I'll chime in on this one because I thought much about it when purchasing mine (2005 4x4 6.0 psd). I live in TN and snow is rarely a factor here, but I drive to mid-OH a couple times per winter and don't like to have regrets. Also, tow a boat (approx 4k pounds) and used to have a Club Wagon van that had a hard time on some ramps.

What I've found is the Ex must be much heavier in the back end b/c those same boat ramps I've never had to go into 4wd at all. Even pulling my utility trailer up hill out of my wet yard, never spun if I'm careful. Tires are still pretty new (15 K now) so as they go down I may use 4x4 more. Knowing now what I do about the good traction of the Ex in 2WD I would have purchased one just due to the future maint I know I'll have.

I understand the resale argument, but you are on the winning end of that one if shopping used. When I was shopping under the Family Plan promo, the diff was $1200 or less, all other options the same (from memory, but close). And, the only 2 left near me were 4x4, so I'd have had to travel, not worth the hassle so made the decn for me. Used the diff seems to be $2000 or more for 4x4, so that combined less future maint costs I'd go 2wd as long as it's the L/S axle (mind is 3.73). The savings will help pay to keep newer tires on it and the the ride will be better on the road.