I've heard the same thing that tires last longer on 4WD, don't know what the science is behind that. Maybe just that wear is more even?
Anyway... I was able to go check out the track Wednesday night and the owner let me drive his stadium truck for some laps. There was another guy there with an Associated 2WD and while I didn't drive his car I could see that it looked a lot different in how it moved around the track. Most importantly, I had a good time and everyone was very friendly so I can see it being a fun place to hang out.
I'm not sure yet whether I'll be getting a new or used car, depends on what I can find. So, I'm keeping my eye out for a good deal on a used Stadium Truck or 4WD. If I don't find anything, there are some good deals on a new XT2D right now and there's a local guy with a HB D418 new in box too. I also found a used Futaba 4PLS locally. Anyway, I'm off to check the for-sale part of the forum and do some eBay searches, see what I can turn up.