Last Thread... It's between two...

[rmd0311]

Two cars... Help DECIDING...
Both SR5's...

2003 - 42k miles - $19,700, Dark GREY.
Edmunds TMV has it at $21644. Carfax is clean. One owner, leased. Cladding body (which I personally love)

OR

2006 - 12 miles - $29,967, Nautical Blue. To this I can either get 2k cash back or 2.9% financing.


They both have the same options. Moonroof, 17" Wheels, Tow Package and so forth.

What do you guys think?
The sooner the better.

 

[007Runner]

If you have the money new is always best. The 2006 will also have advanced air bags. The other just has regular air bags.

 

[HeavyD]

An alternate point of view is that the previous owner (the lease holder) has already absorbed the greatest percentage of the depriciation. Most leasing agreements require the vehical to have all the recommended service interval maintenance performed so the used truck is probably in good shape and Toyotas have good long term reliability.

IMHO, the used vehical is the better value. One thing to consider; if you have a trade in that you are still upside down on, you will probably have to buy new in order to absorb the negative depriciation of the trade in.

 

[007Runner]

The 4Runner also saw a lot of improvements in 2006.

 

[jharris2]

I'd ask for some additional information, such as:

1. Cosmetically, how does the 2003 model look?

2. Do you have access to the maintenance records for the used model?

3. How long do you plan to keep the vehicle? (helps to figure out total cost including depreciation)

4. Can you talk to the lessee of the used 4Runner to see how it was treated?

5. Does the 2003 have an extended warranty, or can you get one? On the 4th gen 4Runner, the moonroof is a particularly weak spot (all year models). You don't want to go into the purchase knowing that you could be hit with a huge repair bill on a known weak spot.

Just my thoughts.