Need TW community advise

Why not aim at a lower notch, perhaps an A7, people barely kmows the difference, they only see the brand and the A7 looks, drives fantastic.

Other, get a loaded Camry, nothing says business like a restrained choice of cars, because a 7 series and Hublot may send the wrong signals, specially in your industry and a Camry and a Rolex is more in tune

 

Have your accountant explore the possibility of your company leasing you and your brother business sedans. There are other nice options besides porsche/bmw. Consider acura and lexus both have some very tight sedans.

 

this ^^^
a friend of the family owns a business and most of their cars are leased, they look good (they lease lexus's) and if you like privacy, if you lease it 6 months at a time you don't have to have a license plate.

 

I'd choose one of 2 scenarios:

- if "the "toy truck" provides recreational enjoyment, keep it and buy a clean used Honda Accord for business use. An Accord is conservative and can be as button up as any lux ride w/o the payments.

- if the lux business vehicle is more important to you than the toy, trade the Tacoma for a Bimmer/Porsche/Benz. Then when your imcome provides the oppertunity...build another "toy truck".

 

May look into the lease option through the business.

 

I'm I'm a very similar situation...most of the clients in my profession don't want me showing up in a dirty vehicle. Most people view he trucks as always dirty and therefore look down upon it. If you maybe took that money and put it into maintaining the outside appearance (you said it was almost always dirty) I think you'll be golden. This is the reason my truck gets washed once a week.

The key is taking care of what you have as it reflects your relationship to them. You take care of your truck...you must take care of your clients...you don't take the time to clean your truck, maybe you won't take the time to go the extra mile for your client. You won't see the luxury vehicles dirty either...

Keep what you got...life is too short to sweat the small stuff...if they drop you cause of the type of vehicle you drive, then they were just looking for an excuse....

Also a good option...you can get a Camry SE for like $200/month. After insurance and all...$300/month. Or even the new Avalon...they're great looking...

 

I have a '13 Avalon Limited in MGM (just like pictured above) as my company car. It is really nice. I was super impressed with the technology and jealous its not in the taco.

 

I'd suggest buying a used 5 series BMW. Looks sharp, inexpensive if you look around, and you get to keep your truck.

 

1st world problems lol

 

Haha...I know, right.
'Merica..damn it!

 

All great suggestions guys...thanks.

 

How about a nice Landcruiser?

 

Perception and first impressions are the most important key things in the first minutes of a new potential client.

I understand where you're coming from and lets be honest. 9 out of 10 potential clients will not take you seriously from the jump. The kind of car your drive, the way you're dressed, and the way you talk will lay down a foundation in a matter of minutes.

If you fall negative in those categories, you'll have to be extra special to dig yourself out.

If you work in the medical field and deal with those type of cliental. I understand where you're coming from if you do a lot of business with old school money. Meaning older professionals.

If you don't use your truck really for its potential and its getting in the way of making more money. I'd say its time to really think of your future more. Think of the negative impact if you were to keep it. Weigh it all out on paper. Pros and cons. Talk it over with your better half imho.

Coming on here is not really going to help as we're going to be leaning to one side.

Hope that helps man. . .

 

Landcruiser would be awesome...but again, id probably lift it..Ehh.

I had been thinking about it, then today my brother mentioned it again and I had a CEO of a company I work with ask me if its my daily driver. That's what really made me wonder if I should switch it up.
Wasn't being rude or anything, but he did notice.

 

^ Think of it the other way around. Imagine you're the CEO of a professional business and you see someone show up in that type of vehicle. Don't judge the person based on anything else...Just the vehicle itself.

I'm not talking about being a CEO of any off-road world and relaxed business neither.

 

I hear that Ray.
I am the better half, btw.
But seriously, I mentioned it to her and she thinks I'm crazy to sell the truck. She knows how much I love it.
Luckily, I'm a pretty personable guy. Once these guys, mostly older money, sit with me and understand I know what I'm talking about and what I'm doing their business is mine.
But that first impression is key...you're right on that one.
And I might not necessarily utilize the truck to its FULLEST extent, I still do enjoy heading to the dezert/mountains/camping and this is the best vehicle to do it in.

 

^Then if the confidence in closing deals is something you possess. Then you'd be golden in fact on keeping the truck.

Id just do a better job to wash and keep it clean when meeting.

If you're able to swing it, lease a nice decent luxury vehicle and not go all out on a BMW 7 or Panorama.

You can lease a nice vehicle and drive your wifes Audi. Keep the Tacoma on ice. Something in the mid 35k. You'll walk away winning in the end.

 

Soooo, how do these uppity/snobby doctor types feel about Tats ???..

 

Ha...there not all snobby. Just suits. Some appreciate my truck. Some may not.

 

And my trucks not always dirty...just not RAD status.