How much is TOO much?

[0verland]

So I picked up my one owner 2006 V8 4Runner which now has just over 145xxx miles back in May of last year and have slowly been upgrading things on it. I put together a wish list of things, suspension, wheels, tires, armor, etc and honestly it totals out to almost what I paid for the car. So that got me thinking... with a car thats 12 years old and nearly a 150k miles on it, how much money is too much to sink into it? I have no intentions of getting rid of the car but I just wanted to hear some honest opinions from those that regret how much they have spent and those that feel the money was well spent.


Thanks in advance,
0verland

 

[ElZilcho]

I think there are generally two schools of thought on this.

1) A car is a tool (for getting to work, hauling people/things) and any money spent altering it for any reason that isn't absolutely necessary (i.e. snow tires in cold climates) is a waste.

2) A car does dual purpose as car and hobby. Consequently it's ok to devote fun money (hobby budget) to your car.

I am fully in the latter camp. I can't leave my vehicles alone and I don't regret any of the money (or time) I've spent on them. My mods aren't as extravagant as some others and I tend to be cautious about big ticket purchases but I justify it by using both line items of my budget (transportation and entertainment). I can also say that the few times I've needed a winch... I was really effen glad I bought a winch! My cars aren't just tools for me; they're a hobby, and I spend money on them as such. It's up to me to be responsible about how much money I spend on my hobbies.

Where others fall between these two camps... isn't for me to say.

 

[Fern]

Each individual will have a different answer.
Just look for deals along the way to save some money.

 

[4Running335i]

I want new rims and tires but I can't convince myself that the cost is worth it. Especially since I probably have about 30K or more left on my current tires. My rig doesn't look cool tho but I'll push the tires off as the last expense to "complete" my build.

 

[trdxyr]

No such thing as too much.. Only if you follow someone else's social beliefs....

1. It's your truck
2. It's your money and effort
3. How many fks do you really give on others opinions.?

Example. I have 03 SE V8 Only now , bought new, i'm modding my truck.

Lift, wheels tires, etc..

It has 235k+ miles..

When I was younger, I was an "import tuner" I gave zero back then.. doesn't matter, what ever makes you happy.

Enjoy the Journey

DVC

 

[Keros]

My philosophy on the matter is that any money beyond what our insurance will cover is money that could potentially evaporate if the truck is stolen, or worse.

I try to time upgrades under the guise of "maintenance"... hopefully I'll run out of things to fix and I can finally supercharge.

Budget has been anything but conservative thus far. Still cheaper than a second, fun car, though.

One day though, a time will come when gasoline vehicles go the way of the horse and buggy so enjoy it while it lasts.

 

[99Runnr]

Impossible question to answer, too many angles, depends on your financial situation, blah blah.

A simple rule of thumb that I use, buy a car private party for under value. My relevant vehicle for this is my 08' 4runner. I paid $6800 for it, local bank booked the truck at $14xxx as it was. I have done most of what I wanted with it (lift, wheels, tires, stereo, tint, maintenance, meticulous expenses like painted door handles) to make it my own, an I'm still WELL under that total.

So, I feel justified knowing that people are out there (around here) paying those prices through dealerships and so forth, to get the same vehicle I started with an completely improved and made my own. So by the time we cross money spent, they're at $21k plus, an I'm at 14k an completely trust what I own.

 

[Robs08Runner]

I believe that life is short. If a few upgrades to an otherwise mechanically sound truck will being you happiness, go for it. My only advice is to keep, say a grand in savings somewhere to help lessen the burden if something expensive comes up.

 

[RobD]

No such thing as too much.. Only if you follow someone else's social beliefs....

1. It's your truck
2. It's your money and effort
3. How many fks do you really give on others opinions.?

Example. I have 03 SE V8 Only now , bought new, i'm modding my truck.

Lift, wheels tires, etc..

It has 235k+ miles..

When I was younger, I was an "import tuner" I gave zero back then.. doesn't matter, what ever makes you happy.

Enjoy the Journey

DVC

This. Go nuts, have fun. Can't take it with you.

 

[SAC-CA-Runner]

I paid $16K for mine and I've well surpassed that number in mods. I wanted this specific model, color and engine and never plan on selling. Hence why $5k alone was replacing the motor when it blew due to some dipshit previous owner using stop leak. But I replaced everything under that hood myself (always worked on my own cars) and added some goodies as well. Now start talking about susp, wheels, gears, bumpers, stereo, rack, RTT, drawer system, all those little things here and there and it all adds up. However, when I go traveling I save on airfare, hotel stays, etc and I'm planning a year trip shortly and that is worth the money I've put into and will put into it. Just think what some of those 5th Gen guys have put into there's starting with a much more expensive truck. I'm betting a lot of them are $100k trucks after the mods.