Not So Serious Serious Question

[Maritimer]

Basically, when I moved back from overseas I had the option of buying a new Yaris (and having a smaller bank account) or an older but much larger, nicer and stronger vehicle--my 4Runner (and having the money in the bank to maintain it should it break). Well, no way I could drive compact since I'm 6'2" with a wife and two kids.

What would you rather afford--new and small and cheap, or, older and larger and more quality?

 

[backpacker1988]

No contest, IMO. Go with the 4Runner, you won't regret it. Like you said, Yaris is too compact, and it doesn't have the road history the 4Runner does. If something should go wrong, any number of guys here can help out. The Yaris, you might not find that kind of owner support. But, just my .02.

 

[CookieRoe]

older, larger, more quality. My 2007 civic ex cost me about $25K after all was said and done. I bought it new. Fast forward 3 years, my Grand Cherokee "took a dump" on me so I got my 2005 4Runner used (Precertified). Set me back $20K. The civic is small, economical and a great car....BUT... My 4Runner is very economical (compared to my old Jeep), smooth, luxurious, big, and SAFE. It's a no brainer, but there are people who insist that buying a used car is "buying other person's problem".

 

[Maritimer]

:bigok: I've had the Runner for a few months now.

I'm just looking for reassurance that I made an awesome purchase. The other guy told me what the problems were--not enough to bother me in the least, and WELL within the savings over the hit on new cars. This thing rides like a king and sits rock solid.

 

[CookieRoe]

:bigok: I've had the Runner for a few months now.

I'm just looking for reassurance that I made an awesome purchase. The other guy told me what the problems were--not enough to bother me in the least, and WELL within the savings over the hit on new cars. This thing rides like a king and sits rock solid.

No doubt you made the right decision. If I had two kids, getting a larger, higher caliber car (for less money) would be a no brainer. With 80K on the clock, my 4Runner is still smooth as silk, pulls nicely, in great shape and so far, has been very reliable. I love knowing it was $40K new and that was only 5 years ago. I think I (we) made out pretty nice

 

[gm350reratliff]

No contest, IMO. Go with the 4Runner, you won't regret it. Like you said, Yaris is too compact, and it doesn't have the road history the 4Runner does. If something should go wrong, any number of guys here can help out. The Yaris, you might not find that kind of owner support. But, just my .02.

Not only owner support from this great site but also aftermarket support as well.

 

[blcktpgsr]

Yaris isn't gonna give you half the protection and peace of mind on the road driving with your wife and especially with 2 kids aboard than a 4Runner will.

Just quoting you:
It's an older but much larger, nicer and stronger vehicle.....and that's the bottom line.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

If new,smaller and cheap I'd take either a MazdaSpeed 3 or the current Miata which are bargains under $25k.:lookout:

On the serious side I'd like to buy a late '90s Civic around as a DD and keep the miles off my 4Runner and in a few years look at a 5th gen TE.

 

[MikesToy]

We all had to start somewhere. My very first car was an '80 Toyota Corolla Liftback. Lucky for some kids (i see on this board) nowadays, they get to have a 4Runner for their first.

 

[VNT]

it's no contest for me, 4Runner would be my choice. Like others have said, protection and quality.

 

[Maritimer]

Thanks for the encouragement.

My other consideration, since I don't have a car payment, is when the 4Runner is going to cost over $300-400 a month for maintenance and repairs. Almost forever, I assume. A new Runner would cost say $1000 a month, and my 3rd is worth at least $500 a month to me.