1-2-08; Last Day With My 4Runner

[Jeff Kleb]

Well, all good things must come to and end. My three-year lease expires in another ten days, but I am probably going to "turn it in" today. I came in at 2,500 miles under my limit, so I am good to go in that department. (I got two small dings repaired at my own expense, and cleaned the 4Runner inside & out yesterday afternoon.)

I put my 4Runner up for sale on Cars.com last month, but the only calls I received were people who worked for other web pages trying to sell me advertising space. The only good offer I got from a dealership was predicated upon me buying another Toyota (but I just wanted something different this time). I was not offered more than the residual, so it is best just to walk away from it.
:bash:

I made a deal on a 2008 Mustang GT (black, V8, 5-speed stick). Call it a mid-life crisis, I guess. I owned three of them in my younger days and love the current body style because of its "retro" looks and modern ride quality. I am supposed to pick it up today.


My credit union quoted me a great price and the stealer did their best to make the deal last night. I'm leasing it for 24 months/30,000 miles; with an option to buy it outright at the end (which I don't expect to do). My lease payment on the 'Stang includes maintenance, personal property taxes, gap insurance and a $2500 "protection waiver" for at-end lease damage (broken interior pieces, dents, scratches, etc.) that might occur.

The Ford dealer is owned by the same company as the Toyota franchise, so the transaction is supposed to be easily done this afternoon. I hope it goes as easily as they claim!


I have enjoyed this forum for most of the time I have had my 4Runner. I was happy with it, but never drove off-road with it and only needed the 4x4 maybe twice in the past three years. It never gave me any trouble, was dependable and was great for long trips. Who knows? I may buy another one in 2010 when they come out with the next generation. Nobody knows what the future holds, right?

I will probably "lurk" or hang around here for awhile, though, as I feel like many of you are 'old friends' sitting around a bar commenting on various topics. This is probably one of the best Internet discussion areas - bar none. There are some good debates, but people tend to be civil towars one another and most of those who post here don't misspell every other word.
:biggrin2:

Anyway, I wish every one of you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2008!!
:clap: :clap:

 

[alaskaman]

vaya con dios in that pony mi amigo.....

 

[ALt4r]

:hello:

Enjoy the mustang, i love the new look. The front looks 10x better than the 4th gen (mustang that is).

 

[Falls]

Enjoy the Stang , had a few myself and they were a blast. Congrats !!!


BTW , when your stuck in snow or anything feel free to call, anyone of us to come pull you out....lol Sorry I couldn't resist that one.

 

[Falls]

I have 13 months left on my lease , but will be about 25k under milage so I will buy it out.

This was the 1st and last time I ever leased , just not for me , but they had a no money down and interest rate of 1.3 % so it was hard to pass up. They also cashed me out a check for $22k for my Tahoe which I was able to invest so....thats what I did.

I'm right at the point of my turn in time where the new ones wont be out yet , but I really would rather keep my 4th gen than but a new one. At least thats the plan as of now things can change in an instant.

Good luck Jeff

 

[Jacobzky]

I wish im shopping for another 4Runner and your (Jeff K) 4Runner would be on top of my lists or my only list. Knowing how you loved and pampered the truck, it will be one heck of a lucky buyer whoever buy that truck of yours.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Thanks for the kind words. I am going to miss my 4Runner and drove by the Toyota dealer tonight. It was with the other "lease turn-ins" waiting for inspection and to be sent onto a new home.

Whoever gets it is going to enjoy many more miles of trouble-free driving.


It is three years old and has 33,500+ miles; so I was still way under my limit. Sad thing is that the stealer is probably going to put it on their lot for $24,000.
:chair:


Anyhow, here is my "Black Beauty" today when I picked it up.

2008 Ford Mustang GT Coupe
Black Exterior - Dark Charcoal Interior
4.6L V8 Engine
5-speed Manual Transmission
Cruise Control
AM-FM-CD Stereo w/ Premium Sound
Power windows, mirrors and door locks
Traction Control & ABS

 

[jwa898]

I'm sorry to hear that you will not be having your 4Runner, but congrats on the mustang. I hope you really enjoy it, and please do stick around the forum.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Again, thanks for the accolades. I do plan to stick around - at least to lurk or view some posts from time to time.

You folks are my "friends" and it has been a pleasure to be part of the fun around here.


Best of luck to everyone in 2008. Keep it between the navigational beacons, okay?


GOOD NIGHT!!!!

 

[Jacobzky]

OMG that 'Stang is a jaw breaker, im pretty sure you'll enjoy it much like your former 4R.

Happy New Year and Happy New Mustang!!!!!

 

[keylay31]

I've never understood, why are leases ever the "smart option"? I guess I just dont know too much about leases.

 

[alaskaman]

wanna drag pony man? LOL!!!

 

[peter78]

I put my 4Runner up for sale on Cars.com last month, but the only calls I received were people who worked for other web pages trying to sell me advertising space. The only good offer I got from a dealership was predicated upon me buying another Toyota (but I just wanted something different this time). I was not offered more than the residual, so it is best just to walk away from it.

Boy, that is something, when your selling, people are calling you up to sell. I got a lot of shady characters calling me up when I was selling something on Craigslist. I think there is a whole sub-culture going on, trying to rip people off.

I've never understood, why are leases ever the "smart option"? I guess I just dont know too much about leases.

My understanding is, if you buy and sell a car every 2 to 3 years, leasing may be the way to go. Selling a car after a few years, you get that sub-culture out trying to rip you off.

Thanks for being part of this forum and the new Mustang looks really nice. You may miss the 4Runner when you go to your local Home Depot or Lowes though.

 

[Mark86]

Good luck with the new Mustang. I remember when I had to give up my 2003 Sport, it was a sad day. Keep checking out the board!

 

[sharp4runr]

Good luck with the new 'stang Jeff! Swing back on the forums, we like to make fun of you Ford guys

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Re: Re: 1-2-08; Last Day With My 4Runner

My understanding is, if you buy and sell a car every 2 to 3 years, leasing may be the way to go. Selling a car after a few years, you get that sub-culture out trying to rip you off.

Leasing is only a good option sometimes. First of all, you have to have done your homework or you're gonna get hosed.

Second, you should not bother with leasing unless you have very good credit. It is best to put money into the lease as a "downpayment" - even though it is actually known as a captialized cost reduction. With a leased vehicle, you should also carry better insurance on it; and know that the lessor (Ford, Toyota, GMAC, etc.) is going to demand that you have full liability, comprehensive and collision coverage on 'their' vehicle.

Third, be prepared to take very good care of the vehicle, since they may try to shaft you for 'reconditioning expenses' if you turn in a car with "excess" wear (too subjective a term if you ask me).

Fourth, if you enjoy leasing and only paying for "partial" use of a car.....be prepared to have never-ending car payments! You don't ever build cash equity in the car, either.
:bash:

Finally, leasing is not a viable option if you drive too many miles. Remember that you get nailed for any 'excess' mileage - often at a rate of 15 to 25 cents every mile beyond what is in your contract. I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra that is paid for, so I can drive that as my 'commuter car' since it uses less fuel and saves mileage on my leased vehicle.

Thanks for being part of this forum and the new Mustang looks really nice. You may miss the 4Runner when you go to your local Home Depot or Lowes though.

Thanks again for the nice compliment! As for going to Home Depot, my girlfriend has a 2002 Highlander that serves as a 'truck' when necessary.
:awais:

Take care!

 

[alaskaman]

..........had a feeling you had skills.

 

[peter78]

Re: Re: Re: 1-2-08; Last Day With My 4Runner

Leasing is only a good option sometimes. First of all, you have to have done your homework or you're gonna get hosed.

Second, you should not bother with leasing unless you have very good credit. It is best to put money into the lease as a "downpayment" - even though it is actually known as a captialized cost reduction. With a leased vehicle, you should also carry better insurance on it; and know that the lessor (Ford, Toyota, GMAC, etc.) is going to demand that you have full liability, comprehensive and collision coverage on 'their' vehicle.

Third, be prepared to take very good care of the vehicle, since they may try to shaft you for 'reconditioning expenses' if you turn in a car with "excess" wear (too subjective a term if you ask me).

Fourth, if you enjoy leasing and only paying for "partial" use of a car.....be prepared to have never-ending car payments! You don't ever build cash equity in the car, either.
:bash:

Finally, leasing is not a viable option if you drive too many miles. Remember that you get nailed for any 'excess' mileage - often at a rate of 15 to 25 cents every mile beyond what is in your contract. I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra that is paid for, so I can drive that as my 'commuter car' since it uses less fuel and saves mileage on my leased vehicle.[/color]

That is a really good explanation of leasing. Both pro and cons. :bigok: