If you’ve made it to this article, the chances are that you’re seriously considering buying a 4x4 or one is already in the pipeline. Good for you! 4WD trucks are big, powerful, and they look magnificent (to most people like us anyway)!
Still, it’s not too late to take a step back and reconsider your position. All vehicle types come with their fair share of pros and cons, and that’s true for that 4x4 truck you’ve got your eye on at the dealership!
So, to give you a fair and balanced picture, this article is going to explore five reasons you should buy a 4x4 and another five reasons you shouldn’t.
At the end of this article, you'll be more confident deciding whether to go on with the plan of getting yourself that 4x4 truck or rethink the whole idea.
Let’s get started.
5 Reasons to Buy a 4x4
I know, you have all the good reasons to buy a 4x4. That’s what this has been all about, right? What you think you need is the final nudge from me.
Yet, these reasons bear repeating, if only to find affirmation for your dreams. Here are some of them.
Pure Power
That picture of a 4WD in your mind yells brute strength and pure power, and it’s no doubt the main reason why most people are attracted to these trucks. Whatever a 4WD truck lacks in speed, it certainly makes up for power, torque, and plenty of traction.
Elevated Driving Position
When people say ‘climb in’ to a 4x4, they mean that literally!
These vehicles are generally higher off the ground than most cars on the road, giving you an elevated driving position.
But what practical benefit does that offer? Indeed, what? Well, I’m glad you asked.
An elevated driving position provides you with a clearer view of the road ahead, plus the environment all around you. That’s an advantage whether you’re driving on-road or off-road.
More Space and Storage
One of the reasons that 4x4’s are so big is that they also offer loads more space and storage onboard. There’s plenty of extra room in the interior, and most certainly plenty of cargo space in the bed of the truck.
Of course, you do have some control over the distribution of that space depending on the configuration you choose. For example, single-cab 4WDs offers less passenger space in exchange for plenty more room for cargo in the back.
Towing Ability
All that power that a 4x4 generates does not only benefit your own four wheels but also other wheeled creatures. It can tow something else, like a trailer, caravan, other vehicles, or maybe even a mobile home.
Depending on what you’re towing, that could mean loads of extra cargo space or the freedom to travel and live on the road!
Off-Road
This should go without saying, but a 4x4 with all its benefits combined make it the ideal vehicle to use for going off-road. The extra power, cargo space, and high ride are all indispensable when deciding to get a little adventurous and taking off the beaten path.
5 Reasons Not to Buy a 4x4
Maybe you don’t want to hear this, but you need to. As fantastic as a 4x4 is, it does come with its fair share of drawbacks. Here goes.
Too Big to Manoeuvre
Don't believe the marketing hype too much; bigger isn't always better. 4x4's are typically larger than most regular cars on the road, making them more challenging to manoeuvre.
That’s especially true when it comes to tight spaces like parking lots or even your local McDonald’s drive-thru.
High Fuel Consumption
All that power has to come from somewhere, right? That's why pickup trucks tend to use up much more fuel than, say, a four-door sedan, even if you're driving the same distance on your daily commute. That can add up to a much more considerable fuel expense every month!
Difficult to Load and Unload
Yes, 4x4’s can carry plenty of cargo in the back! But don’t forget: someone has to load and unload all of that cargo, and it’s not always so easy. That’s especially true if you’re doing all the work by yourself.
Environmentally Unfriendly
While every single car type you can imagine is moving towards becoming hybrids or going full-electric, 4x4’s aren’t tagging along so much. For the time being, at least, they are pretty environmentally unfriendly, what with their bigger engines and higher fuel consumption.
People Keep Asking For Help
Okay, so this reason is a little tongue-in-cheek. Still, it can be a real pain and serve as a legitimate reason not to buy a 4x4.
When you’re ‘the guy with the 4x4’ in your social group, you can expect plenty of people to ask you for your help to move things. When friends and family want to move houses and need to transport a large load of boxes, you’ll be their new favourite person!
Bottom Line: Is It Worth Buying a 4WD Vehicle?
With five reasons saying yes, and five reasons saying no, do I still think it's worth buying a 4WD vehicle? Do you? Well, the answer will depend entirely on how you plan on using it.
If it's going be a part of your work to drive to job sites and the like, or if you intend on going off-road often, then YES! It would be best if you got a 4WD.
On the other hand, if you intend to buy it as your daily driver in urban environments, it may not be worth the money. You may be better off buying an urban-mannered vehicle and spending money on upgrading or customising instead.
Still, if you’ve decided that a 4WD best suits your needs, here’s another article to help you figure out which 4x4 make and model to buy.
To learn more about 4x4’s and other types of vehicles, be sure to stay tuned to the blog at Carpart.com.au. It is continually updated with new articles covering topics of interest in the automotive world in Australia and beyond!
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By Ray Hasbollah