What would you do?

[Robs08Runner]

Have a hypothetical for you guys. With so many Runners out there getting age on them, I thought this would be an interesting question.
Your Runner is approaching 200k miles and its been pretty reliable. All of the sudden it needs a $2k+ repair like a headgasket job or transmission. You could fix it but, it would be tight. Option two would be a loan for something with say, 100k on it. What would you do?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Probably fix the 4Runner, I really intend on keeping it for the long haul.

 

[DarenS]

You mean trade the devil I know for the devil I don't know?

I consider a lot more than just mileage when I'm thinking about dumping one vehicle and buying another.

Daren

 

[zonianbrat]

That is a tough call. like Daren said you do not know what your getting into with another vehicle that is used. I traded my tahoe in on this 4 runner I have because the tranny was about to go and the engine was getting kind of loose. I could have sunk 5,000 into it and had a new drive train but I decided against it. Now with this vehicle I have sunk a couple thousand in it the first year and I dont have a new engine or tranny. At least now I know the quirks so I will keep feeding this beast until it just dies.

 

[Robs08Runner]

I remember when 100k used to be the benchmark when cars were worn out. Now, it seems to be 200k. I agree with you guys. If say, all the truck needed was a headgasket job and not that plus tires and brakes, I would go ahead and fix it because I figure it would be less than a year's worth of mileage to be even again. As reliable as these trucks are, kinda low risk of something else happening before ya pay off the big job.
I cant wait to see the "How many miles is on your 4th gen" thread in three or four years. Should be interesting to see how this generation holds up. After being here a year and a half, I've only seen maybe two transmissions so far and maybe five headgasket jobs.

 

[CXS]

Option two would be a loan for something with say, 100k on it. What would you do?

Taking out a loan vs paying for the repair is no decision. Fix it.

 

[thatoneguy]

Let's not forget that that 100k vehicle could absolutely come upon its own moderately expensive repairs early into ownership. It can happen.

 

[Robs08Runner]

I probably need to pick a higher mileage because these trucks are so reliable and hold their value. Lol I would probably let the credit card smoke for a while to fix it. There is a time when the money would be better spent in an upgrade but, too me, it would depend on how much more was needed to keep it on the road for the next three or four years or so. If you don't fix it and junk it, you're throwing $5k or $6k down the drain. If you trade, you won't get much because they will low ball ya because of said problem.
A friend of mine has been going to auctions looking for a cheapie 2nd car. He said he's seen five 2002+ Explorers. Zero 4runners. Seems like trading is a good idea, just not with Runners. Ba hahaha

 

[28.]

Keep it and fix it.. Im in the same boat with my Runner which is right at 190K. Had just replaced the center diff last summer and here last week got a bad front wheel bearing(hub).. In my opinion would rather do these repairs , which aren't something your gonna be doing very frequently, than have another car payment. My drivetrain still runs and works great. The point Im trying to make I guess is as long as you take care of it it will take care of you. But you have to be realistic, parts fail, nothing lasts forever. And as long as your changing your oil and doing your required maintenance, you should be fine. I do all my own work on my trucks, but i will admit I would have no problem asking for help if it was beyond me..

 

[28.]

I probably need to pick a higher mileage because these trucks are so reliable and hold their value. Lol I would probably let the credit card smoke for a while to fix it. There is a time when the money would be better spent in an upgrade but, too me, it would depend on how much more was needed to keep it on the road for the next three or four years or so. If you don't fix it and junk it, you're throwing $5k or $6k down the drain. If you trade, you won't get much because they will low ball ya because of said problem.
A friend of mine has been going to auctions looking for a cheapie 2nd car. He said he's seen five 2002+ Explorers. Zero 4runners. Seems like trading is a good idea, just not with Runners. Ba hahaha

I was telling my wife the same thing the other day. I rarely see used Runners at car lots.. Sure they exist, but not common. I have to keep myself from being tempted everytime I see one lol

 

[Robs08Runner]

I agree 28, anything you buy will need work every now and then. Probably nickel and dime stuff on Runners. My firebird has dimed me since Dec. Lol The best advice is to change that oil and the rest of the fluids regularly and keep some money back for a larger job because its muuch cheaper to fix an otherwise nice Runner than go in the hole for 3-5 years on something else.
28, I agree when used being hard to find except in my case. Lol My father traded in their Runner without me knowing on a Sat. afternoon. I went right down there about a half hour before opening, they still had their coffee in hand and repurchased it. One of my better decisions. Lol

Thanks to all who participated.