Paid off...sell it or modify?

Deputy

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Recently i paid off off my T4R. Bought it off of a member over a year ago. 225k miles and runs like a champ. Previous owner maintained it very well. 2x timing belt/water pump changes, oil changes, brakes, etc was all documented. I love it but it's been stock for too long. I've built all my vehicles in the past from 800rwhp Mustang, to street bikes, to lowered trucks and lifted trucks. However, I'm unsure what I would like to do with this one. As it stands, it's a 2005 Sport 4x4 completely stock. I'm currently in need of some tires so i got to thinking. A good lift and tires will be about 3k. It would give it a completely different look and would be upgrading some worn parts. My only concern is the mileage on the vehicle. Would it be wasteful to put this money into the 4runner, or just put the money into another vehicle?
 
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Cheaper than a new car! Enjoy it while you have it. If you keep maintaining it you can have it as long as you want
 
Cheaper than a new car! Enjoy it while you have it. If you keep maintaining it you can have it as long as you want


I maintain it the best i can but I know there is a point where fixing becomes more expensive then a newer car. Right now, i haven't had to do anything to it. My luck, I would spend the money on lift and tires and motor will blow. I'm leaning towards modifying but was trying to see what others thought. If it only had 150k miles, it would be a no brainier. 225k is a little different.
 
It's paid off....why would you sell it?

Run it until it doesn't make fiscal sense to maintain it and get rid of it.
 
FJ Cruiser suspension components are a relatively cheap way of lifting it. Plenty of info on here to help you accomplish it. I say keep it as well.
 
The v8's are stout man. I've seen plenty with over 300k. If you're on your 2nd t-belt then you good till 300k. Another 75k miles of lifted fun at least.
 
My approach to vehicles has always been to consider rust repair first then make decisions.

That said, provided all the sheet metal and underbody isn't rotting to heck, I'd spend your money on mods.
 
You've had the vehicle for several years, finally earned the right to call it yours now, you know probably all the quirks and advantages to it now since you've owned it...I'd say the luck is looking up! I'd keep it and rock it and modify it to your surprise and find out how much more you like it...just my $.02
 
It depends what you want do with the vehicle. While the 4 Runner is a reliable vehicles, cars depreciate year by year. I would keep the modifications relatively light and try to find parts on the forum. That way you can part out aftermarket parts when you decide to sell the vehicle to recoup your losses.
 
I say build it. Even if something like the engine or transmission does go, which I'm sure it won't, you can get a used engine with under 100k on it for 2k. Or a transmission for even cheaper. I'm probably going to keep my 4Runner forever, because even when it "dies" I can spend less than 5k to replace the entire drive line
 
Basic mods and some nice wheels/tires won't hurt. Hell, they can be sold if the unthinkable happens. Just enjoy it for many, many more miles. And, if you decide to go wild with it, at least you don't have to worry about ruining a low mileage, garage queen.
 
Mine is approaching 225k, 05 4x4 V6. I have all the services records from the previous owner.

I plan on keeping this for a long time. I have no serious rust issues. However, I do keep an eye out for a motor on CL, just in case I have a HG issue in the future.

Although I always think about trading in to a lower milage limited.

But this truck runs too good.
 
I agree with the general consensus...you've finally paid it off, it's yours. You know the history of the vehicle too. I see you're in Alabama, so rust isn't an issue. That's a huge plus. New 5100's all around, some fj springs, maybe wheels, tint...it'll be a new to you vehicle...

Save a couple hundred a month you were spending on the payment, and save for a DO on your next vehicle, or pay of other debt (don't know your financial situ, obviously)
 
Thanks guys. I do realize maintaining will keep a vehicle going for awhile. I was already leaning towards modifying it, but was actually going to see if someone would bring up s valid point to make me think differently. Looks like all that was posted are ideas I've said myself. Now I have more ammo for the lady when she tries to tell me I'm nuts.
 
Recently i paid off off my T4R. Bought it off of a member over a year ago. 225k miles and runs like a champ. Previous owner maintained it very well. 2x timing belt/water pump changes, oil changes, brakes, etc was all documented. I love it but it's been stock for too long. I've built all my vehicles in the past from 800rwhp Mustang, to street bikes, to lowered trucks and lifted trucks. However, I'm unsure what I would like to do with this one. As it stands, it's a 2005 Sport 4x4 completely stock. I'm currently in need of some tires so i got to thinking. A good lift and tires will be about 3k. It would give it a completely different look and would be upgrading some worn parts. My only concern is the mileage on the vehicle. Would it be wasteful to put this money into the 4runner, or just put the money into another vehicle?

Why would you look to start spending money again when you JUST paid the car off and your current car runs great and is problem free? I don't understand some people.
 
The mileage is nothing to be concerned about but you left out the most important consideration - what do you want to do with it? You say you're unsure so why ask us?
 
Why would you look to start spending money again when you JUST paid the car off and your current car runs great and is problem free? I don't understand some people.

I like to pay off vehicles before adding a lot of stuff to them. Also, I'm needing tires soon. So adding a lift and tires at the same time would save money in the long run. I don't like to do things twice.
 
The mileage is nothing to be concerned about but you left out the most important consideration - what do you want to do with it? You say you're unsure so why ask us?



The vehicle will be mostly daily driving. Would be taken out on trials and hunting fields a couple times a year. Not trying to build a full SAS or anything fancy. Just a mild lift with tires. And I was more or less asking to see if anyone brought to light any unforeseen issues I didn't think of. Maybe something I was missing would make me realize the extra money would be well spent somewhere else. I like to check all boxes before I commit to something.
 

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