Is it a mistake to not take the 4WD option?

[Snorebaby]

After being unsuccessful at pulling out my cousins truck with 2wd's (my 96 ranger and 13 F-150) my daughter used her 17 tacoma TRD 4X4 to pull him out without even a whimper. That is when I changed my order from 2wd to 4wd.

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[RangerKody]

I didn’t go for the option. To be honest I opted for lariat with 2 wheel drive, but I would have done xlt if I got 4x4 just for the price difference. I went with more technology and things of the lariat. I didn’t want to go over 40k.

I’ve already done some light off-roading and have been fine, just know you limits if you wanna have fun.

 

[Mark W]

I doubt I'll be able to a trade either, but I listened to my wife's instructions very carefully, and she never said I couldn't buy a boat!

I thought only real men drive pick ups and here I read about a bunch of panty waist “men” asking their wife’s permission? What? Who wear the pants in your family?

Wussies........

My wife said I could get the FX4 package if I took a second job. Kidding. Kidding on the whole comment above but just couldn’t resist.

What I have learned being an old fart. Buy your wife a real nice vehicle. One she truly loves. Then when you want to get a nice vehicle she can’t say no. My wife drove an Audi Q5 when we were in Germany a couple years back and fell in love. A year ago we purchased one and everyday she comments on how much she loves her car. Makes it so much easier to buy a nice vehicle for myself.

 

[rdm3671]

I’ve never owned a truck without 4 wheel drive and saw no reason to start now. $45,000 for a Lariat seems like a bargain to me. The F-150 I was looking at was $75,000.

 

[SubVet]

I've never been a "truck guy", and am considering this being my first. I have no plans to go off-roading or pull crazy heavy loads, but do live in a place that can get a little nasty in the winter. I think it'll be the typical "Pavement Princess".

When pricing this out, the 4WD option costs an extra $4000. Compared to the cars and crossovers that I'm used to that are half that price, that's a pretty tough pill to swallow. $4k seems awfully high, especially if there's no automatic kick-on.

Should I just look at picking up a set of snow-tires, and call it a day with a 2WD truck?

If you will never need 4WD or don't enjoy going off road there is no reason to buy a 4x4. The additional money on the end is about $2500 more for 4WD. I chose the 501A package instead of 4WD. I will use its benefits more.
Insurance is higher
2WD has more capacity for hauling and towing
Maintenance is higher
That said if you want to launch a boat, I would get simple 4WD for those slippery ramps.

 

[RedlandRanger]

If you will never need 4WD or don't enjoy going off road there is no reason to buy a 4x4. The additional money on the end is about $2500 more for 4WD. I chose the 501A package instead of 4WD. I will use its benefits more.
Insurance is higher
Maintenance is higher
That said if you want to launch a boat, I would get simple 4WD for those slippery ramps.

I would disagree - I would say if you want to use your truck as a truck (hauling things), I would never buy one without 4WD. A long time ago, I had a 2WD Nissan, which I really liked - but I ended up getting it stuck in (of all places) our side yard in the grass. The grass was wet and there was a slight hill and it couldn't get any traction at all. Even something as simple as that makes 4WD nice. I will never own another truck without 4WD. Once I had it I never realized what I was missing - there are times I don't probably NEED it, but it makes it easier with it - I don't have to spin my wheels to get where I'm going.

Just a different perspective.

 

[SubVet]

I would disagree - I would say if you want to use your truck as a truck (hauling things), I would never buy one without 4WD. A long time ago, I had a 2WD Nissan, which I really liked - but I ended up getting it stuck in (of all places) our side yard in the grass. The grass was wet and there was a slight hill and it couldn't get any traction at all. Even something as simple as that makes 4WD nice. I will never own another truck without 4WD. Once I had it I never realized what I was missing - there are times I don't probably NEED it, but it makes it easier with it - I don't have to spin my wheels to get where I'm going.

Just a different perspective.

I understand your perspective but two-wheel drive trucks have been hauling stuff for 100 years even in snow country. Plus 4WD vehicles will always have lower rated capacity than a comparable 2WD vehicle.

As a kid I drove RWD cars through many Winters as did and do others, 4WD is nice to have but necessary? I don't think so. Especially here in the South East.



Now for those whose HOBBY is wheeling 4WD is a necessity

A 4WD vehicle needs to be operating in 4WD on occasion One has to keep those 4WD components lubed and used,

 

[Ric]

I’ll never go 4wheeling, but I may, in a blue moon, tow something, so I ordered a 4x2 with the Locking Rear Differential. That should take care of my needs quite well.

 

[ExChief45]

I think it is a personal choice, some like it, some don't, some need it, some don't. For some it is strictly a financial decision. I love reading all the different responses as most provide good cases either way. I for one have never owned a 4X2 and most likely won't. That is my choice, based on experience, what I want to do with it, and where I live. Bottom line is we could all agree that 4X4 is the way to go but the OP could buy one and regret it. Everyone has to make the decision based on information they gather and their individual needs. Either way I hope everyone gets what they want and are happy with their decision, I know I am! Happy trails!

 

[Snorebaby]

I think it is a personal choice, some like it, some don't, some need it, some don't. For some it is strictly a financial decision. I love reading all the different responses as most provide good cases either way. I for one have never owned a 4X2 and most likely won't. That is my choice, based on experience, what I want to do with it, and where I live. Bottom line is we could all agree that 4X4 is the way to go but the OP could buy one and regret it. Everyone has to make the decision based on information they gather and their individual needs. Either way I hope everyone gets what they want and are happy with their decision, I know I am! Happy trails!

I have to agree. I have never owned a 4x4 so this is my first one. Never seen the need (justify) for the extra cost. Always wanted one but never got one until now....see the reason in my previous post. It will also more than likely be my last truck for a long while if it performs like my '96 so the extra cost is not a factor at this point. I have gotten to the point in my life that I can afford my wants...at least my CFO said we could!

 

[beetlespin]

A lot of the boat ramps in NJ are dirt so especially after a good rain 4X4 is not just a nice to have, it's a necessity.

 

[THLONE]

If you are buying a 4x4 just for looks then good. I like to buy used 4x4's that have never seen the dirt. If you want to save money dont buy the stylish crap. It dont belong on a truck anyway. The reason why trucks cost so much is they have to make them for weenies. yuppies, and boulevard coyboys. LOL

 

[FX4Offroad]

I currently have a 2014 F150 FX4.

My previous truck was a 2011 F150 FX2.

I bought the FX2 and instantly regretted it because, 2 months after the purchase we bought some property that was 4wd access only. Can't tell you how many times I've been stuck. Couldn't/wouldn't trade cause of the hit I'd take.

I've had many other pickups and NEVER had 4wd until my current truck. Never needed 4wd. I love in south Florida...snow is non existent.

Choice is yours and ONLY YOURS!

Oh, I will never get a 2wd truck again.

 

[FlRanger]

I didn’t go for the option. To be honest I opted for lariat with 2 wheel drive, but I would have done xlt if I got 4x4 just for the price difference. I went with more technology and things of the lariat. I didn’t want to go over 40k.

I’ve already done some light off-roading and have been fine, just know you limits if you wanna have fun.

Do you have the rear locking dif? I don’t because I couldn’t find one with that option and all the other options I wanted. Kinda having remorse but I won’t go off roading. Just construction sites.

 

[RangerKody]

Do you have the rear locking dif? I don’t because I couldn’t find one with that option and all the other options I wanted. Kinda having remorse but I won’t go off roading. Just construction sites.

I don’t. If I found one with it when I bought I would have gotten it but really not 100% needed for me. I am super happy with my purchase and is exactly what I wanted.

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