2WD vs 4WD
 

<FONT face="verdana, arial, helvetica" size=2>Hi everyone,

I am a newbie here... nice to meet you all.

I live in Canada and plan to buy a 2005 4Runner Limited very soon. After some research, I discovered that the US spec has more options, like 4x2 V6, 4x4 V6, 4x2 V8, 4x4 V8... etc.

In Canada, basically only have 2 options: V6 or V8. However, V6 limited has a Part-Time w/Multi-Mode One-Touch 4WD System, but for V8 is running Full-time 4WD.

I am wondering about the "Part-Time" one touch 4WD system. Some tech person told me that this PT 4WD is actually running 2WD. When you're stucked, then press the button to get 4WD... The most important, it is not recommanded to run 4WD at all time. Is this true?

How does this PT one touch system compared with the full-time 4WD, which one is better?

My intention is to have good 4WD system (I don't think I need 2WD for a 4Runner)... however, I am a little bit concern about the gas comsuming on V8. The best would be V6 and have full-time 4WD... too bad we don't have this in Canada.

I know there're many knowledgable person in this forum... please give me some suggestion....

Thanks a lot.</FONT></P>

2WD vs 4WD
 

The 4wd system you are referring to is a switch on the dash. You have 3 options. 2wd; 4wd high; and 4wd low. It is very simple. You want 4wd, you turn the swith and you got 4wd. I am not sure how much gas you will be saving versusthe full time 4wd system. I would not think it would be anything really significant. I have a 2004 SR5 4wd. No problems at all so far. If you need 4wd all the time, I would get it. If you are going to use 4wd for limited times, I see no reason to buy the all time. My wife drives it everyday in 2wd. We used the 4wd system over the winter and it perfomed great.

2WD vs 4WD
 

when the 4wd is engaged, it does use more fuel...when you have it disengaged, it will still use more fuel compared to a vehicle that has no transfer case, but it will use less than when 4wd is engaged...