Help me decide which tacoma!!!

[2010whitecamry]

Hi guys,
I know I want the double cab with the long bed. And preferrably not older than 2006 with the V6 option that get 21 MPG.
My question is, should I go with 4WD since the MPG is only 1MPg diff. than the 2WD?
Thank you!

[Zembonez]

I wouldn't add the complexity and lower fuel economy of four wheel drive unless you have a use for four wheel drive.

If you do have a use for it, it's quite nice to have.

It really depends on what you are going to be doing with it.

[Splicer]

^^ What he said. In my case, I use 4WD a few times each year, so it's well worth the cost penalty..... and I'll recoup some of that at resale time. But if you don't really have a need for 4WD, why spend extra for it?

[2010whitecamry]

Well I would need the 4WD whenever I haul my bike on a trailer. And that's probably only happen once or twice a year. And I see on their website that V6 2WD gets 21 MPG and v6 4WD gets 20MPG.

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by 2010whitecamry

Well I would need the 4WD whenever I haul my bike on a trailer. And that's probably only happen once or twice a year. And I see on their website that V6 2WD gets 21 MPG and v6 4WD gets 20MPG.

No need for 4WD just to tow a trailer unless you are headed off road with it. Don't get TOO hung up on really getting 20 plus MPG though. You'll probably average 15-17 realistically.

[2010whitecamry]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

No need for 4WD just to tow a trailer unless you are headed off road with it. Don't get TOO hung up on really getting 20 plus MPG though. You'll probably average 15-17 realistically.

I though with 4WD will be easier to tow compare it with 2WD. But def. not with the 4-cyc., right?

[PR45]

Originally Posted by 2010whitecamry

I though with 4WD will be easier to tow compare it with 2WD. But def. not with the 4-cyc., right?

4wd = more weight, harder with the 4.

The Prerunner has 4.10 gears, so it should tow as easy as any 4 cylinder.

I have an '09 AC Prerunner with the 4 and a 5 speed manual.

I get 19.8 in an 11 mile commute with about 8 miles of freeway and a couple hills..... 23 on a road trip once.

[Splicer]

Originally Posted by 2010whitecamry

I though with 4WD will be easier to tow compare it with 2WD.

I think you may be confused about how 4WD works (or I am confused by your statement). 4WD is to be used only on surfaces slippery enough that the tires will easily break traction, such as snow, mud, or some off-road conditions. 4WD is not meant to used on dry pavement (doing so can severely damage the system) and while some will use it on wet pavement, I would not advise it.

If you are concerned about fuel mileage, it will be better with a 4 cylinder 2WD truck... and it will tow a lightweight trailer. Do you know how heavy your trailer is (loaded)?

[Dark Taco]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

No need for 4WD just to tow a trailer unless you are headed off road with it. Don't get TOO hung up on really getting 20 plus MPG though. You'll probably average 15-17 realistically.

Like he said.....Don't expect 20+ 18-19 in the summer is my norm around town using the go pedal very gently.

[zzchipster]

when u go to sell it, 4wd sells...........

[2010whitecamry]

I have RAV4 4-cyc. and I towed uhaul utility trailer and my bike (630lbs+584lbs) total 1214lbs. And my RAV4 suffered 10-11MPG on the Interstate driving from FL to LA.
If I get the 4 cyc. Tacoma will I have the same problem?
Correct me if I'm wrong. My understanding is that 2WD on Tacoma use the RWD, if you tow samething and use 4WD (F&R Drive?) would it not be better to use all 4 Wheels Drive than just pulling with just the RWD?

[Splicer]

Originally Posted by 2010whitecamry

Correct me if I'm wrong. My understanding is that 2WD on Tacoma use the RWD, if you tow samething and use 4WD (F&R Drive?) would it not be better to use all 4 Wheels Drive than just pulling with just the RWD?

You're right about 2WD sending power to the rear wheels.... however unless you're on a slick surface DO NOT engage 4WD mode as it will bind the driveline and will probably break some very expensive parts before long.

I believe you are thinking of AWD (All Wheel Drive) which sends power to both the front and rear axles at all times, because the transfer case will operate like a differential;.... it will compensate for the differences in F & R axle rotation.

4WD, like the Tacoma has, locks the t-case and rotates both axles at the same speed.

[2010whitecamry]

Originally Posted by Splicer

You're right about 2WD sending power to the rear wheels.... however unless you're on a slick surface DO NOT engage 4WD mode as it will bind the driveline and will probably break some very expensive parts before long.

I believe you are thinking of AWD (All Wheel Drive) which sends power to both the front and rear axles at all times, because the transfer case will operate like a differential;.... it will compensate for the differences in F & R axle rotation.

4WD, like the Tacoma has, locks the t-case and rotates both axles at the same speed.

Thanks for the info. My co-worker explained to me about the diff. between 4WD and AWD. I think I want to get 4WD just because I always want to do some light off-road ever since I was a little boy.

[farg]

I think you should check on the "build your own" section of the Toyota Tacoma site. At least in my zip code you can't get a double cab long bed with a four banger. Never mind 4WD

[worthywads]

Originally Posted by 2010whitecamry

Thanks for the info. My co-worker explained to me about the diff. between 4WD and AWD. I think I want to get 4WD just because I always want to do some light off-road ever since I was a little boy.

2wd is for light offroading.