How do you know when it's time to sell?

[03_4x4Runner]

Wow - I wonder how common that is: My speedometer sticks at 0 from time to time (more often when it's cold), and the fuel gauge sometimes sticks at "E" also. I just ignore it and try to match my speed to other traffic and watch my odometer. That started happening several years ago but it never bothered me enough to do anything about it. Strange.

I do not think I have heard of this yet on the 5th gens but it was becoming more common on the 4th gens as they age. It started out only once in while after driving longer distances and progressively got worse. It actually started out by showing a higher speed. It would say 65 or whatever but when you looked at a garmin gps you were actually going much slower and would stop working altogether. When the 4runner was shut of the needle would go to 15 or whatever it was reading off instead of going back to zero. It would then eventually make a ticking sound and go back to zero then be ok for a while. It progressively got worse until most of the time it did not work at all.

I just reread your post. It looks like you have a 4th gen. Do a search there and you will find more info, also on the gas gage sticking for a while.

 

[RedSled]

Searches with combinations of a bunch of different keywords hasn't really helped with my question - hoping some of you can.

I've got a 2004 Sport Edition (my second 4Runner) with 158K miles and a few problems. The steering rack will need to be replaced soon (I was quoted about $1,300), there's some body work including front bumper replacement that should be done (I was quoted about $1200), but that's really about it right now.

My question is, when do you hit the tipping point in throwing too much money at a car? My wife is thinking it's time to sell this one and get a new 4Runner (I just don't see myself driving anything else).

I checked with my mechanic, who I trust, and he suggested looking at my average maintenance expenses over the last four to five years. When that average exceeds $100 a month, he says it's time to really consider selling. That figure sounded a little low, but being curious, I went back and did the math. The figure I came up with -- and I believe know it's a bit low because it looks like I didn't keep all my receipts -- was about $190 a month average.

What do you all think?

Thanks very much for your opinions.

I always know it's time to sell when i get to the point of asking other people when it's time to sell.

 

[Trail14]

My decision to purchase a new vehicle was when I realized that not having reliable transportation was the most expensive possibility. That is, if I miss one meeting, or am stranded for a day in B.F.E., or in the worst case, have an accident, what is the opportunity cost of NOT having something I can depend on? Of course, if you just need transportation, there are a lot cheaper options out there... a 4Runner is a luxury. It's also an investment.

Actual Monthly Cost = Amortized Payment + Maintenance + Opportunity Costs

If you don't need to be anywhere, and you don't drive on the highway or far away from home, then your opportunity cost is low. It's subjective, but needs to be considered.

 

[Ezlife45]

I use a loose combination of XX cost of repairs is roughly YY notes. Then I gamble whether or not I feel the car is worth the money and whether or not it will last YY months.
I also consider whether or not the vehicle is costing me much over normal maintenance. Using oil, etc.
When the vehicle starts to be a nuisance, it may be time to get rid of it.

 

[Phoenix4R]

Usually when the money I'm putting into it is proportionally out of whack to what the car is worth.

Although, I've have car ADD, so I've been averaging a new car every three years, so I've never had to do repairs in my adult life that weren't covered by warranty.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I use a loose combination of XX cost of repairs is roughly YY notes. Then I gamble whether or not I feel the car is worth the money and whether or not it will last YY months.
I also consider whether or not the vehicle is costing me much over normal maintenance. Using oil, etc.
When the vehicle starts to be a nuisance, it may be time to get rid of it.

I am old and retired. I do not put this much thought into it anymore. If I want something I just go get it.

 

[Titanpat57]

you can only duck the bullet for so long...and being I'm not much of a gambling man, I ordered new after about 130,000

 

[takamikey]

Whatever you do, don't look back! My dad sold an '03 limited v8 and still talks about the darn thing! His mistake was trading it for a Tahoe ... I'm guessing he'll be back in a t4r soon!:shrug:

 

[HerT4R]

1. when it spends more time in the shop than on the road.
2. when you can't trust it for the purpose you intended it for (for me if i couldnt trust a truck to get me to louisiana and back its gotta go, gettin stuck on i10 sounds like a terrible experience to me, and the wait for the tow truck just isn't worth it)
3. if youve got the money, and it isnt worth the headache for you any longer.

eh, that all makes sense to me, hope it helps you.

 

[Ski_bum]

Just give and buy it - this isn't a Dave Ramsey Forum

 

[nglayton]

The steering rack will need to be replaced soon (I was quoted about $1,300), there's some body work including front bumper replacement that should be done (I was quoted about $1200), but that's really about it right now.

That's $2500 that could go towards the down payment on a new one..

When that average exceeds $100 a month, he says it's time to really consider selling. That figure sounded a little low, but being curious, I went back and did the math. The figure I came up with -- and I believe know it's a bit low because it looks like I didn't keep all my receipts -- was about $190 a month average.

$100 A MONTH! - That's seems completely insane. If your at $190 you could also be using that $$ towards a new one.

I personally wouldn't count new tires because your going to buy those for any car you drive, that really has nothing to do with the dependability of the t4r. I'm sure on my 2011 my number is closer to $0 over the last 4 years. :dance:

 

[marshal]

All of you people in this thread that are saying sell are the reason why cars are constantly becoming more disposable. Sell it when you want to sell it and not a moment sooner. Just because you're replacing parts doesn't mean it's the end of the line.

If you're having perpetual parts failure then you weren't doing preventative maintenance in the first place.

 

[LandCruiser]

All of you people in this thread that are saying sell are the reason why cars are constantly becoming more disposable. Sell it when you want to sell it and not a moment sooner. Just because you're replacing parts doesn't mean it's the end of the line.

If you're having perpetual parts failure then you weren't doing preventative maintenance in the first place.

If a 40k truck is disposable, I sure as shit will probably get a much cheaper one in the future.

 

[williamlv282]

All of you people in this thread that are saying sell are the reason why cars are constantly becoming more disposable. Sell it when you want to sell it and not a moment sooner. Just because you're replacing parts doesn't mean it's the end of the line.

If you're having perpetual parts failure then you weren't doing preventative maintenance in the first place.

Idk man, I don't really see any of the new Toyotas as disposable. Maybe the Yaris, but even those are super reliable and will probably last forever.

 

[marshal]

Idk man, I don't really see any of the new Toyotas as disposable. Maybe the Yaris, but even those are super reliable and will probably last forever.

I didn't say it was disposable, but people not wanting to repair things or do proper maint when things get old are making it that way. Look at the fact that we don't even have a transmission dipstick. We have "lifetime" fluid, which is bullshit.

You people that want to sell your vehicle when it needs maintenance are the problem. Of course there is a line you have to draw economically when it costs more hastle than it's worth to you. But people selling cars because they need brakes or a coil pack goes out? **** you.

 

[KidVermicious]

"Too much maintenance" is a flimsy excuse used by ninnies afraid to change their own oil and pompous *******s too insecure to be seen in anything but the newest vehicle. Fact is, it's a fawking Toyota. Maintenance costs averaged out over years will ALWAYS be less than the cost of a new vehicle. Always. I could put a new motor in my 1985 4Runner every year and still pay less over the course of that year than some of you spend on finance payments over the same timeframe.

It's not ever "time to sell". Keep what you've got. Pay it off. Take the money you would be spending on new truck payments and spend it on something that matters instead.

 

[ben550]

I am old and retired. I do not put this much thought into it anymore. If I want something I just go get it.

I can't wait till I am old and retired... I will buy what I want, say what I want, and do what I want... haha. Good for you.

you can only duck the bullet for so long...and being I'm not much of a gambling man, I ordered new after about 130,000

I am at 172k and keeping a watchful eye. Seems like things are running smoothly...

"Too much maintenance" is a flimsy excuse used by ninnies afraid to change their own oil and pompous *******s too insecure to be seen in anything but the newest vehicle. Fact is, it's a fawking Toyota. Maintenance costs averaged out over years will ALWAYS be less than the cost of a new vehicle. Always. I could put a new motor in my 1985 4Runner every year and still pay less over the course of that year than some of you spend on finance payments over the same timeframe.

It's not ever "time to sell". Keep what you've got. Pay it off. Take the money you would be spending on new truck payments and spend it on something that matters instead.

I agree completely. I am driving my 2006 with 172k... I make repairs when needed. It is paid off. I pay $300/month into my "car fund account"... with another $100/month into my "car maintenance fund" for routine maintenance items and goodies... When the time does come to replace it I will have a hefty down payment, trade in value, and will be buying another 5 year old truck which will be paid off well ahead of schedule and repeat the process.

 

[DAGNABIT]

I have owned 27 vehicles in my 24 years of driving..... if I could just get back half of the money I wasted:sad: my 2015 SR5 is my 27th vehicle and If all goes as planned I will drive it til it croaks

 

[Bimmer-Bob]

For the most part, you can always fix something, and to fix the older car is cheaper than buying a new one. So go with what you want.

People always act like it's time to buy a new car when they start having any out-of-warranty maintenance costs. Explain to me how you save money by financing a $40,000 new truck versus paying $1300 for a rebuilt steering rack? If you're having excessive and unforeseen repairs multiple times a year, that's one thing, but I don't think $100/month average is an unreasonable amount to spend on a vehicle, especially if you're including normal maintenance and wear items (which are by no means unique to an older vehicle).

All that being said, if you just want a new truck and can afford it, then go for it. But I don't think there's any sort of magic formula that dictates when it's absolutely time to trade up.

 

[Bimmer-Bob]

$100 A MONTH! - That's seems completely insane. If your at $190 you could also be using that $$ towards a new one.

$100 a month is "completely insane?" Just how much do you think he's going to spend a month on a new one?