So is it worth it to make the switch?

[BamBam]

I have a 2008 FJ Trail Teams Edition. Has about 5,000 miles on the ODO. A guy will pay me close to what I paid for it new because he really wants one, but he wants to make it happen very fast.

Now, here is the reasoning I'm even considering selling. I'm way rightside up on the loan. I don't know that I'll ever get as much out of it as I will now. I mean I will get MORE cash percentage wise over what I owe as the years go by as I have never been upside down on the loan and never will, but as far as percentage of what I originally paid... then I won't.

I have 2 children. One is six and hates getting in the back seat of the FJ. The other is 16 months old and it is hard getting her out of the FJ. I love driving it in the snow. I love the reliability, the smooth ride, the unstoppable nature, the no worry that it will start every time I put the key in (which I didn't have for the first 19 years I was a driver). We also own a 2008 Honda Pilot and they do the majority of their riding in there, especially for vacations and whatnot because nobody likes riding in the FJ for family stuff (no DVD player and no leg room, etc.).

Now.... I was trying to find the perfect vehicle before I sold mine and then buy it the day I sold the FJ. I found a 4th generation 2008 4Runner with 13k miles on it. It has the V8 and the Sport Package with full time 4Hi and silver paint. It is a nice looking truck (looks brand new). It is however overpriced in my opinion at 31k at a Carmax so no haggling, but I haven't seen a V8 sport in a color I like with the V8 for almost 2 years while browsing local ads (all sports have been V6's or colors that don't appeal to me, or their mileage has been extremely high).

Do I just keep on hunting for a Runner, or should I get something else, or keep the FJ and sell it down the road for a good chunk of change? I'd be able to put down about 6k on the 4Runner if I bought it, which would keep my payment lower than my current payment on the FJ, but I'd just be trading a pretty collectible 08 FJ for a not so collectible 08 4Runner that does have the V8 which I like because I have a trailer and a 4wheeler (or sometimes several) that I tow. I also love to go offroading, but don't overdo it.

Any sage advice from the experts here? I'd love to hear your opinions. Even if they are just "I have no idea what you are saying, so please clarify". It makes sense to me... but it is also late at night and I'm tired! :sleepy:

 

[VNT]

you already have a vehicle that you use for family trips. FJ is a toy, if the money is not that big of an issue,you really like your FJ and it sounds like you do, keep it.
Of course you can't go wrong with T4R, you will have the best of both worlds. Family car, off road car, fun in the snow and sun too..IMHO it really depends what YOU want/need. Good luck

 

[toto]

Don't let the financial aspect drive too much of your decision. Cars are a terrible investment because they depreciate way too quickly. You didn't buy the FJ to try to make a quick buck - you bought it because you wanted to drive it. If you're happy with it and the loan payment works for you, then keep it. Worry about trading it when something better comes along.

 

[BamBam]

Thanks for the replies. So is the 4Runner with the V8 not as fun as a normal V6 in an FJ? I should add that I do have to drive the kids home from daycare each day. So they do get some time in the FJ. It's just a pain in the rear (seat).

 

[ramoine]

Hi Bam , I went thru the same dilema when I went looking for the FJ . We have 2 children and that back seat was too small for them IMHO , so I bought a a new 2008 Tundra CM and there was plenty of room , and We were a very happy family . Then we decided to get a new 2010 Prius level 5 loaded and after driving it for 3 mos , I really missed the the room of my Tundra , but not the MPG .

I test drove a 2006 Sport
Edition with the v8 and fell in love again , drove it home & got the wife and kids loaded up , took it back to the dealer and said we'll take it !

After having the Big Room in the CM and the 5.7 v8 , I think that I made a midlife crises choice by over looking the 4Runner , it has plenty of power , room and plenty of after market parts to add whatever you desire .

I'm very happy with my new ride and wished I'd have done this sooner .

It's your decision to make in the end , but if you really want something that has more room than the FJ and still be able to go play in the mud , this is exactly what will fill you niche .

 

[Jed]

If you can get nearly what you paid new for a car that you've had for two years, you should definitely do it. That's like driving it for free.

Take the money and then figure out what you want to get later...I would never pass up on that deal unless it was for a vehicle that I really loved and couldn't part with.

 

[Jed]

Don't let the financial aspect drive too much of your decision. Cars are a terrible investment because they depreciate way too quickly. You didn't buy the FJ to try to make a quick buck - you bought it because you wanted to drive it. If you're happy with it and the loan payment works for you, then keep it. Worry about trading it when something better comes along.

Cars are a terrible investment and they depreciate VERY rapidly. That's why I think he should jump on the opportunity to sell his FJ for nearly the price that he paid in 2008. He's obviously considering selling it for other reasons (admittedly related to his family's dislike for the FJ), so why pass up such a great deal? I'm sure there are other people who would be absolutely thrilled to sell a two-year-old car for the money that they purchased it new. Unfortunately, the chance of that happening is very unlikely for the rest of us.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

sell the fj, take the money, save it until you find a 4runner you want. just bought an 08 v6 sr5 and i love it. they are difficult to find but worth it. another thing you can do is put a word in at a dealership about what you want and have them look for one. we got lucky as the one we found was traded in, the dealership let us know about it, and we picked it up that weekend. it didnt even hit the lot! thats usually what happens with the good ones.

 

[Merle]

Sell it.

You'll never recoup your outlay for a "new" car or truck. As a previous poster said, it's the same as you driving it for free.

Because of your family situation, space is going to become more important and cost more of a premium. The FJ Cruiser isn't marketed as a family hauler.

You had the money and made the choice in 2008. Obvious there was a lot of searching and you choose the FJC. However, nothing forces you to go the 2009, 2010 route so stick to a 2008 and pick up a 4Runner, Tundra, Sequoia or whatever was 2nd choice in your mind and pocket the remaining $$$.

 

[drbiii]

I say sell the FJ (especially if you're gonna make extra on the deal).

 

[MaverickMind]

Sell It

Sell it. Worst case, you could buy another used FJ, but I think you'll really like the 4Runner. All the bad-ass with just a little more civility and a power rear window!

 

[M1911]

Thanks for the replies. So is the 4Runner with the V8 not as fun as a normal V6 in an FJ? I should add that I do have to drive the kids home from daycare each day. So they do get some time in the FJ. It's just a pain in the rear (seat).

The V8 in the 4Runner will perform better than the V6 in the FJ. The FJ is not much lighter than a 4Runner. You will get more room in the 4Runner, better visibility to the rear and sides (smaller D pillars), and a hatch instead of the barn door. Perhaps more importantly for you, easier access for your kids and they will have better visibility in the rear seats, so they will probably like it better.

You usually take a bath when selling a car shortly after buying it, but if you can get a good sale price for your FJ, I'd go for it.

 

[Maz]

If you can get nearly what you paid new for a car that you've had for two years, you should definitely do it. That's like driving it for free.

Take the money and then figure out what you want to get later...I would never pass up on that deal unless it was for a vehicle that I really loved and couldn't part with.

I have to agree with Jed. There are few times in life when you have these opportunities, and with a vehicle it almost never happens. Take the money and get a more family friendly car. Remember if your kids and you don't like the back seat option now, that problem is going to get much worse later as they get bigger.

I would also suggest you expand your search a little bit and look for Sport V-8 T4R's in warm weather states to avoid salted roads. Traveling to purchase was discussed in another thread and there were some very good suggestions. Such as buying the cheaper round trip ticket and just eating the cost of the return trip if the prospective vehicle is a gem, or flying back if it's not what you thought it should be.

Lastly I would think you should test drive a V-6 Sport is you haven't already. I have a Titanium Sport V-6, and find it has plenty of power. Were you towing your things with the FJ? At least there are many more V-6's available for you to purchase. By the way I paid $33,200. for my 2009 new, so your used 2008 Car Max quote does seem a tad high.

 

[BamBam]

You guys are great. You've given me some good things to consider here. I will let you know what I end up doing. I wouldn't even consider the Carmax deal if it didn't have everything I wanted. I was figuring $29,000 maximum, but it is the one I've been searching for basically. Grrrr.... curse you Carmax for not haggling. I guess that is why they get the "best of the best" cars at auctions. So they can gouge people.

 

[FourEyedWilly]

Hey Bambam,

I just picked up a lease return 06 Sport V8 for $25 with 26K. You are right, it was the only silver one in the Las Vegas valley for sale and still I have not seen another. I think the CarMax option is a bit overpriced.

To this point, I borrowed a loaded FJ complete with all the TRD upgrades for a day before I went with the 4Runner. DAMN it was fun to drive, 6spd. I tried to get my 10 month old in the rear facing car seat and it was an acrobatic act. Wife gave the thumbs down, boo.

The good news though, my V8 4Runner is also a kick in the ass to drive, I really think the only difference is it's not manual, and if it was offered in the 4Runner I would have jumped on that, probably like many peeps on these boards. I added the Daystar lift, All Pro wheel spacers and now I can say I like the 4Runner BETTER than the FJ for daily use. Being able to load up the two 75lb dogs, the 11 month old, and wifey is GREAT! I also enjoy having Ford and Chevy truck drivers wonder how the hell that 'jap' suv took off so fast. Haha! :lookout:

 

[bste3]

Don't forget that lost 6+% in sales tax!

 

[BamBam]

Good point on the sales tax. I had forgotten about that actually. I guess I always figure that is money that goes straight in the toilet on any deal, and I don't take it into consideration.

I can't remember the answer to this.... but does the V6 have the Torsen Differential as well? So you CAN drive it in 4hi all the time if you want to? It may seem like a bad idea, but it can be a good thing when you are driving in mixed weather like we get here in the mountains. My wife's Pilot has the system that adjusts depending on conditions and it has been a godsend for her over the last couple of winters. She never knew when to shift into it and when to go out of it in the old Suzuki she had. I am getting to the point where that type of system appeals to me more and more because I am 90% onroad and about 10% off.

 

[BamBam]

Alright, the FJ is now sold. I just found an 07 Sport with 32,000 miles and it is "Toyota Certified" (not sure if that means anything beyond it being a nifty sticker the dealer can put on). It has a V8 and is going for $26,900 from the Yota dealership (plus $1800 in taxes, title, and license and every other ticky tack fee). Better deal than the Carmax one that is 30,998, although the Carmax has about 20,000 less miles and is a year newer. 2007 is white, just like my Trail Teams I sold (and loved), the 2008 is silver (which I might like a bit more).

Keep looking or jump on one of these? Cast your votes.... NOW!

 

[MikesToy]

Keep looking.

 

[BamBam]

ah man, you guys and your reasonable prices..... :shrug:

Just kidding. It's good to get the advice. He called me back a few minutes ago and said $26,300. He had it advertised at 29,800. So it is obvious he's flexible (or really trying to gouge anybody he can). Now do you say keep looking because the price is too high, or because the vehicle isn't one I should be going for?

So let's say this second one is THE vehicle and is a good piece of equipment... what price range should I be firm at? I have no problem saying, "Call me if you ever get to this price and I'll buy it." I know the dealership is hurting a bit as they are the main Yota dealership in the region and they haven't been making any sales on anything lately due to recalls and the press from it. I'm not in a huge hurry, so what should I push for?

Any and all advice appreciated. I decided to go for the V8 for sure. Towing limit and liking the all wheel drive and just plain wanting a V8 being the main reasons. :bravo: