4WD, HST and loader are must haves. And these are just sunk costs, you get the money back on a resale. All make it much easier to resell.I agree 100% I purchased a M4900 gear drive in 2004 and withing 6 months I had regrets about not going with 4wd HST and loader. Made the same mistake with a truck bought a 2500 and should have got a 3500. Buy the HST with the 4WD and loader you will enjoy it much more and will find lots of ways to make your life easier.