Need some advice .I'm about to pick a 4runner and I'm concern that a 2wd will prove to be a major bad decision in the winter months here in the north because of the snowy months. Do any of you drive your 2wd runners in the snow without problem and do you think I should purchase a 4wd or the all wd runner? Also have you found there to be less wear and tear with 4wd vs all wd? Thanks for your help!

 

Not quite sure how to answer but...my truck lived in Lake Tahoe for 6 years and did fine in the snow...Just make sure you have chains! If you think you need or want the 4wd though go for it. I'd go 4wd over AWD any day of the week, and preferably with manual locking hubs.

 

I live in south lake tahoe and I wouldn't drive around in 2 wheel drive.It is always in 4 when there is snow on the ground.Chains do help in the snow but do you want the hassle of having to put them on and take them off everytime?Just go 4 wheel drive,you'll be happy you did.

 

Mine is a 2wd, and while it's not the best in snow, its not really any different than the other myriad of 2WD trucks running around.
You just have to be a little more careful, and do more planning when it comes to hills and stuff.

Oh, and make sure you have some good tires.

 

Why buy a 2wd if you live where it snows? Might as well get a car. Since you're looking to buy anyway, get 4wd.

 

When in doubt....go 4WD! You may not ever use it but it's nice to have the option.

 

dont get a 2wd drive truckman - do you really want to be passed by a FWD honda civic when theres a small grade and a foot of snow on the ground on the interstate - get 4wd.

 

4WD and never look back. trust me, i know!

-Casey

 

theres an awd 4runner? since when?

 

lee all the newer runners - the limiteds mostly I think - have an open center diff -allowing full time 4wd or in other words, AWD.

They all have the option of locking the center diff for normal PT 4wd

 

The 4th gen V8 has full-time AWD. Not like those crossovers with part-time AWD.

 

if you are not used to driving a truck then get 4wd drive, if not you'll find your self having problems when the first snow hits

 

Hi JR - I have to echo the comments of the previous posters - 4wd all the way. I live in Calgary and end up travelling over the Rocky Mountains several times per year including in the winter. The 4wd has allowed me to get up hills which kept other vehicles spinning at the bottom. Having the front wheels "pull" and the rear wheels "push" is such an important feature that I would never consider buying a 2wd truck/SUV (oh...a good set of winter tires is also very important -I'm using Michelin Arctic Alpins - 265/70/16's and feel quite capable on the slickest of roads).

Now, the above being said, 4wd isn't the "cure-all" for bad driving conditions. I would estimate that at least 1/3 of the vehicles I see flipped or stuck in the ditch after a snow-fall are 4wd SUV/Trucks - but for me that is a driver issue and not a 4wd issue.


James

 

I used my 4x4 as an excuse why my truck is so slow. I dont know if thats the case for the new cars though...

 

Thanks for the opinions guys . Heres another question, would any of you consider buying a 2004 sport 4wd v8 runner as oppose to the other two choices? Do you find the sport to be more of a young driver's runner?

 

Im trading in my 2wd F-250 for this reason. And the reason I have the 81 yota is because of the F-250

 

Let me hear from you guys. Is a 2004 sport 4runner too young a look for a guy in his 30--40's ages?

 

Personally i think that is a silly question, drive what you like and don't give a dam# what other people tell you...it's for your own transportation and amusement, not theirs.

If you really care that much about what others think then keep the question alive, but i personally think whatever truck you like you should get... now of course driving a rusted through junk bucket might not be the way to go when i say drive whatever as long as it suits you, because some trucks will screw up your image. lol... heck it might even make people afraid of you. but if you are thinking about any 2004 truck you probably cant go wrong. that's just my opinion though.


And by the way, what the heck is the difference between a sport and a normal 4runner? One more flashy with more chrome or something? me want pics!

 

You mean compared to a regular 4runner SR5 or a limited? I am 35 and would not have a problem with any of the 4runner models, sport included. Now I don't know if you need a V8 for towing, with the current gas prices I would stick to the V6.

 

def do not buy a 2WD

you will regret it i am sure