the point of 2WD?

LandCruiser

LandCruiser

New member
Friend wants to buy a LE and I've been trying to convince her that the 4x4 is the better version.

-always on for the best traction
-great in rain
-great in snow
-decent on ice with the right tires
-can be used off road since it has a honest to God t-case

She's kind of on the fence, but the prices of LE's with 4x2 and 4x4 are essentially so damn close, what would be the reason NOT to get a 4x4?

Of course the dealer told her that "you'll never use 4x4," to which I countered--"it's always on, dude."

I've never bought any truck without 4x4, and think it's a terrible idea to save a few bucks on something that adds functionality and usefulness off road and in states where the weather is cold and miserable.

Am I missing something?
 
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The real world numbers don't back it up.
Even a part time 4WD system in 2WD gets worse mileage than a 2WD version of the same vehicle.

A full time 4WD system has more things to fail, to wear out, more drag. Plus it costs more.
Unless you live somewhere where it's always slippery (rain/snow/ice) a 2WD vehicle makes more sense for someone that doesn't intend to go offroading.
 
no offense to your friend but she should be looking at a different vehicle if she is even considering 2wd for a 4runner.

buying a 2wd 4runner is like wearing a raincoat in the shower.....what's the point?:noidea:
 
LandCruiser said:
Friend wants to buy a LE and I've been trying to convince her that the 4x4 is the better version.

-always on for the best traction
-great in rain
-great in snow
-decent on ice with the right tires
-can be used off road since it has a honest to God t-case

She's kind of on the fence, but the prices of LE's with 4x2 and 4x4 are essentially so damn close, what would be the reason NOT to get a 4x4?

Of course the dealer told her that "you'll never use 4x4," to which I countered--"it's always on, dude."

I've never bought any truck without 4x4, and think it's a terrible idea to save a few bucks on something that adds functionality and usefulness off road and in states where the weather is cold and miserable.

Am I missing something?
Click to expand...

Not sure what state she is in...but in states that are "dry" like Florida or Texas, 4x4 command much higher price because it is rare. Dealers don't discount as much with 4x4 vs. 4x2.

Unless she tows, there is no reason for her to get a 4runner 4x2 in the first place. Crossover SUVs would serve her much better...and saves gas (even if she got one with AWD).
 
^ Yup. If she doesn't need 4WD, then she doesn't need a 4Runner. If it's size she wants, a FWD crossoverish thing will beat a 2WD 4Runner in every category except maybe tow rating - mileage, safety, handling, interior space, etc. And if she's towing, a full size truck will normally do a better job of that than a 4Runner.

There's a couple different reasons it might make sense to buy a used 2WD 4Runner. There's no logical reason at all to ever buy a new 2WD 4Runner.
 
I might have to disagree here. Some people buy a runner based more on looks and reliability more than off road performance. I was like that for many years before i got into it.

For these people, they probably get a bigger discount off MSRP than the 4wd. In states that have less of a need for 4wd, dealers buy more in 2wd. More on the lot means better leverage as a consumer.

Toyota came up with the PreRunner. They sell like hotcakes in Hawaii.

For me personally, most of my decisions are made with a good amount of consideration towards appearance. Cars, house, clothes, wife (although she probably married me based soley on my glowing personality)
 
I see Prerunners and 2WD 4runners all over the place down here. It's hard to even find a Trail/4x4 in my parts.

Like others have mentioned before, there are a lot of reasons that one would want a 2WD. However, for myself I agree it doesn't make sense to not spend the extra $1,500 or so to get 4x4 if buying new. In my mind any savings gained from having less parts and better gas mileage will be made up in retainage of resale value with the 4x4.
 
Meh....

Heavy body-on-frame construction, torquey but mildly inefficient v6, big footprint....the only thing that really mitigates and/or compliments these aspects to a 4runner is the fact the 4runner can, if equipped with 4wd, drive over almost anything off the road and on.

If a driver doesn't want that 4wd capability, then there are plenty of other crossovers and cars that offer much better fuel economy and everyday utility.

Looks/feel is entirely subjective and differs with every person. Me personally, I have never found the 4runner to be a good looking SUV. Its looks have always struck me as functionally-driven (except for that stupid fake hood scoop).

And just because there are lot of people driving 2wd 4runners doesn't mean it makes sense to own one. Dealers and manufacturers will try to sell everything and anything to the consumer. People who get coaxed into buying one may feel good about their purchase and like their vehicle, but from a practicality standpoint, there are much better options out there...
 
I have had 4-wheelers on and off for most of my life and to be honest they are great if you use them. I was a desert rat for 35 yrs. or so, lived in the mountains of Colorado for 10 yrs. so i have done some wheelin. I don't do that much anymore and i drive an 02 sport 4-Runner now, to be honest i like it. I like the look, the feel, the room it gives me, and the safety it provides for me, and yes sometimes i call it my 2-Runner, but it takes me everywhere i want to go, it is very capable off road for a 2-wheeler. I do not like the little suv's and am not worried about economy, i get 18 mpg and that is fine for me. In all my years i have never questioned or tried to put a persons choice of vehicle down because something else would suit them better, i would rather not rain on there parade. I know people are going to say they are trying to help, but sometimes folks need to feel good about making their own decision. Have a nice day. :usa2:
 
RedSled said:
I have had 4-wheelers on and off for most of my life and to be honest they are great if you use them. I was a desert rat for 35 yrs. or so, lived in the mountains of Colorado for 10 yrs. so i have done some wheelin. I don't do that much anymore and i drive an 02 sport 4-Runner now, to be honest i like it. I like the look, the feel, the room it gives me, and the safety it provides for me, and yes sometimes i call it my 2-Runner, but it takes me everywhere i want to go, it is very capable off road for a 2-wheeler. I do not like the little suv's and am not worried about economy, i get 18 mpg and that is fine for me. In all my years i have never questioned or tried to put a persons choice of vehicle down because something else would suit them better, i would rather not rain on there parade. I know people are going to say they are trying to help, but sometimes folks need to feel good about making their own decision. Have a nice day. :usa2:
Click to expand...

Agree with everything you said...sorry to rain on this person's parade...good news is that she is not on this forum! :D

However, you mentioned..."safety"...what safety are you referring to? Because it is big and heavy?

Technically speaking, a unibody vehicle will usually out-perform a body-on-frame in a crash test given similar size and weight. Your center of gravity is also higher, resulting more tippy feeling and high risk of rollovers vs. a crossover.
 
Thai said:
Agree with everything you said...sorry to rain on this person's parade...good news is that she is not on this forum! :D

However, you mentioned..."safety"...what safety are you referring to? Because it is big and heavy?

Technically speaking, a unibody vehicle will usually out-perform a body-on-frame in a crash test given similar size and weight. Your center of gravity is also higher, resulting more tippy feeling and high risk of rollovers vs. a crossover.
Click to expand...

It has been shown on this forum many times with pics. of some nasty accidents and most walked away without injury, i think these vehicles do well to protect the occupant.JMHO
 
Tell her that it is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Seriously, she does not see the need for it so, you will probably not convince her.

To each his own.


Ruff
 
I don't think that the 4x4 and mpg is significant. We have a '15 limited and get 23-24mpg on our road trips (actual calculations). If they were that much worse than 2x4 would that mean that I'd be getting 25-26mpg in a 2x4? I have never seen anyone report that kind of mileage. Also, full time 4WD is just one extra layer of security on the road, regardless of the driving conditions. I don't see it as a bad thing.
 
...and I still love how folks in this forum think it's their place to tell others what they should drive when they're not the one paying for it...
 
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