Choosing a toad: is 4wd a good idea?

Yes, I do want an automatic and am leaning towards the 2 door Wrangler. It is just 2 of us (adults) and one Golden Retriever. I agree with RCtour, in that I don't think our 4 legged friend will know or care if it's a 4x4.

Can someone confirm for me that when towing a jeep wrangler 4 down, that it will not be computing the mileage while it is rolling along behind us? What about the Jeep Cherokee?

whatever you decide on be sure to check the owner's manual under recreational towing or towing behind a motorhome to see their requirements. I think a 4x4 is probably more likely to be towable???? I assume you want an automatic transmission?
bumpy

Have towed a Jeep Wrangler, Subaru Outback and Chevy Tahoe 4-down, all with relative ease. The Subaru, however, MUST be a stand transmission. That said, here's my take on the three vehicles:

Wrangler: Great off-roader, good in snow, OK on highway/roads, OK but not great on gas, comfortable enough, choice of 2 or 4WD, and fun to drive.
Outback: Good off-roader, fantastic in snow, great gas mileage, good amount of room, comfortable to drive, but must be a stick, has AWD.
Tahoe: Great off-roader, fantastic in snow, not good mileage, lots of room, comfortable to drive, but very large vehicle. Mine had multiple options for AWD, 4WD or "auto" mode when it would choose what was necessary.

How much car do you really need? Big family=bigger vehicle. Just two, Wrangler is fine. Missed my Tahoe big time this year. My MINI Countryman is as good as any in the snow, but that Tahoe can bulldog through anything! My pick of the three for the best all-around is the Outback, with the one caveat being it MUST be a manual for 4-down towing.

4x4 is not necessary. But look at all your options for what you use a car for. How many people, for what? What do you carry on the car (bikes, boat...).
Then see if a car can be found that can tow 4 wheels down that will do that.
We have towed a Grand Vitara for 14 years, just now going to a Jeep Liberty. But we surf fish and 4x4 is necessary for me to get on the beach. IF we didn't get out and about, just about any car towed 4 wheel down and with a roof that could carry our canoe and my mobility scooter would have done.

Several of my friends go four wheeling, I have but I think it's silly, just not my thing. I don't think you need a four wheel drive vehicle, unless you are looking for really bad weather do you have a 4X4 motor home? If not, what's the point.

I just really like my Wrangler, it's my primary car, ride is okay, mileage is okay, it's a little different and other people comment on how nice it is.

Is a 4wd a good idea? Only marginally, it's just a fun factor like owning a MH. Although my Lab really likes it, but I'm not sure she understands its 4wd. IMHO

We tow a Hummer H3 since it has a strong frame, plenty of ground clearance, and easy to put into towing mode. (Just push a button to disconnect the drive train.) Further, it is a nice daily driver since it is comfortable and rides well. I would assume the Jeep would be similar.

Another choice would be the Honda CRV. You'll see a lot of those being towed. The CRV makes for a nice primary car. The Saturns use to be towable, but not all.

Actually, weather and all that aside, a 4WD vehicle is more likely to be towable 4 down because you can put the transfer case in neutral and not worry about the transmission. I see a lot of Jeeps behind DPs.