Help me decide on a beater

Hey everybody! Long time stalker, very few posts. I started my Tacoma journey with a 2nd gen. Lifted it up 3in all the way around and ran 33’s. It was really a helluva ride but recently acquired (or should I say sold my first born) for a 2021 DCLB in white. It’s a dream to drive and I love the truck. With that being said, I figured I would pick the brain of TW for some cheaper daily driver alternatives (maybe like a Corolla or something for running to the gym, work, etc.) My third gen is on the waiting list for a GFC V2 and will probably get some sort of lift and tires so parking garages in the PNW are going to be an issue. Im essentially looking for a “beater” of sorts to putz around in. And yes, when all the swag gets added onto the third gen I’ll post some pics for y’all with my build layout.

 

Also, my username should be changed. Disregard that.

 

I've heard good things about the Chevrolet Cruze. 3 coworkers have them and my sister has one as well. They get great MPG. Not sure if that's a concern for you or not. My sister had a couple of issues with hers, but it is pretty high mileage so it isn't surprising.

 

Awesome! I’ll check it out ASAP. Thanks for the reply. Gas mileage is definitely a plus, this rig will mostly be used for in town use. Every time I leave town the Tacoma will be with me. Along with surfboards, skis, camping gear, and enough fishing shiz to put bass pro out of business.

 

I wish I had a commuter car some days, but my apartment and life situation won't allow me to (yet).

 

Driving your truck will be less expensive than buying a second vehicle (what’s your budget?) and maintaining, insuring, etc. that second vehicle. Especially if you drive them 50/50 rather than 99/1 and never drive your new truck (in which case why have it).


Let’s say your DD beater costs 10 grand (I don’t know if you’re looking to spend 5, 10, or 15 or what).

A car for 10 grand will need some work, let’s call it safe around 1 grand. Then there’s the extra insurance, maybe only 20, i don’t know. Oil changes and small thing here and there.

Let’s say your Tacoma gets 18 mpg and your new beater gets 30.

So roughly $12,000 for a 12mpg increase only half of the time you drive (6,000 miles a year).

Round gas up to $3.

6000 miles / 12 mpg = 500 gallons


500 * $3 = $1,500

In order for that less than $1,500 savings a year to pay off your new car, plus all fixing it up, maintenance, insurance would have to be pretty inexpensive.

$1,500 break even (back to Zero) don’t even start saving a single penny until year one.

$15,000 car... would take a decade before you saved one single penny on gas.

$10,500 car (+all other costs under that budget) would take 7 years.

$7,500 would take 5 years

$4,500 ... 3.

Numbers are great because they take all maybe and feeling and emotion out of an equation.

That said, if you’re financially independent and want multiple cars, have at it!

But don’t let anyone tell you having a second depreciating money eater will save you money due to better gas mileage. Peace!

 

I drive the wife's Scion once in awhile....it's strangely cool !

 

All that said,

Corolla, Matrix, Civic, Fit, all great cars!

 

I find Honda to have much more refined, fun to drive, smooth, spacious, etc. 2WD cars.


4WD Toyotas, 2WD Hondas, and 1WD Yamahas

Good luck!

 

More like $7. by oct.

 

3~5 year old Prius would be good.

 

Eh, 5 ish.

Would still take a while for it to pay dividends ha.

 

As a numbers guy, who didn’t crunch the numbers, you really highlighted this for me and thanks a ton for that. I’m kind of thought about this but didn’t put pen to paper. Gas mileage aside. I have to park in a garage for work (health care stuff in a metropolitan area) and I’m worried the GFC with lift is going to exceed our shoddy 6’6” max in most garages. It’s kinda hit or miss on height depending on who you talk to with a GFC. Thanks for the due diligence though!

 

I didn’t even think about a Prius! My ex had a Prius, kinda a sour taste in the mouth at this point. I’ll look into them though. Gotta say I rallied that little tank on some nasty roads to her disregard.

 

You missed the whole point with all your fancy numbers.

He wants a “beater” car for more than merely better gas mileage. Like a second car because it’s fun to have a second car that’s more nimble and shit and something else to wrench on. Life is more interesting when you randomly drive a truck and a car also whenever you feel like it.

Your fancy math arithmetic numbers have no place here, my friend.

I say try to find something rare like a Corolla XRS or maybe also an older WRX

 

I’ve been driving my sisters Prius prime for a few months and all I really do is short drives around town. The 24 mile EV range is low but I really only drive less than 10 miles each time. Get back home and plug it in. Have gone almost 200 miles so far without using a drop of gas.

Tip - buy something you won’t mod or else you’ll have 2 money pits

 

VW GTI. Manual. 2 door. Tons of fun, good mpg.

 

Early 2000's Lexus cars are great value.

ES330
ES350
IS350
GS430
LS430

 

Or this. I’ve had 2. Very comfortable and tons of space for passengers. Rear seats are heated too. Also very easy to service yourself. A lot of LS430’s can be had sub-$7k. Best you’ll get is 20 mpg though.

 

I love all the suggestions! I’m setting up Craigslist alerts right now for the vehicles mentioned so I can jump on a deal. I also wouldn’t mind jumping on the Lexus train as I’m already a Toyota fan boy.