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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3288
Registered: 1-11-2007
Location: Buena Vista BCS
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Mood: Tranquilo
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Toyota Tacoma 2wd vs 4wd
I've been looking for a Tacoma TRD 4door 4wd pick up in the $10,000 range to leave down at our place in MX. It seems that my beautiful wife doesn't
care for my 79 Jeep Cherokee......imagine that....
I've found several 2wd prerunners that look good and was wanting to know if anybody has any first (or second) hand experience with the Toyota's, ie.
owned both 2wd and 4wd that could give me some input primarily as to how they preform in the sand.......dt
"Life is tough".....It's even tougher if you're stupid.....
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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David, I am on my second Tacoma (2005 4 door, 4WD, TRD Pkg)... it has 93,000 miles in just under 4 years. My first Tacoma was a 2001 2 door Xtra cab,
4WD, TRD Pkg. with 136,000 miles in 5 years. Neither one has ever broken down or failed me.
I would own a third, no question.
I would ALWAYS have it with 4WD, because I use 4WD to get to the places 2WD can't... That isn't often or everywhere... but it is better to have it if
you ever need it than not.
4WD allows you to go slowly over steep terrain and saves parts... 2WD needs momentum to climb steep grades and that leads to damage and also spinning
tires damages the roadbed. The added traction of 4WD improves the ability to travel over soft sand and mud, as well. The TRD package offers a locking
rear differential... in effect giving you three driving wheels instead of just one in front and one in back... and I have used mine a few times... the
road to Mision Santa Maria being one!
[Edited on 6-10-2009 by David K]
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
David, I am on my second Tacoma (2005 4 door, 4WD, TRD Pkg)... it has 93,000 miles in just under 4 years. My first Tacoma was a 2001 2 door Xtra cab,
4WD, TRD Pkg. with 136,000 miles in 5 years. Neither one has ever broken down or failed me.
I would own a third, no question.
I would ALWAYS have it with 4WD, because I use 4WD to get to the places 2WD can't... That isn't often or everywhere... but it is better to have it if
you ever need it than not.
4WD allows you to go slowly over steep terrain and saves parts... 2WD needs momentum to climb steep grades and that leads to damage and also spinning
tires damages the roadbed. The added traction of 4WD improves the ability to travel over soft sand and mud, as well. The TRD package offers a locking
rear differential... in effect giving you three driving wheels instead of just one in front and one in back... and I have used mine a few times... the
road to Mision Santa Maria being one!
[Edited on 6-10-2009 by David K] |
David, you are almost ready for a new one, huh? I am currently looking closely at the Nissan Frontier to replace my Ranger.
Bob H
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Have you ever wondered why Toyota truck owners on Nomad outnumber Nissan by a ration of 10:1 (it would seem)?
Bob, you know how happy we Tacoma drivers are (myself, Neal Johns, John M, Bajaboy, 4baja, etc., etc.), why go to Nissan? What is it that sways you? 4
wheel disc brakes? Just wondering...
[Edited on 6-10-2009 by David K]
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Have you ever wondered why Toyota truck owners on Nomad outnumber Nissan by a ration of 10:1 (it would seem)?
Bob, you know how happy we Tacoma drivers are (myself, Neal Johns, John M, Bajaboy, 4baja, etc., etc.), why go to Nissan? What is it that sways you? 4
wheel disc brakes? Just wondering...
[Edited on 6-10-2009 by David K] |
I began to notice a lot more Nissans over the last couple of years than ever before. I started looking closely at them and I like what I see! I'm
looking at the Nissan SE Crew V-6. Nissan's V-6 comes with 261 HP w/281 LB-Ft torque -vs- Toyota's 236 HP w/266 LB-Ft torque. I like the Frontier's
Utili-track channel system in the cargo bed with very versitile tie down options. Nissan has a non-skid spray-on bedliner (from the factory). I like
what they offer in their "value truck package" also. I've talked to several Frontier owners and they are very happy with their choice. I just like
it better.
Bob H
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3288
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Location: Buena Vista BCS
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So does anybody have any comparison 2wd vs 4wd observations?.....dt
"Life is tough".....It's even tougher if you're stupid.....
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4848
Registered: 9-27-2006
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DT,
2 wheel drive should have a limited slip rear end. That will make off roading in sand possible with aired down tires. I had a 91 toyota pickup (4 by
4) and it didn't have the limited slip. I don't know when they upgraded to the limited slip.
Ken
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Von
Senior Nomad
Posts: 961
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Location: Poway-Rosarito
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Mood: getting ready!
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Hey dt ive been in the car business 12yrs and still going sold every kind of vehicle. The two are a little different the only reason 4x4 is a little
different its that it has about 300 to 400lbs of weight up front so it will handle just a tat different on San Diego streets because thats were ive
driven every 4x4 i ever sold.
I had a brand new 2004 F150 4x4 a few yrs back took all over baja really liked it because it was much more roomier than most trucks not saying toyota
isnt good just a little to small for me almost bought one.
With 4x4 you can go anywhere 4x2 you can almost go anywhere but then youll be hesitating should i? will i ?get stuck. If its for Baja you should get
4x4. Do this take a poll..............
READY SET.....................
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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tundra 4x4.
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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I would personally go with the 4 x 4 especially if it is a Baja truck
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bob H
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Have you ever wondered why Toyota truck owners on Nomad outnumber Nissan by a ration of 10:1 (it would seem)?
Bob, you know how happy we Tacoma drivers are (myself, Neal Johns, John M, Bajaboy, 4baja, etc., etc.), why go to Nissan? What is it that sways you? 4
wheel disc brakes? Just wondering...
[Edited on 6-10-2009 by David K] |
I began to notice a lot more Nissans over the last couple of years than ever before. I started looking closely at them and I like what I see! I'm
looking at the Nissan SE Crew V-6. Nissan's V-6 comes with 261 HP w/281 LB-Ft torque -vs- Toyota's 236 HP w/266 LB-Ft torque. I like the Frontier's
Utili-track channel system in the cargo bed with very versitile tie down options. Nissan has a non-skid spray-on bedliner (from the factory). I like
what they offer in their "value truck package" also. I've talked to several Frontier owners and they are very happy with their choice. I just like
it better.
Bob H |
That's all fine... but most important in Baja is RELIABILITY... If it fails you, the type of cargo bed doesn't really help. You do know the Toyota
cargo bed is (since 2005) a composite (not sprayed on) that is tougher than steel and lighter and wont't rust if scratched? It has a sliding tie down
hook system... Haven't you seen my truck? I also get everything I need into it, camping or irrigation work.
I do think your mind is set on Nissan, as you have mentioned Nissan to me many times over the years, and no matter my or others opinion or history
with Toyota, you keep wanting a Nissan... Have you checked out the new Suzuki Truck, by the way?
The only Nomad I know with a Nissan Frontier is Whistler and he picked Nissan because the truck was for CORE short course off road racing and Nissan
was the biggest sponsor... I don't know if he has used it much in Baja for daily trips, etc.
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3288
Registered: 1-11-2007
Location: Buena Vista BCS
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Mood: Tranquilo
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody in ob
tundra 4x4. |
I real reason I want a Tacoma instead of a Tundra is that if you add an "n" to Tacoma it spells "Taco man"
Also, I have very limited space in my garage and the Tacoma will just fit..
"Life is tough".....It's even tougher if you're stupid.....
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by dtbushpilot
Also, I have very limited space in my garage and the Tacoma will just fit.. |
I'll get out my chainsaw and be right over.....
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Packoderm
Super Nomad
Posts: 2116
Registered: 11-7-2002
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That trail looks like it would certainly give most people a case of pucker butt syndrome.
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arbee
Junior Nomad
Posts: 49
Registered: 2-17-2007
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In the sand you need the 4wd, even though the TRD Prerunner has the rear locker. But 10k wont buy a decent 4 door TRD 4x4 unless you get one with a
salvage title and a lot of miles.
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ursidae69
Nomad
Posts: 275
Registered: 2-22-2004
Location: Youngsville, NM
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Packoderm
That trail looks like it would certainly give most people a case of pucker butt syndrome.
. |
I've driven it, it is not that bad. Any stock 4x4 with a locker would make it if the driver had some experience.
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18388
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by dtbushpilot
give me some input primarily as to how they preform in the sand.......dt |
my 4WD handles 99/100 sand situations in 2WD mode.
if most of what you care about is driving sand occasionally, get the 2WD. 2WD will get you thru most sand if you're careful. 4WD option in new or
used ads capital and O&M costs, and not worth it unless you need it often.
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4848
Registered: 9-27-2006
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mtgoat666
| Quote: | Originally posted by dtbushpilot
give me some input primarily as to how they preform in the sand.......dt |
my 4WD handles 99/100 sand situations in 2WD mode.
if most of what you care about is driving sand occasionally, get the 2WD. 2WD will get you thru most sand if you're careful. 4WD option in new or
used ads capital and O&M costs, and not worth it unless you need it often. |
I have the same experience. Both a work 2 wheel drive Explorer, driven with a soft foot and aired down tires will navigate soft sand reasonably well.
My private Xterra in 2wheel mode again with aired down tires will work in sand aswell.
ARE 2WHEEL DRIVES AS GOOD AS 4WHEEL DRIVES OFF ROAD, OF COURSE NOT!
[Edited on 6-10-2009 by tripledigitken]
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
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Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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4x4 is sorta like insurance. You might not need it most of the time, but when you do, you need it real bad.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mtgoat666
| Quote: | Originally posted by dtbushpilot
give me some input primarily as to how they preform in the sand.......dt |
my 4WD handles 99/100 sand situations in 2WD mode.
if most of what you care about is driving sand occasionally, get the 2WD. 2WD will get you thru most sand if you're careful. 4WD option in new or
used ads capital and O&M costs, and not worth it unless you need it often. |
It just takes one bad stuck, 100 miles from nowhere, to make the safety of having 4WD worth it... IMO. If you need, push a button, turn a dial or pull
a lever... and instant 4WD traction... The peace of mind knowing you can get to that special camp site, or isolated beach without worry and wasted
miles is wonderful.
[Edited on 6-11-2009 by David K]
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