Another sad 4x2 story

I agree with you, in general, about telling people how to spend their money. This guy asked for advice.

He sounded conflicted and money was playing a big part of that internal conflict. Financially this 4x2 to 4x4 switch, after a year of ownership, is a terrible financial move. The math just doesn't work.

I have no problem with how people want to spend their money. You.bought and can afford a $40k truck--right on! You weren't asking for advice, so I'm not going to give any.

 

Tacomas hold their value, historically, better than the average, but they still depreciate. That $4.2k depreciation in the first year was pulled from kbb.

The dealer in your example above, has it listed for $500 less a year later, but what do you think they gave the poor guy who traded it in? They baked in a grand of negotiation slush as well as a grand or two in profit/fees/insurance etc. He lost a few grand easy. Just like OP will.

I've also had an awesome trade where I got exactly what I paid, but on average, the stats don't lie, you are going to lose money.

You can disagree with my assumptions but even if I'm half wrong, this is a bad move for OP.

 

You might be well off and make billions more than me (and fuck super models and live in a mansion), but op said he put $650 down on his $32k purchase. That doesn't scream "financial wunderkind". He also said he doesn't want to increase his payment. Sounds like he doesn't have the financial means to do it (or is unwilling to spend it).

You guys all seem super eager to spend this guys money and are suggesting he take a bath because "life is too short". Maybe you should have hired that financial advisor after all?

 

Everytime I look at that video I think dam I'm glad I got a 4x4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hlVr12CCo4

 

Keep what you have, learn to love it- it is a pretty damn fine ride. I managed with 2wd for 32 years before the Taco. You will be fine. Happy trails...

 

Actually a lift, bigger tires and a locking rear diff will amaze you OP!
I’ve driven farm equipment (tractors) out of the deep mud pits and all they had was huge ass tires, clearance, and rear locking diff, no front drive at all.

In sum, when it comes to off road it’s all about clearance and tires imo.
Save your $$, just my .02

 

If you're not going off-road on heavy trails or in wet/snowy conditions, ramp-launching boats, or towing a heavy trailer up steep grades, you're not doing anything that a 2WD can't handle in CA. Get some equity in the truck you've got and you'll be in a great position to trade to a 4x4 at whatever future year you actually need it. It might not fit with the plan to keep your current vehicle forever, but it'll save you a fair bit of cash for the years you're not paying extra for gas and insurance just to have capability that you don't intend to use.

For driving on snow in the mountains, a good set of all-weather/AT tires, a set of chains, 200-300 lb of weight in the bed and a moderate level of skill at the wheel is all you'll need to get anywhere that's paved. If your plan is to mount a plow and make some extra scratch clearing driveways, you'll want a 4x4, but other than that 2WD will get you anywhere you're looking to go. I learned to drive in western Montana, and most of the cars driven by students at my high school were old RWD models (mine was a '74 Maverick, a friend had a '67 Mustang). The real danger in winter conditions is sliding on ice, which 4WD does pretty much the same as 2WD, getting stuck in snow where 4WD will help you get moving more easily is inconvenient, but won't kill anyone; other than the extra weight involved, having a T-case and front-end drivetrain won't help you steer or stop any better (and for half the 4x4 owners in So Cal who think it's some kind of superpower over the weather, it may be more dangerous since they often end up driving too fast for the conditions because of it).

 

Well guys, after months of consideration and weeks of negotiation,I found a deal I'm happy with. The dealer that sold me truck agreed to purchase back for pretty damn close to what I paid. So I'm rolling over a couple grand negative (difference, plus tax). Found a Toyota dealership to sell me a new 17 Trd OR 4x4 for 35k. financed through a credit union and got a rate I am happy with. Payments are going up 80 bucks (with gap) but that's fine by me. Now they just have to find the truck in the color I want (MGM). I thought I'd just settle with the current truck, but every time I got in it, I couldn't get over the fact that it was not exactly what I wanted. I'm fine paying the difference and taking the loss because I plan to keep this vehicle til the wheels fall off. Again, thanks for all the input!

 

Nice! Good luck with the new ride, once you get it. Also, props for following through and thanking members for posting- 1st class move

 

Only reason why I would not get a 4x4 is if I lived in a snow free area and never ventured away from the city.

 

This thread makes my brain hurt. I thought 4x4 is necessary and without it our trucks blow up and the world ends. Now you guys make logical sense saying it's not always necessary and save the money? I need to go lie down.

 

these threads make me laugh
I don't even think you can get a 4x2 here in canada unless you're getting an SR.

Or at least you can't get a 4x2 as soon as you get into the V6 engine and any TRD model.

 

Delivered earlier this afternoon! Time to tint windows and wrap bumper!

 

Nice!

I forget which part of Cali you said you're from, but check out the Wheeler's Anon thread in the SoCal regional section...we plan runs once a month or so if you want to try and take her out on some dirt sometime soon.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wheelers-anonymous.425646/

 

Why don't you just sell it and buy an older Tacoma with 4x4?
You would have a tacoma with 4x4 and you would be in less debt. Seems like a win-win-win.

 

SoCal, I'll definitely check it out!

 

Every time I drove it, the thought crossed my mind. Now, I no longer have to have such morbid thoughts

 

you should always investigate before you invest.

 

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely did. Even went straight from dealer which I purchased, to my local Toyota and had them go through it. Truck was in amazing condition, just not exactly what I wanted in the end

 

Mark it up as a lesson learned. Best wishes on your outcome. Remember, it's always Taco Tuesday.