I'm looking at selling my '04 V6 SR5 in order to get an '05 Altima 2.5S. The reason I'm doing this is because I want to save some cash when it comes to car, insurance, and gasoline payments. Just want to get your opinions: is this a wise decision? I know I'll eventually do whatever benefits me but I still wanna hear what you guys think. I love my 4Runner, but I need something less expensive.
Should I sell my truck and get an Altima?
- Thread starter molocono
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One of the reasons for selling my car is because I don't take advantage of the fact that it is an SUV. I'm in it by myself 90% of the time, I don't have a family, and I don't carry large items around. I basically just have it for looks and reliability, although I'm sure I can find another reliable vehicle.
Iowa4Runner
New member
molocono said:
If your only reasons for keeping the 4Runner are looks and reliability, it's an easy choice... Sell! My other vehicle is absolutely horrible for cargo space so I need my 4Runner to handle the big jobs...
peter78
Super Moderator
I remember just a few months ago one member, Derek, sold his 4Runner because of cost and he got a new Volvo. My feeling is he wanted to do it, more than cost motavated him. I would say yes buying the Nissan Altima in the short run will save you money, but I wonder if you will really be saving in the long run. Depreciation will be your biggest concern, taking two big hits in one year of two new cars will hurt.
In 5 years when you sell your 2005 Altima, I wonder if you would of been better to of kept the 2004 4Runner and sold it 5 years from now?
In 5 years when you sell your 2005 Altima, I wonder if you would of been better to of kept the 2004 4Runner and sold it 5 years from now?
TranceKrayz
New member
Buying a new car is a big decision to make, and when you change your mind you ALWAYS lose money. I think you should have thought about it before you bought your 4Runner. My uncle did the same thing a few years ago when he bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee. He ended up trading it in about a year later for an M3 and he only got $18,000 back (he paid $35,000 for it). When buying a car make sure you get exactly what you want, so you don't regret it later. Just my two cents, so please don't get offended! I agree with you that the 4runner is expensive to maintain. Good luck with your decisions!
CuzzinOlaf
New member
molocono said:
Get a cheap beater car for gas.... I picked up a 1991 Acura Integra with 70K on it for $2200 and its great on gas.
fslaugts, get it...... One thing that I thought when I was between an SR5, Limited and a decked out Limited was will I get bored with it later, will I end up customizing it myself, will it ever be enough.... Instead of dumping money into it later with a stereo, Navi and anything else I went with the decked Navi and I am glad I did.... Its more a month but well worth it IMO.
Bluto
New member
Gas and insurance are an issue. But, don't forget about deprecation.
Did you buy the 4Runner new?
What has it cost you the past year to own it?
Purchase Price + Loan Payments - Current value = ???
Will the Altima be new? How much value will it lose when you drive it off the lot? Add that to the cost above.
Did you buy the 4Runner new?
What has it cost you the past year to own it?
Purchase Price + Loan Payments - Current value = ???
Will the Altima be new? How much value will it lose when you drive it off the lot? Add that to the cost above.
molocono said:
a quote i've read a number of times on these forums: "the cheapest car to own is the one you already have".
you should sit down and figure out how long you plan on owning the altima and how far you drive and calculate how much you'll save in fuel and insurance costs and weigh that against the big hit you're going to take on the trade-in of the 4runner. also factor in the expected resale of the altima at the time you're planning on getting rid of it. my guess is that switching isn't going to save you very much money or actually may cost you more money.
Hitman
New member
fslaugts said:
Hahahaha.. it's funny that you mention that!
I was driving my Mother's Acura TL in heavy traffic yesterday and I always seemed to be surrounded by SUVs.... It kinda sucked because my visibility was nearly non-existent. I was stuck looking at the back of SUVs and couldn't see anything on the sides either....
It felt good to get back in my 4Runner because I'm up with the rest of the "tall" crowd.
I wonder if this is how short guys feel in a crowd of tall people....
jazzy jae
New member
molocono,
i'm in the same boat. i'm still weighing out my options on what to do. if you spend sleepless nights thinking about gas prices and monthly payments i say, get out of the 4runner. if you're willing to take the hit, go for it. or, like someone suggested, get a beater, honda civic...
off topic...
would it be bad to trade in that 2004 4runner for a used say, Acura TSX or Infiniti G35? or a new saab 9-2x aero with huge incentives?
i'm in the same boat. i'm still weighing out my options on what to do. if you spend sleepless nights thinking about gas prices and monthly payments i say, get out of the 4runner. if you're willing to take the hit, go for it. or, like someone suggested, get a beater, honda civic...
off topic...
would it be bad to trade in that 2004 4runner for a used say, Acura TSX or Infiniti G35? or a new saab 9-2x aero with huge incentives?
I got a call from a guy that wants to buy my vehicle. I'm selling it for $23,000 but I'm sure Ill end up giving it away for $22,500 which is still a little bit more than what I owe. If I sell it within the next month I can still pay off what I owe and not loose money (in some way).
After staying up all night doing research I realized that a used car would not be out of the question. What are you thoughts on used cars?
After staying up all night doing research I realized that a used car would not be out of the question. What are you thoughts on used cars?
2005 SPT V6
New member
Just get a used beater or put your 4runner on part time full coverage and your insurance won't change it might be even cheaper because of the mulity car discount. I wouldn't sell it!
You can pick up a used altima for cheap because they depreciate fast. Goodluck on your decision!
You can pick up a used altima for cheap because they depreciate fast. Goodluck on your decision!
peter78
Super Moderator
You are selling the 4Runner yourself, which is good. The difference between trade in value and private seller is significant. You can recoup a lot of your loss by selling it yourself.molocono said:
Buying a used car makes sense, if are not bound to a new car and a new car smell. Even if you know what your doing, have a mechanic look at your used car before buying. Used cars are great deals, but be prepared to shell out some money on repairs and it would be nice if you work on cars.
Now the question is, do you get a car 1 to 4 years old or go like CuzzinOlaf did and get a much older car and work on it yourself.
I would get a car that is 1 - 4 years old.
After reading all these posts Ive started to think about a lot of different things that I didnt take into consideration before. Im leaning towards keeping the darn thing. I might just get a second job and pay off all my debts. I just cant see myself without this beauty.
I currently use premium gas on the 4Runner and was thinking about saving a couple of bucks by going to regular (FYI, I live in So Cal). Would this affect my vehicle?
After reading all these posts Ive started to think about a lot of different things that I didnt take into consideration before. Im leaning towards keeping the darn thing. I might just get a second job and pay off all my debts. I just cant see myself without this beauty.
I currently use premium gas on the 4Runner and was thinking about saving a couple of bucks by going to regular (FYI, I live in So Cal). Would this affect my vehicle?
2005 SPT V6
New member
No it wouldnt! Unless your racing the thing all the time you won't need premium. It doesn't say to use premium only! It says for maximum preformance.
kingidivine
New member
I would test drive the Altima many times before purchasing one. I actually traded my 02 Altima for a 04 4Runner this past summer. I couldn't even handle that Altima for 2 years. It was the most unrefined piece of ish I have ever and will ever own. I was a Nissan-lover for years, but the new generation of Nissans are a disgrace. You will find the 2.5 engine insufficient for normal driving and even louder than the 4Runner at highway speeds. The only positive about the Altima is its looks. I would look into an Accord or Passat in that price-range. You will be highly disappointed in the Altima.
