Just to add a little to what has been said.
The manual trans are all full time 4WD. On the transfer case shifter is labelled H (high hear, transfer case Torsen limited slip 4WD), HL (high gear, transfer case locked (off road only)), and LL (Low gear range, locked transfer case (off road only.)) On manual trans models the front axle is clutch type limited slip at all times, hubs non-selectable. The rear axle is an electric locker that from the factory can only be engaged in LL mode. There is a simple wiring modification to allow the rear diff to be locked any time which I like for deep snow on the road. I'm informed enough to not engage it on dry pavement. (Given all this I've got 3 different gear oils in mine - Limited Slip in the front axle, GL4 gear oil in the trans (per Toyota's recommendation) and GL5 gear oil in the transfer case and rear axle.)
The early ones through early 08 model year had a body weakness issue on the inner fender in front of the doors. The steel bulged or bent. I think there was a recall but you still might want to check if you're looking at one of these. In '10 they tweaked the motor a little bit for friction reduction and variable exhaust timing to gain about 15 horsepower. Yes the mileage sucks but I can do better than sticker on the highway with cruise control on.
And before I was a truck guy I was a sports can guy. I can tell you that with full time 4WD and 265 horsepower the manual trans model is a hoot in the twisties. Between the short wheelbase and all wheel drive this thing scoots through a corner like you wouldn't believe. You can hammer the throttle any time and never break traction. Very hard in a big sweeper I can feel the inside front wheel start the break free then the electronic system kicks in and keeps things in check.
Obviously as a manual trans guy my whole life that's what I chose but I don't wheel it and I live in an rural area. I have experineced no issues with the electric axle locking mechanisms on either this or my Tacoma but I don't go in deep water. Hope this helps.
Eric
The manual trans are all full time 4WD. On the transfer case shifter is labelled H (high hear, transfer case Torsen limited slip 4WD), HL (high gear, transfer case locked (off road only)), and LL (Low gear range, locked transfer case (off road only.)) On manual trans models the front axle is clutch type limited slip at all times, hubs non-selectable. The rear axle is an electric locker that from the factory can only be engaged in LL mode. There is a simple wiring modification to allow the rear diff to be locked any time which I like for deep snow on the road. I'm informed enough to not engage it on dry pavement. (Given all this I've got 3 different gear oils in mine - Limited Slip in the front axle, GL4 gear oil in the trans (per Toyota's recommendation) and GL5 gear oil in the transfer case and rear axle.)
The early ones through early 08 model year had a body weakness issue on the inner fender in front of the doors. The steel bulged or bent. I think there was a recall but you still might want to check if you're looking at one of these. In '10 they tweaked the motor a little bit for friction reduction and variable exhaust timing to gain about 15 horsepower. Yes the mileage sucks but I can do better than sticker on the highway with cruise control on.
And before I was a truck guy I was a sports can guy. I can tell you that with full time 4WD and 265 horsepower the manual trans model is a hoot in the twisties. Between the short wheelbase and all wheel drive this thing scoots through a corner like you wouldn't believe. You can hammer the throttle any time and never break traction. Very hard in a big sweeper I can feel the inside front wheel start the break free then the electronic system kicks in and keeps things in check.
Obviously as a manual trans guy my whole life that's what I chose but I don't wheel it and I live in an rural area. I have experineced no issues with the electric axle locking mechanisms on either this or my Tacoma but I don't go in deep water. Hope this helps.
Eric