What to Buy

New member here.

I drive a 2010 GM FWD Sedan daily to work (Roughly 12 miles one way). To say the least, I am at the end of the road with it (starting to rust, shaking that I or a mechanic can't find, etc). I get about 21-22mpg on a commute consisting of mainly 45-55mph roads. This isn't very impressive.

I have actually been looking for the last few months for a 4th gen 4runner. I have sent so many messages about frame photos to just be disappointed. I am pretty well over this idea.

Currently my wife and I have a Wrangler, diesel truck, and a Yukon XL. I don't "need" a truck at all but I am fairly picky (must be awd/4wd, no CVT's, must be north of 200hp). I am not opposed to a more fuel efficient vehicle, but when they are within $3,000 of a Tacoma or similar, it's hard to want something that arguably will not last as long.

I am not worried about maintenance for the most part. I have rebuilt engines, frame swapped a Jeep, etc. I don't want to be working on something all the time at all, but normal maintenance is okay. High mileage also doesn't scare me, Yukon above is approaching 300k miles.

I have pretty well exhausted the notion of buying a 100k or so mile Tacoma as they aren't even 30% cheaper than one with 40k miles that is CPO.

Basically what this boils down to is is it a good time to pick up a Tacoma? A Certified SR 2020 or so SR can be had right around $30k. Having warranty is certainly nice. I know rates aren't great right now which also isn't ideal. I could probably drive the car until spring but also wouldn't be surprised if something happens that turns it's $3k trade in into $1k. I like the idea of a Tacoma but it probably isn't entirely necessary. I do see in the future possibly pulling a very small (think 2,000lb) camper with it if I don't want to take the Jeep.

 

Sounds like you have the patience to wait. An SR would suit you fine, IMO. The gas mileage should beat your Yukon. Good luck.

 

MPG will be at or less than current commuter.

If you don't keep the frame treated it will rot out too.

Lots of bucks for little reward when you already have foul weather and work vehicles.

Civic, Corolla, Camry, Altima, and some Kias (used) would make an excellent commuter. Even small CUVs would be an option if you insist on an AWD choice

 

One of the vehicles in this picture is a 6 speed AWD, 275 HP, 25-30 MPG, about as loaded as a luxury car, and I picked it up for 32k new.




I'm going to go with the off the wall recommendation. You have a truck, you have an off roader, and you have a big people mover. If you're wanting a commuter to replace the sedan, get one of these instead of another truck. ^^^

 

Ha, I’d hope a bit better than 12mpg city.

Well aware of rust. This was wife’s car, damage was done before me. All my cars that see salt get Krown.

I am not opposed to a car or small suv but everything I’ve driven feels (and seems to be) complete junk. Ride quality the same or worse than my current.

Only slight argument for the Tacoma is possible cross country with a teardrop that the Jeep probably won’t love.

Mazda has some intriguing options. Are they reliable?

*Edit: all this sound logic is not appreciated…. Lol

 

Depending on what survey you subscribe to, Mazda as a brand ranks either as the most reliable or the fifth most reliable.

The Mazda 3 came in as the #3 most reliable small car, #3 best hatch for tall people, #5 small cars with the most horsepower, #5 best small car for the money. Its only real competitor would be the civic hatch.

The CX series is also high ranking with the best categories in their respective classes this year, their biggest competitors would be against the Korea twins.




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I do love my tacoma for pulling the pop-up. I would go on an extended test drive though. Its more comfortable at pulling long hours than a Jeep, but less comfortable than pretty much anything else. Its our road trip vehicle, but only because the 3 doesn't pull trailers.