Another sad 4x2 story

You got a pretty good deal, i would have liked to have the tech pack and sunroof, but being that im 21 and the taco i got was at the top end of my price range so 37-38 was too much for me

 

Sorry, did not read all post, if this has already been said. It looks like you have an off road. A locker and a good set of tires, maybe with chains in snow, will go most places a 4x4 will go. Don't sweat it, not worth the price unless you'll use 4x4 just about all the time.

 

To some degree it's gonna bother you, hence the thread of justification for a 4x2. Life's too short to settle. Get what you want. And if it's not feasible money wise as this time, wait till you can a trade up. We all make mistakes, don't settle.

 

Thanks again for all the input. I guess I should of elaborated a little more on my original post. I'm curious to hear from more members who have made a similar trade themselves and how they went about it. The reason I want to trade up isn't for the purpose of "wheelin" but more because I have no intentions of ever getting rid of the truck, hence wanting one that will be capable to do what I need when the time be. Now I personally don't mind a longer finance term and a increased interest rate, or even taking a slight hit, but I'd like to keep my monthlys around the same. One member said earlier that he only paid 30-something more a month, but brother got raped on monthlys. Just curious what more of you have went through, so I have an idea of what I am getting into before visiting the dealer. Got the truck for 32 out the door one month ago only put up 650, I've made one payment, that is where I'm at. Either keep it and get over it, which I will eventually, trade now, or pay for a year and trade up.

 

That doesn't make any sense. If you don't want it for off-roading then why have it? If you lived in Michigan or Maine your comment would make more sense, but not California.

 

For the sake of having it when traveling, camping, or going to the mountains in the winter, stuff like that, you know? As someone said earlier, I also have no intentions of "playing" off-road. If I get that itch, I'll invest in a build. My niece is driving a 90 v6 4Runner with 150k original miles that I have my eyes on.when the time comes for her to upgrade, I may end up taking that off her hands. I just want a new truck that I will eventually payoff and have, so I can use it as a utility vehicle later.

 

Cool. If the rear-locker you have isn't sufficient then go for it I guess. Like others said, it's your money/truck. Do what makes you happy.

 

Look bro at the end of the day if you want to trade the truck in and you can financially do it then just do it. Like I said in the end you may take a little hit but you'll be paying for something that your 100% happy with. In my brothers case his payment went up because he had to roll in negative equity from the old truck into the new truck loan... so that was the reason why his payment went up a little bit. But that may not be for everyone. You should definitely go into the dealership and tell them your situation and see what they can work out for you.. where are you located?

 

Careful, those old 3.0 v6s are notoriously underpowered and unreliable by Toyota's early standards. Although if it's made it this far in life its probably a good one but they were well known for blowing head gaskets.

 

Aggressive mud & snow tires for off roading. You will be surprised where a two wheel drive will get you, especially if you have a locking differential. The right tire for the situation is key.

 

Lots of us have no need for or want a 4 wheel drive. I'm perfectly fine with my 2 wheel drive with rear electronic locker. Plus I'm getting around 23.7 mpg. It's not for everyone.

 

I'm not picking on you specifically here, but I quoted your post because I've seen this sentiment tossed around so often around here...usually to justify making terrible decisions.

Life is too short, but making $5k+ financial loss decisions is a good way to make your short life miserable for years to come (if not indefinitely). I'm not going to presume I know this guys financial situation, but statistically these trucks, and new cars in general, are stretching people beyond their means. (Fun fact the average household income for a Tacoma buyer is ~$76k/yr). A good rule of thumb is that your total amount of vehicles shouldnt be more than half your income (ie a new Tacoma, alone--not counting other cars you might own,already puts you close to bad news bears territory). But I digress. Back to the math of this specific transaction:

Let's say he paid $30k. He's going to get, maybe, $26k on trade in. That's already a $4k loss. Now, he wants to by a 4x4. Let's say he's going to buy an sr5 and is going to spend $32k. He's going to spend $6k
So he's lost $4k and needs to spend another $6k to get the truck he wants. That's a $10k swing for those of you following along with your TI-83s.

It doesn't stop here. The new truck is going to drop in value immediately ($4.2k in the first year for 17 tacomas). Oh I forgot to mention: property tax. Some people don't pay that but it could be as much as a grand or more. Let's make it $1k for easier math.

Let's tally it up: in about 2 years time op will have blown $15-16k if he switches to a 4x4.

...that he might not ever need or use.

 

If you lived in Big Bear than i would definitely get a 4x4 but you don't plus slightly better gas mileage on a 4x2. Just get some snow tires for the winter season

 

It's a little worse than that in CA, which is where OP says he is from. Tax and license fee on full value of new truck, about 8-9% depending on where he lives.

 

This has nothing to do with he needs, in fact no one here needs a Tacoma. You could get away with a used F150 or something less. The Tacoma is a want, so he wants to do it let him. It's not anyone's choice in the end. He wants to upgrade and have the financial means, do it. Not everyone on this forum can just barely afford their truck.


Not trying to pull money rank but oddly your advice reminds me of a financial advisor that I once interviewed. When I asked how much he made, it was less than a 5th of what made. Didn't hire him.

.02

 

I agree. Like I've send previously if he can afforded it financially then he should do what makes him happy.. atleast he will be paying for something he will 100% content with

 

Life's too short to skip doing what will make you happy.

Life's also too short to get away with poor financial planning.

Somewhere in the middle must be where true happiness is lol.

 

4x4 will also get you to more remote places where you can hide from debt collectors, so there's that.

 

In general I have figured out that I don't like people telling me how to spend my hard earned money so I don't tell other people how to spend theirs! When it comes time to retire you will have a pretty good idea who was smart with the way they spent their money! Most people don't need a $40k truck but I wanted one and had the ability to afford one so I bought one! A large majority of people spend money on stupid things but it's their money.

 

Not calling you out, but I want to know where this is...
I paid just under $35 for my loaded TRDOR in late 2015. My same dealer, today, has the same truck with about 16-18k miles for within $500 of the price I paid on mine new. I traded in a 2013 I purchased maybe 2 months earlier for the same price I bought it for at a nearby dodge dealer when trading in my 2007 CTD. All were cash deals, and in Colorado the tax "rolls" (you pay difference). Likewise, I bought my wife a 2016 4Runner b/c the fleet of [airport rental shop] used ones were 1-2 years old and $500 less than the deal I got new. Potentially better warranty, but no maint.

I'd love to see this kind of depreciation on a Tacoma, FJ, 4Runner b/c I will write a check today. Even 10-20 year old 4Runners with > 100k feel insane on price. And I'm not somehow depreciation immune, I sure felt it (both sides) on 3 luxury cars here.

In terms of the 4x4 vs. 4x2 - got nothing. I grew up in WI and often drove my Grandfathers 2wd F150, but that seems kind of nuts now. I don't even know if you can get a 2wd one up there anymore.