Hi everyone! I posted enough to where I can FI ALLY ask this question.

My daily driver is a 2014 Toyota Avalon LXE that now has almost 90k miles. I bought it brand new and has only needed oil changes and new tires. It’s clean!

I inherited a 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5with 111k miles. He bought it brand new and always kept in the garage. It was his pride and joy. It was in 2 car accidents with only one requiring cosmetic work. The air went out once but other than all of that it has only needed oil changes and new tires. Grandpa kept it pristine!

Now, here is my dilemma. My living situation and having two cars has become a bit of an issue as in both cars are kept outdoors and are in the way. I am able to afford gas, insurance for both so that’s not the problem. Just the storage aspect. I’ve been looking for a home so I can be on my way and store my cars properly BUT everything is so expensive right now. I can’t find a garaged home or condos with garages. Storage places that I can afford are for uncovered spots which defeats the purpose. The enclosed storages spaces are about $200 which is ridiculous. It doesn’t help that my significant other has 2 cars as well.

So it’s got me thinking, should I sell my Avalon and use the 4Runner as my daily driver? Do I keep both and just wait it out? I know 4Runners last forever but would I be testing my luck using a 20+ year old car as my daily? You all know all about these things so I am all ears and thank you in advance for the input!


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I think it depends on what you need in a daily driver and whether or not you will use the 4Runner as an off-roader.

Any 25 year-old vehicle, reliable as 4Runners are, will require attention and repairs. If you plan to put ten to fifteen thousand miles a year (or more) on it as a daily, I would lean toward keeping the Avalon and holding on to the 4Runner as a toy given you can sort out your storage issue.

I’d sell the Avalon keep the 4runner if you can keep mileage under 5000/yr due to gas prices.
Then add another vehicle as life allows.

If you need to keep driving 10-15k miles a year please PM me I only drive 3-5k per year and will keep it in perfect condition and I’m looking for a clean runner thank you

As long as you don’t have too much of a crazy commute, the 4Runner makes a fine daily driver. I daily my ‘07 with 196k miles on it!

i run my 98 4runner daily, i like it, just keep on top of maintenance

I think it definitely depends on whether you commute a lot. Personally just for the sake of saving myself some headaches I would keep the Avalon based on year and miles.

Make your SO sell her second car. Keep yours.

As others have mentioned, for me it really comes down to the drive time. I love my 1996, but a long commute would have me looking at the Avalon.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. My commute is long - 24/26 miles one way. I took friend and family polls, as well as this forum, and each and every one of you is right - I need to keep the Avalon due to my long commute. Thanks again!


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Yep, I think that’s a wise choice. If I still had a commute I’d want something a little more efficient. Keep it!


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If you post on here when it's time to sell your 4Runner you'll get offers. Check out the classified section of the website.

Have you thought about how the 98 4Runner handles day-to-day duties? Does it vibe with your lifestyle? It's not just a car switch; it's almost like a lifestyle pivot, too!

And hey, the housing market craziness is real – the struggle is universal. Maybe the right garage will pop up when you least expect it. Until then, it's like a car storage Tetris game!

Would love to hear what others think about this car selling conundrum. Any tips or experiences to share?

Stick to the one that is newer, less mileage, and in better shape.

Only keep 4runner if you want to off-road or NEED cargo carrying capability.

Well I've never been one to make intelligent decisions but I'd keep the Runner. I just finally replaced my 2000 which has been my daily driver for 12 years. It had 110k when I got it and it's sitting at 301k now. I have no doubt that if someone puts a timing belt on it (it does need that) it will run for another 50k at least.

Anyway like someone else said though it's a lifestyle thing the 4Runner fit my lifestyle. If it doesn't fit yours it probably would sell well given it's low miles.