Tacoma from a teenager's POV

Correct on the price but there are variables we dont know.
Does he live with parents?
Is there any other debt?
Was there money put down?
Was it a stupid low interest rate ?
Can he just finance for a year and when credit is established just pay it off?
It's only 500 a month and if your 18 and cant balance 500 a month out then that truck is the least of his worries.

From What he posted he has a good head on his shoulders and bought a good vehicle that will last him for many years after its paid off or because it holds its value so well he can sell it and not be too bad off.

It's not like he went and spent 80k on a platinum 250 and after it left the lot he was 20k upside down

 

Still happens. When I taught ROTC we had cadets where the state paid 100% college for reservists. Our main campus prided itself on diversity and as such had many different options for students to get full ride scholarships. Another of our campus’s had scholarships based solely off GPA. Every school has its own methodology as does each state. You play it smart enough and you can find away without paying a lot. Also in state tuition is often cheaper and he is living at home = instate + no dorm or food costs.

 

My cousin was working at the Cheesefactory in Northern Virginia and making roughly $600 in cash every weekend working Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I cannot imagine how much some servers get at more high end places. I can see how OP can afford the truck living in the area.

I'm not trying to justify OP buying a 40k truck at 18, but for those of you who don't live in this area, he could have done a lot worse.

OP - something tells me that in a few years you won't give a shit about turbo charging that truck. As you get older you will realize that life gets more complicated, you take on more responsibilities, and other things take a priority.

 

Unless they make a manual raptor, Im happy as it is

 

You’re honestly right. Which is why Im not pulling the trigger on anything else big.

 

Gotta love the TW financial advisors lol

It’s your money, spend it as you please. There’s always going to be someone telling you that you are doing the wrong thing no matter what you do.

 

I live with mom, no debt, my own 5k, 2.9 for 6 years. Tacoma has good resale value. I COULD have bought something totally ridiculous but I wanted to good new vehicle.

 

I don't mean to deter you from your career choice, but are you SURE you want to be a dental hygienist? I thought I wanted to do the same straight out of high school because at the time 80k a year seemed like a lot to me, but I'm so glad I didn't go through with it.

My girlfriend is a hygienist and let me tell you that is a pretty demanding job. She got lucky that she got full time employment at an office that offers benefits and 401k matching. The majority of hygienists do not get any benefits. You will be cleaning teeth in a uncomfortable position for 8 years a day. This is also not a job that you can work remotely, so be prepared to go into the office every day (I'm sure I don't need to tell you how bad NOVA traffic is).

 

I agree that he could have done much worse on the purchase. It’s just a huge unnecessary responsibility to tie yourself down to at such a young age.

Thank God my parents taught me the difference between “WANTS” and “NEEDS”.

 

That's awesome for your situation.

Keep in mind some saying it's not a good idea may have made a mistake and are generally trying to give you good advice and not bring you down about it. Nobody is intentionally being an ass if it comes across that way. We all have different ideas on here and it might come harsh but they are trying to help someone out with experience.

 

Kind of true. If he can already get a loan without a cosign then he doesnt need to build that much credit. Sure he might get a slightly better rate but interest payments are still interest payments.

Building credit meant something when banks wouldn't offer loans, then they realized that they make more money off people with bad credit.

 

Wow... Didn't know we had so many damn financial advisors on TW...
Honestly man, good for you!
Every single time some young person posts about buying a 30/40K Tacoma, instead of congratulating that person everyone turns into their dad/financial advisor and starts lecturing them.
Just enjoy life, its short and tomorrow is not promised... I've learned that the hard way.

I'm 24, bought my 2016 taco when I was 22 and then my 2019 just last month. I've worked my ass off, started my own business and am doing ok.
As long as you have savings, and are putting away for what really matters in life and are not living beyond your means.. good for you. Enjoy that truck!

 

Just remember OP,

Some of what is being said to you isn’t out of disrespect.

TW is like your therapist and your motivational mentor.

Honestly though, be smart, and make good decisions that are beyond momentary satisfaction. Enjoy that truck

 

And we're free!

 

Save money on things like toilet paper and maybe wipe every other day
Helps bring the truck fund up

 

No more like 2018 trd taco at the age of 18.

 

EXACTLY why I am also taking classes in car mechanics. Furthering my options. Thank you for the insight.

 

If you just shower after you shit you don’t need toilet paper. Think of the money you’ll save!

 

That’s exactly my point. Lol my woman owns her 18 ctsv, her parents own all their new cars. Hell I own my 18 trd thanks to my in laws. The payment game is nothing to compare to rich people lol