Yeah I got my 15 posts! LOL - HELP 2WD VS 4WD?

[NC_4Runner]

New guy here..Glad to be in this forum!

I'm sure this topic has been debated to death and back, with pros and cons.. but here goes:

I've been looking at 4Runners the last year and a half.. and now really that I want one but I'm stuck as I cannot decide what to get. Below is my situation!

USE - 85-85% will be for work, family drives and soccer dad duties. The 15% I would like to go fishing.. hoping to get a 16-18' bass boat. Boat, trailer and gear I don't think will be more than 3,000 lbs. (Trying to get lightest and cheapest boat possible. Fishing local lakes and rivers that are 5-10 miles away depending where I want to launch.) Furthest would be 100 miles, all straight roads, not mountainess. I will do my best to find launches/ramps that are clean, not so deep... and avoid going out on rainy days.

Having said that, I have a chance to buy my neighbors 2005 4R sport 2wd for $7,000 which is a one owner, all records..141k miles. OR 2012/13 4R 4x4 for $27,000.

I rather not have the monthly payments and I can pay cash for my neighbors 4R.

So given my situation which should I buy? I realize 4WD is good to have ONLY when you need it, but for what I've described should I get 2WD or 4WD? As far as towing I know the 2WD does just as well as the 4R capacity is 5,000 lbs for both 2WD and 4WD.

I can't make that decision. So I thought I'd bring it here for some good advice.

Anyone care to comment that WAS in my situation and what have you decided? How do you like it and any regrets?

fyi - I used to owner new 2004 Tundra 4x4 in RI. Loved it and miss it. But sold it since we moved to Charlotte NC.


Thank you.

 

[KidVermicious]

What do you own now? Is it 4WD, and do you use it? If not, do you miss it? If you don't need it now and you don't see your driving patterns changing in the near future, pay cash for the 2wd and enjoy not having a monthly payment.

On the flip side, having a 2WD SUV for getting around on pavement is exactly as useful as having a 2WD minivan with shitty safety and gas mileage. I bet you could pay $4000 for a 2WD wagon or crossovery thing in the same shape as your neighbor's 4Runner that would tow your boat just as well and save you money up front and in the long run.

 

[swdockter]

Looks like a need to post whore a couple times to get to 15

 

[1engineer]

Looks like a need to post whore a couple times to get to 15

...or you could actually stick around, search some threads and maybe add something useful and help someone out and get your 15 posts that way...

 

[swdockter]

...or you could actually stick around, search some threads and maybe add something useful and help someone out and get your 15 posts that way...

Oh, you bet I will. I try to contribute as much as possible. I love wrenching on my own stuff. I'm at 3 now :guitar2:

 

[VolcanoT4R]

New guy here..Glad to be in this forum!

I'm sure this topic has been debated to death and back, with pros and cons.. but here goes:

I've been looking at 4Runners the last year and a half.. and now really that I want one but I'm stuck as I cannot decide what to get. Below is my situation!

USE - 85-85% will be for work, family drives and soccer dad duties. The 15% I would like to go fishing.. hoping to get a 16-18' bass boat. Boat, trailer and gear I don't think will be more than 3,000 lbs. (Trying to get lightest and cheapest boat possible. Fishing local lakes and rivers that are 5-10 miles away depending where I want to launch.) Furthest would be 100 miles, all straight roads, not mountainess. I will do my best to find launches/ramps that are clean, not so deep... and avoid going out on rainy days.

Having said that, I have a chance to buy my neighbors 2005 4R sport 2wd for $7,000 which is a one owner, all records..141k miles. OR 2012/13 4R 4x4 for $27,000.

I rather not have the monthly payments and I can pay cash for my neighbors 4R.

So given my situation which should I buy? I realize 4WD is good to have ONLY when you need it, but for what I've described should I get 2WD or 4WD? As far as towing I know the 2WD does just as well as the 4R capacity is 5,000 lbs for both 2WD and 4WD.

I can't make that decision. So I thought I'd bring it here for some good advice.

Anyone care to comment that WAS in my situation and what have you decided? How do you like it and any regrets?

fyi - I used to owner new 2004 Tundra 4x4 in RI. Loved it and miss it. But sold it since we moved to Charlotte NC.


Thank you.

[MENTION=132061]NC_4Runner[/MENTION]

Have you driven the 2005 4Runner much? Reason I ask is I have a 2001 T4R and a 2007 T4R; one of the things that drives me nuts about the 2007 is the location of the window controls. Aside from that, both are great vehicles. Haven't been in a 5th gen, but I'm sure they are nice.

As for the 4x4 (with payments) vs the 4x2 without, from my research I've found that you can do 90-95% of things with a 4x2 Toyota that you can in a 4x4. My 2001 T4R is 4x4 and even in Virginia (which gets more snow than you get in Charlotte) I've only used 4WD 1 time in nearly 2 years of ownership and that was done simply to check to see if it worked. $7K is a good deal on a 4th gen with only 141K on the clock; I'd recommend getting that and spending a little for winter/snow tires if/when you need them. I LOVE my Duratracs

THAT, or, buy your neighbor's T4R AND then get a 4x4 3rd gen T4R for those times that it's necessary. This option would still come to less than $27K. :driving:

FYI, I coach travel soccer and both runners do a great job of hauling around soccer equipment.

 

[NoLight]

Welcome!!

 

[NC_4Runner]

Thanks for the response and suggestion.

Truthfully I was leaning towards my neighbor's 2005 T4R for $7,000. Reason being I will use this 80-85% (maybe more) of the time for daily travel, work and family stuff. Considering the rest is just for towing a boat when I want to go fishing.

My only reservation or apprehension from buying a 2WD is that one time I get stuck on a slippery ramp..then the regret or guilt of NOT just getting a 4x4. Just as you stated you've only had to use 4x4 once in 2 years.

Also the bass boat I'm looking at not that heavy (link below) and most boat launches near me are all in good condition, not too steep.

This is probably the one I'll buy.

TRACKER Boats : Deep V Boats : 2015 Super Guide V-16 SC Specifications

 

[NC_4Runner]

Welcome!!

Thank you. Can't wait to get my 4R.

 

[repo83]

to the original poster, I would like to bring up one more tidbit. A 4wheel drive vehicle tows any trailer better than a 2wheel drive of the same make and model. Why because it will have more weight on the front axle. It will steer and stop better because of the weight. I tow trailers quite a bit. Heavy ones light ones tall ones short ones. I also have towed with diesel trucks, gas burners, 2wheel, and 4wheel. The only ones that tow as well 2wd are the diesel with a ton more weight up front. I would pick the one without a payment though. I like having my future money in my pocket so I can buy more toys. You may be able to add a offroad bumper to the nose of the 2wd and get the same effect. I have never tried this though.

 

[SonomaT4R]

Looks like a need to post whore a couple times to get to 15

Dude you are right, I have a couple to go. Bam! One more down.

 

[murk3d]

i went TRD Pro so 4WD!

 

[The G-Man]

Thanks for the response and suggestion.

Truthfully I was leaning towards my neighbor's 2005 T4R for $7,000. Reason being I will use this 80-85% (maybe more) of the time for daily travel, work and family stuff. Considering the rest is just for towing a boat when I want to go fishing.

My only reservation or apprehension from buying a 2WD is that one time I get stuck on a slippery ramp..then the regret or guilt of NOT just getting a 4x4. Just as you stated you've only had to use 4x4 once in 2 years.

Also the bass boat I'm looking at not that heavy (link below) and most boat launches near me are all in good condition, not too steep.

This is probably the one I'll buy.

TRACKER Boats : Deep V Boats : 2015 Super Guide V-16 SC Specifications

I would go for the 2005 myself considering I just bought a 2005 from my father in law on the cheap. It's the better fiscal move, and coming from someone who lived in Charlotte for 15 years, you're never going to find yourself in enough of a pickle to need 4x4, unless it is raining buckets and you find yourself in the median of 485 because you were already driving too fast.

As for towing the boat, you should be fine. I just towed a 2000 lbs uhaul trailer from Charlotte to Philly with my 2005 and it handled it just fine, even driving at 70 mph most of the way (granted mine is 4wd, but I was in 2H the entire time).

 

[NC_4Runner]

I would go for the 2005 myself considering I just bought a 2005 from my father in law on the cheap. It's the better fiscal move, and coming from someone who lived in Charlotte for 15 years, you're never going to find yourself in enough of a pickle to need 4x4, unless it is raining buckets and you find yourself in the median of 485 because you were already driving too fast.

As for towing the boat, you should be fine. I just towed a 2000 lbs uhaul trailer from Charlotte to Philly with my 2005 and it handled it just fine, even driving at 70 mph most of the way (granted mine is 4wd, but I was in 2H the entire time).

Exactly, it is a better decision financially.. NO PAYMENTS! And the fact that I would tow a bass boat 10-15% of the time (if that).. doesn't warrant getting the 4x4. Yes.. I realize the "what if's" and "when it happens"... but that's a lot of $$ to spend to get "peace of mind."

Btw - how much did you spend for your 2005 4x4?

 

[ExpeditionBill]

I've been looking at 4Runners the last year and a half.. and now really that I want one but I'm stuck as I cannot decide what to get. Below is my situation!

Having said that, I have a chance to buy my neighbors 2005 4R sport 2wd for $7,000 which is a one owner, all records..141k miles. OR 2012/13 4R 4x4 for $27,000.

I rather not have the monthly payments and I can pay cash for my neighbors 4R.

So given my situation which should I buy?

I can't make that decision. So I thought I'd bring it here for some good advice.

Anyone care to comment that WAS in my situation and what have you decided? How do you like it and any regrets?

Thank you.

Hello :wave:

I would keep on searching for a 4th Gen and not have the payments. I was thinking about getting an early 5th gen and financing it but then I wouldnt be able to mod it for a while.

I searched for 3-4 months and finally came across an 04 4Runner SR5 4x4 for $7000 - 1 owner and all service records with 132k on it. Glad I waited and found this one.

Hope this helps a bit :thumb: :noidea:

 

[VolcanoT4R]

Thanks for the response and suggestion.

Truthfully I was leaning towards my neighbor's 2005 T4R for $7,000. Reason being I will use this 80-85% (maybe more) of the time for daily travel, work and family stuff. Considering the rest is just for towing a boat when I want to go fishing.

My only reservation or apprehension from buying a 2WD is that one time I get stuck on a slippery ramp..then the regret or guilt of NOT just getting a 4x4. Just as you stated you've only had to use 4x4 once in 2 years.

Also the bass boat I'm looking at not that heavy (link below) and most boat launches near me are all in good condition, not too steep.

This is probably the one I'll buy.

TRACKER Boats : Deep V Boats : 2015 Super Guide V-16 SC Specifications

[MENTION=132061]NC_4Runner[/MENTION], Having ZERO experience with putting a boat in the water (a fact that I WISH was not the case, but, such is life) I am the furthest from an authority on the matter; however, perhaps adding a winch to your neighbor's 2WD T4R might be the most economical solution to your dilemma?
Might get you out of a jam if the need should ever arise. Or, depending on how frequently you put your boat in the water, maybe renting a truck is an option; you can pay the rental fee a LOT of times with $20K. I've spent the past month trying (to no avail) to talk my GF out of spending $9K on getting a truck (as a second vehicle) for the 2-3 times per year she might actually need it when she could easily rent a truck many times over for the times when she does need it and not have to worry about maintenance, insurance, etc. Also, can't speak to it personally, but I'm willing to bet you could convert a 4th gen 2WD to 4WD for a lot less than $20K. Just my $0.02; best of luck.

 

[NC_4Runner]

Hello :wave:

I would keep on searching for a 4th Gen and not have the payments. I was thinking about getting an early 5th gen and financing it but then I wouldnt be able to mod it for a while.

I searched for 3-4 months and finally came across an 04 4Runner SR5 4x4 for $7000 - 1 owner and all service records with 132k on it. Glad I waited and found this one.

Hope this helps a bit :thumb: :noidea:

That's a great deal! Since this is a for sale by owner (neighbor) mine is also a great deal.. I just wish it was 4x4. Now mind you I have searched and search and most 4x4's, that's 1 owner and about the same mileage are going for between $12,000-$15,000 from a dealer of course.

Considering I'll pay cash, no payments and 90% of driving is for work and family.. I'm taking it. Neighbor will clean it up for me, I asked to take it to Toyota for an inspection, which they've agreed to..

Can't wait to get it and post some pictures.

 

[The G-Man]

Thanks for the response and suggestion.

Truthfully I was leaning towards my neighbor's 2005 T4R for $7,000. Reason being I will use this 80-85% (maybe more) of the time for daily travel, work and family stuff. Considering the rest is just for towing a boat when I want to go fishing.

My only reservation or apprehension from buying a 2WD is that one time I get stuck on a slippery ramp..then the regret or guilt of NOT just getting a 4x4. Just as you stated you've only had to use 4x4 once in 2 years.

Also the bass boat I'm looking at not that heavy (link below) and most boat launches near me are all in good condition, not too steep.

This is probably the one I'll buy.

TRACKER Boats : Deep V Boats : 2015 Super Guide V-16 SC Specifications

Exactly, it is a better decision financially.. NO PAYMENTS! And the fact that I would tow a bass boat 10-15% of the time (if that).. doesn't warrant getting the 4x4. Yes.. I realize the "what if's" and "when it happens"... but that's a lot of $$ to spend to get "peace of mind."

Btw - how much did you spend for your 2005 4x4?

I got a really good deal on mine... $6k. But it does have 180k miles and it was in a wreck several years ago where the front end was replaced (radiator, headlights, etc. Not into the frame) And it isn't pristine cosmetically either. I would say $7k is a very fair price.

 

[Virginiaducks]

I spend a lot of time on boat ramps. I would be very cautious on a ramp with any rear wheel drive vehicle. The weight of the boat is not the issue.

 

[ic0517]

My first vehicle was a 2WD (so rear wheel drive) Ford F150 short bed. That thing sucked major eggs in the snow if it didn't have any weight in the back. Then in the summer you had to find a place to keep the tubes of sand, if they haven't split open and leaked sand all over the place.

My vote is keep on looking.