Debating trading in for a car

[Sherminator866]

So we still owe a decent amount on the runner, (2006 v6 4x4 sr5 stock), and its got about 90k on it. I primarily drive it to work and very rarely tow my trailer to the dump or some other truck like duties but rarely. And other than that it goes around town and home. We take the wifes car anytime we go anywhere out of town.

So I was bored at work and noticed that if I trade in on a used car, (think Hyundai sonata/kia optima class) I can save myself 100 bucks a month on the payment along with fuel savings (although filling the runner for 30 bucks is real nice right now) and the cars im looking at are certified and each have about 30,000 miles which is considerably less than the runner. Although I know 90k isn't much for the runner.

So I'm sure what would end up happening is that I would take my wifes loaded '13 elantra and she would take the new car only because she travels a lot further than me. I can use a number of trucks anytime I need so thats not a huge issue.

I don't know what I'm asking of you guys really, but its been driving me nuts thinking about which way to go and I can make valid points for both, but just can't seem to pull the trigger either way. You guys have any input on the matter? Thanks a lot guys.

 

[Doozi]

Based on friends that have had Hyundai/Kia models, I'd say that you'd be better off sticking with the 4Runner… and the 2006 is probably the best of the 4Runners! :heh:

 

[Icepuck72]

You'll regret it. I was in your shoes once and did it. Horrible mistake. Bought another 4Runner.

 

[J053619]

I'd suggest take the cars out for a test drive. But don't fall into that new car feeling which will sway you away from your 4runner. This might lead you to making the same mistake as [MENTION=9260]Icepuck72[/MENTION]

Saving money seems like a plus to you especially since you said you just use your 4runner as a commute vehicle.

 

[having fun]

Might be expensive for you to do this, but,
see if anyplace has rental cars your interested in
buying and rent for like a week. It would give you more time
with it to see if it is really what you want.
Buddy of mine did that for a bout 2 months trying different rides before he bought the one that suited his needs.

 

[Tx9812valve]

I think it's gonna boil down to are you a truck guy? I have always driven trucks until a couple years ago when I knew I had a ton of driving to do and wanted a new, fuel efficient, low mileage car. So I bought a Subaru impreza for my DD and moved out of state so I had to leave my truck (98 dodge cummins) a thousand miles away. I got 30 mpg which was great, but I always found myself wishing I had my truck. Literally almost every day. Well 2 years passed, now I have my Dodge back and I found my 4runner and added it to the stable. Guess which vehicle went on Craigslist a couple weeks ago.... yeah the Subi is gone. It was great but the 4Runner (although 8 yrs older) is better...for me at least.

My wife had a little stint with cars also, going through about 4 all the way to a new WRX which was fun but it never filled the void of a truck, so now she has a Tacoma, and we are carless....

Sorry for the long-winded post but you get the point... sometimes while a car is more practical it just does not fill the void. Good luck with the decision

 

[28.]

I think it's gonna boil down to are you a truck guy? I have always driven trucks until a couple years ago when I knew I had a ton of driving to do and wanted a new, fuel efficient, low mileage car. So I bought a Subaru impreza for my DD and moved out of state so I had to leave my truck (98 dodge cummins) a thousand miles away. I got 30 mpg which was great, but I always found myself wishing I had my truck. Literally almost every day. Well 2 years passed, now I have my Dodge back and I found my 4runner and added it to the stable. Guess which vehicle went on Craigslist a couple weeks ago.... yeah the Subi is gone. It was great but the 4Runner (although 8 yrs older) is better...for me at least.

My wife had a little stint with cars also, going through about 4 all the way to a new WRX which was fun but it never filled the void of a truck, so now she has a Tacoma, and we are carless....

Sorry for the long-winded post but you get the point... sometimes while a car is more practical it just does not fill the void. Good luck with the decision

Totally agree.. I love sport/muscle cars myself but can't imagine not owning the Runner or another truck eventhough we've kept our WRX.. I use a trailer for hauling so i'm set.. Good luck but in reality from the sound of it you don't really use the Runner for what it's meant and that's hauling family/kids/yourself and all your fun stuff lol.. You can't realistically own a truck and really be that worried about gas mileage if you use it how it's meant to be used because the need or pleasure of driving it, justifies the cost IMHO..eace:

 

[RyanCocolin]

Like [MENTION=9260]Icepuck72[/MENTION] said, you'll regret it. Been there and done that - I switched a few years ago to a Civic to save money and the first chance I had, I was back in a 4runner.

 

[t-man]

I think you'll get no support here sir... lol

 

[NuclearN8]

I'll start by saying you have to drive what makes you happy. (period)
storytime....
My experience with cars and motorcycles is not one of lead by example... I rarely keep a vehicle more than 3 years for whatever reason (usually I end up modding them the way I want it and then selling it out of boredom to start a new project).. this has led me to buy and sell 9 motorcycles since 2003 and 7 cars in the same timeframe. Was this financially smart? Hell no! It was the dumbest thing I could do financially but it made me happy as hell to have the experience to drive/ride something new every couple years and make it my own along the way.
Now that I'm a bit older and can look back, I wish I would have kept the 2003 100th anniversary HD Fatboy I chromed out and the 2005 Civic and been done. Both would have easily lasted me until now (been paid off) easily with steady maintenance and I'd have the financial means to pay cash for whatever vehicle I wanted next (brand new landcruiser)
My point here is, if it's not pushing you into bankruptcy, stay the course and try to find happiness in owning a reliable form of transportation. In the long run, it'll be worth it financially.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

[Sherminator866]

I'll start by saying you have to drive what makes you happy. (period)
storytime....
My experience with cars and motorcycles is not one of lead by example... I rarely keep a vehicle more than 3 years for whatever reason (usually I end up modding them the way I want it and then selling it out of boredom to start a new project).. this has led me to buy and sell 9 motorcycles since 2003 and 7 cars in the same timeframe. Was this financially smart? Hell no! It was the dumbest thing I could do financially but it made me happy as hell to have the experience to drive/ride something new every couple years and make it my own along the way.
Now that I'm a bit older and can look back, I wish I would have kept the 2003 100th anniversary HD Fatboy I chromed out and the 2005 Civic and been done. Both would have easily lasted me until now (been paid off) easily with steady maintenance and I'd have the financial means to pay cash for whatever vehicle I wanted next (brand new landcruiser)
My point here is, if it's not pushing you into bankruptcy, stay the course and try to find happiness in owning a reliable form of transportation. In the long run, it'll be worth it financially.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

you have no idea how much this sounds like me. im 27 and since 16 ive owned 25+ vehicles and 10+ bikes. my dad and i build bikes for fun and i usually sell them before ive ever ridden it just to start something new.

yes, i am totally a truck guy. actually the 4runner is my first suv and ive never owned a car yet, besides my wifes. i think ive come up with more reasons than not to keep the 4runner and im pretty sure i would be kicking myself everyday for not keeping it. I think seeing the 100 bucks a month and a nice new car had my head a bit clouded. I honestly do appreciate all your guys input on the matter and it seriously helped me open my eyes on how much i actually do use the runner as more than just transportation.

thanks again guys i appreciate it.
-brad

 

[Minn3sota]

My wife has a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, and it's given us more problems in 3 years of owning it, than my 11 year old 4runner, which has never given me a problem.

At this moment in time, the Santa Fe is in a friends shop needing a rear differential coupler 1000$ part replaced. This is the second time with a drive train problem. We have also had a malfunctioning factory stereo.

If your dead set on giving up the 4r, Hyundai is probably not be my recommended route to go. I've had Kia rental cars, that I've absolutely beat the crap out of and they seems to take the punishment better than the Hyundai that gets babied.

 

[fdbyrne]

Besides all of the logic already given there's usually a sound financial reason to stay with what you have.

I don't know how long you've had your 4Runner or what your payments are, but I am pretty certain that, in terms of the number of payments, you are much closer to paying off the 4Runner than anything that you would potentially trade it in for. When you trade it in you're getting a fresh loan an pushing the payoff date way out over the horizon.

Do the math on what it would be like to not have a payment at all and see how far away you are right now if you don't make any moves. When that date comes and you can quit making the payments you'll still have a very well built vehicle that will continue to run for years and still have inherent value. Many other vehicles don't last and aren't worth much at all by the time you are done paying for them. That's no the case with most of the Toyota trucks.

 

[TRDCal]

I rented a small KIA once....with 4 people and baggage, 1st gear was the only one that would get us up some of the steep hills. That thing was a joke. I wouldn't touch a Korean car for a another 5 years or so. I think they're coming around but not quite there yet.

Why not a used RAV4? That way you can still tow a small trailer and get better gas mileage. Plus it'll drive and handle like a car if that's what cranks your motor. Best of both worlds and if you get the 3.5L, they're quick little bastards!

 

[NuclearN8]

you have no idea how much this sounds like me. im 27 and since 16 ive owned 25+ vehicles and 10+ bikes. my dad and i build bikes for fun and i usually sell them before ive ever ridden it just to start something new.

yes, i am totally a truck guy. actually the 4runner is my first suv and ive never owned a car yet, besides my wifes. i think ive come up with more reasons than not to keep the 4runner and im pretty sure i would be kicking myself everyday for not keeping it. I think seeing the 100 bucks a month and a nice new car had my head a bit clouded. I honestly do appreciate all your guys input on the matter and it seriously helped me open my eyes on how much i actually do use the runner as more than just transportation.

thanks again guys i appreciate it.
-brad

Brad,
you sound like a younger version of me for sure in this regard... if it's any help, these feelings won't go away. I'm 35 and still struggle with them... stay the course if you can. It's a daily battle...

 

[Colemanfu]

Go for it but not a car - get a van ha!

Sold my 04 back in Oct and added the MB Sprinter Cargo. Converted it to a mini camper/moto hauler. Loving the 23 MPG compared to 16 ouch!

 

[radlynx]

I agree with this. I had my 4runner for 9 years now, paid it off about 4 years ago and had the best moment of my life. no car payments to deal with plus no car issues except for regular maintenance. me and my wife have 1 car and 1 truck which works very well for us. we drive our car as much as we can as a daily car but we use our truck for long drives (vacation) and snowy day and etc. we both at least have option of which to drive depending on the situation. That new car feeling, that's the devil trying to persuade you to go the wrong path. LOL! OP, you are on the right track, don't change anything.

Besides all of the logic already given there's usually a sound financial reason to stay with what you have.

I don't know how long you've had your 4Runner or what your payments are, but I am pretty certain that, in terms of the number of payments, you are much closer to paying off the 4Runner than anything that you would potentially trade it in for. When you trade it in you're getting a fresh loan an pushing the payoff date way out over the horizon.

Do the math on what it would be like to not have a payment at all and see how far away you are right now if you don't make any moves. When that date comes and you can quit making the payments you'll still have a very well built vehicle that will continue to run for years and still have inherent value. Many other vehicles don't last and aren't worth much at all by the time you are done paying for them. That's no the case with most of the Toyota trucks.

 

[KingPrat]

I'm in a similar boat, but use my vehicle for recruiting trips and scouting - I coach college lacrosse.

I've put almost 60k on my 4Runner in 2 years 4 months, and am in the process of selling it. I am looking at "upgrading" to a Mazda 3 with the 2.0 and stick shift. Fun little car, pretty solid drive for how big it is, doesn't feel like you're riding in a tin can.

My vehicle is a tool for my job. With the amount I drive (> 20k/year) it is not financially feasible for me to own my 4Runner right now. At $2.50 a gallon (which gas will get back there soon) I will save about $1800/year in fuel costs alone. The 4Runner is not the correct tool for the job. I'm using a 30lb sledge for a job that needs a small claw hammer.

I know, at some point down the road, I will be in a position where I can get myself back into a 4Runner. I'm single, don't own a house, don't pay rent, and make a considerable amount of money for the job that I do. When my life changes to the point where I need a 4Runner again, I will be back! But for now, this is the move I need to make.

To each his own. Everyone says you'll regret it. I know I'll MISS my 4Runner, but it is just a car. There are others out there that I can "fix my mistake" somewhere down the road.

Go out and test drive what you're thinking of trading for. I was dead set on a Corolla, and then I drove it. Now I'm concentrated on a Mazda. Do your research, find the right car, and your decision won't be as terrible as everyone makes you believe it will. EVERYONE has buyers' remorse at some point with any vehicle.

Good luck with the decision. Mine has been about 6 months in the making. Don't jump the gun and you'll make out just fine.


And if not, you can always just trade back for a 4Runner. :banana:

 

[Paisano]

So we still owe a decent amount on the runner, (2006 v6 4x4 sr5 stock), and its got about 90k on it. I primarily drive it to work and very rarely tow my trailer to the dump or some other truck like duties but rarely. And other than that it goes around town and home. We take the wifes car anytime we go anywhere out of town.

So I was bored at work and noticed that if I trade in on a used car, (think Hyundai sonata/kia optima class) I can save myself 100 bucks a month on the payment along with fuel savings (although filling the runner for 30 bucks is real nice right now) and the cars im looking at are certified and each have about 30,000 miles which is considerably less than the runner. Although I know 90k isn't much for the runner.

So I'm sure what would end up happening is that I would take my wifes loaded '13 elantra and she would take the new car only because she travels a lot further than me. I can use a number of trucks anytime I need so thats not a huge issue.

I don't know what I'm asking of you guys really, but its been driving me nuts thinking about which way to go and I can make valid points for both, but just can't seem to pull the trigger either way. You guys have any input on the matter? Thanks a lot guys.

A car payment is a car payment, decreasing it by $100/month isn't going to change the world. Sounds like you've got a good setup with an SUV and a car in the garage, and have driving scenarios that fit each.

That 06 4Runner will outlast your monthly payments for it and then you can use that $ for something else.

 

[Dylan]

I think it's gonna boil down to are you a truck guy? I have always driven trucks

x2. Save for the Plymouth Voyager mini van I drove for 6 months in high school (thanks Mom!), I've only driven 4Runners since then...and that's been 13 years now. Yes, I have driven cars, pickups, vans, etc....but never personally owned one that I drove regularly. I've had enough experiences driving other's cars and rentals to come to the conclusion that I'm a "truck guy", more specifically a 4Runner guy.

As is the case with many things in life, it comes down to preference....it's not right or wrong, just what you like. And if what you like also happens to be practical, then double bonus. Although I'm sure plenty on this forum would admit their 4Runner addiction may or may not be practical for their driving uses!