What would you do?

[tvbuster1]

I'm looking for some advice. I have a 96 Runner SR5 with 220,000 miles. My daily commute is a total of about 65 miles or so.

Everything on the 4Runner is pretty good, relatively rust free too. However, it is due for a timing belt and water pump because it was done about 100,000 miles ago! There doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the transmission or anything else major but it is making an occasional loud noise, and little things are expected.

I was considering going to a used car, maybe a used acura tsx, or a used is250, not really sure what car yet but something that is a little better on gas and something that's kinda fun to drive.

My question is: would you guys sell the 4runner while it's still worth something? Or do the timing belt and keep the 4runner and drive it till something major goes?

 

[541joseph]

If I was financially able to I'd do the timing belt and keep it and run it till it does and fix it and do it all over again.

 

[BrianSD_42]

its almost always cheaper to fix high mileage used car and keep it than to sell it and buy another high mileage used car.

if you like driving it then keep it.

 

[Millerad1651]

Do the timing belt and water pump. My wife's 98 is nearing 300k and runs like a top. In the long run you'll save money with the 4Runner. Who knows what'll happen to another vehicle you purchase...at least everything to fix on the 4Runner is relatively easy and cheap!

 

[wc11]

3rd gens are tanks. Do the belt & pump.
Would you sell a Sherman tank or keep it?

 

[KidVermicious]

Or do the timing belt and keep the 4runner and drive it till something major goes?

This. And then when something major does go, I'd fix it and drive it some more. Assuming you keep up on preventative maintenance, it will always be cheaper to own and drive what you've got than pay finance charges on a newer vehicle.

 

[GladeRunner]

Another vote for doing the timing belt and water pump repairs.

 

[paddlenbike]

My wife and I have a new TSX and a 3rd gen. The TSX is a great car and gets 30-35 MPG, but obviously it isn't as good in the snow, doesn't go offroad and doesn't tow. It is reliable, quiet and comfortable. It just depends on where your priorities lie. 220k is nothing for a 3rd gen.

 

[traffic61]

I would fix it. These things just keep soldiering on.

I had people questioning my sanity, because I spent a couple of grand fixing a blown head gasket and a few other things that ganged up on me at 216,000 miles. I figured I could afford two grand now rather than $500/month for a few years on a new ride.

I am hoping that it will go on for a while longer. I honestly havent found anything else yet that really jumps out at me for a replacement. Plus, I don't miss having a car payment right now. The same cannot be said for my naysayers...

 

[paddlenbike]

Don't worry about the nay-sayers. If you've never had a 3rd Gen, you probably don't understand.

 

[USMC0351]

Keep the T4R, and if you really need a commute vehicle, get a 94 or up Civic w/5 speed and a D series. Ridiculous fuel economy, reliability, and despite what some people may say, can easily be made to out run/turn most cars on the street and still get 30 plus mpg. :blah: :blah: :blah:

 

[white_n_slow]

I would do the TB/WP job just because it's time. That's the responsible thing to do. Then if you sell it, you can tell the new owner and it might be worth a few bucks to them. If you keep it, you have nothing to worry about for another 90k miles.

As for buying a second car, I have owned two (or three) cars most of my adult life due to my profession, and it is convenient to have a presentable, sporty car when you want one and a truck when you need one. But paying double insurance is a killer, and paying double upkeep is not much fun either. So look closely at those costs before you make a decision. If I was in a different line of work, I would probably just drive the truck and forget about anything "fun" on the road.

:edit: just to comment on paddlenbike's comment, I have a TSX (wife's car) and a TL. The TSX has the worst turning radius of almost any car I've driven... it may not bother you, but it bothers the heck out of me. And it's slow, and the fuel economy isn't what I would hope from a 4-banger honda. My TL, on the other hand, kicks butt in the snow (with real snow tires, manual transmission and LSD) and gets the same fuel economy as the TSX. Can't argue with the TSX from a reliability standpoint though, K-series with a timing chain = no big-ticket maintenance items for the life of the car, just the usual aging vehicle stuff.

 

[tvbuster1]

Thanks for the help guys. I think I'll get the timing belt and water pump done. Eventually I think ill have to do the valve gasket because it's dripping some oil on the exhaust up near the engine and it's starting to get some oil smells in the truck.

But I think you guys are right. The 4runner will continue on for a while if I keep up with it. And even if I do decide to sell the truck, it's a good selling point.

I still would like a little car for gas mileage and for some fun. My 4runner isn't the most exhilarating thing to drive given I've had it for 8 years!

Thanks for the advice.