Am I an idiot for selling my 3rd gen for a 2nd gen Tundra?

Good thinking. If OP forgets his keys he can start it with a usb cable.

 

I may still have it I'll look tomorrow an send it to you if I do. The dealer didn't need to see any of the paperwork. I got two letters from Toyota one announcing the paint recall and saying they will send a 2nd letter. Then around 6 months later the letter saying I could bring it in to be repainted or if you already paid somewhere else to repaint they would reimburse.

 

Sell Tacoma. Buy a 4runner, 100 series land cruiser, GX470, LX470, sequoia, 1st gen Tundra 4 door. Learn how to do your own maintenance to save on labor costs.

I sold my 3rd gen Tacoma when we had the 2nd kid. I was lucky and had $11k equity after making 2 years of payments. I bought my LX470 outright with $10k of that. It's the best vehicle I have ever owned.

 

I've always loved the older model Lexus SUVs. Is your LX470 big enough to fit a sheet of drywall or plywood in the back?

 

I'm pretty sure I have done that. If not it has a factory roof rack and I throw it up there. I put an entire hood for my 74 ford maverick in the back and was able to close the tailgate/hatch. A small cheap trailer pairs nicely with it. It's a trade off, but I actually prefer the suv for holding things like camping gear and of course much more room for the kiddos.

 

The bottom line is that only you know your current situation, no one else has as much insight as you, while others can give their opinion based on previous experiences of their own and people they may know, everyone's situation is unique, deep down you know what you should or shouldn't do. You may just be seeking validation to convince yourself of the option you want to do rather than what you should choose to do. Best of luck to you.

 

I think this is the most important thing to remember; it's just like the sales guys calling you 1 year after you buy your new truck.

 

The sales guy is not your friend, he doesn't care about you, his boss is riding his ass, his wife wants a new car, and you walk through the door...

 

Take the $21K. Buy a 4-5 year old minivan. I have 3 kids. Minivans beat any other vehicle for a family car. In 8-10 years I will be buying a new minivan for grandkids.
Look at my car list below. Taco is the only one with the payments. Van is what I take to get the 4x8 materials. Fit all the way in, do not get wet in the rain.
Van has been in the shop for a week, getting its oil cooler replaced, and I miss not having it.
Even with 2 kids(before our 3rd came), having extra luggage space inside or seats for inlaws made a minivan a great choice.

PS I got a Taco because my orchard grew and hailing mulch, dirt, trees every weekend was too much for the van.

 

You’re asking Tacoma World! Keep the Tacoma! Tacomas are sick!

 

That the spirit!

 

I won’t comment on the financial side as only you know your full situation. But I traded my Third Gen Tacoma in for a 2.5 Gen Tundra last summer and the upgrade has been worth it to me. I have four kids and the family hauling capability of the Crewmax Tundra is excellent.

 

Just to update those who are curious didn't pull the trigger. Looked at the Tundra on Friday was a great truck clean for how old and drove nice. Just couldn't make a deal that made since to me. Plus the salesman tried to pull a fast one and tried to offer me $19,800 for my tacoma selling the diamondback cover with the truck. That put a bad taste in my mouth. I was like the whole reason you got me down here is because you told me confirmed you would get me $21k for my tacoma and let me keep the bed cover to resell. Oh well car sales guys will be car sales guys.

 

tbh thats a good outcome... the tundra is a great truck but there was a factor you never really looked into with them and thats fuel... my buddys 2019 tundra is a gas hog! he loves the truck but hates the mpg of it and misses his little civic he use to drive...

if you want out of the carpayment sell the 3rd gen for a car and use what ever left over you get from the tacoma (if possible on the wifes suv) and get a small trailer to tow with it like a 4x8ft utility trailer or as stated just rent a truck when you need it..

 

Yea you're right. My commute to and from work is less than 10mi so I'm not really too concerned with fuel economy.

 

dang if i was 10miles id just commute on a bike (depending on if you live in a good climate area)


by bike i mean motorcycle btw or scooter

 

Haha yeah I would don't think the wife would go for it though! Too hot in the summer too.

 

You did ok. The Tacoma will last a while and even though you have payments it will retain good value as long as you keep it in good shape