2018 SR 4 Cyl

I’m trying to get some opinions on whether or not I’m being an idiot. I’m trying to buy a used tacoma (see title), it has 87,000 miles on it. It definitely feels more sluggish that the V6 models. That being said, I’m trying to get rid of my current Mazda CX-5 grand touring because it has no where near the value of a used Tacoma. I still have negative equity on the loan so that will roll into financing the used SR. Do you all think it would be worth it to drive that around for a few years to eventually trade-in a tacoma with higher market-value? I’m seeing lots of mixed reviews on it. I wish I could get a better model with the V6 but money is tight and I’m trying to make the best of it. Thanks in advance

 

Money is tight now you say. And it will be tighter if you do this deal.

Stay where you are until the strings get looser.

 

I appreciate this answer and am considering it, however my current car has 171,400 miles on it, holds a market-value of about 3,500 to 4,800 and I still owe 11k on it (yea I was horribly ripped off, it was my first car buying experience). Also, just got the oil changed and an inspection and they’re telling me my shocks and struts are going to have to be replaced soon, which is definitely true because I feel it while driving. Would cost me about $2500 to replace if I don’t do it myself. Which isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility, but I’m not really a car guy.

 

Stop financing your life. Focus on being debt free first. Not a popular opinion but it's the only one you need. Vehicles come and go you will have plenty of time to buy what you want later and without debt slavery.

Saying that, the 4cly is largely bullet proof but I would search for the lowest miles you can get on any vehicle you buy.

 

Welcome to the forum

The entire strut/spring/bearing assembly is around $100 each. If you can invest $500 in a vehicle and drive it another year that is a good value.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/mazda


Rolling one loan into the next just gets you further in debt and makes you miserable.

I recommend taking very good care of your current Mazda and driving it until it is paid off, pay extra on the loan if possible.

Toyota sold about 1/4 million of these trucks every year, when you get your financial house in order there will still be plenty available.

 

I agree with the rest. You need to reduce debt and not add to more. You are way under water on the Mazda unfortunately. Repair and pay off the debt. I am not a financial advisor but I’m betting you have other term debt (cc) that is drawing down your reserves. Good luck

 

Thank you guys for your responses and advice. I’m going to keep my Mazda and pay it off. Praying that with some good care she’ll make it to at least 250k miles. Going to up my monthly payments to pay it off quicker. Maybe one day I’ll be able to get a Tacoma that’s going to make me happy and have everything I want it to. Thanks again guys.

 

That is a better plan.

Meanwhile you don't have to own a Tacoma to hang around here, there is a lot going on, a lot to learn and some really good helpful people here.

 

If you're in a CX5 currently and doing fine, you probably don't need a v6 midsized pickup..especially in this economy.

But....the 4cyl tacos are also rock solid, easy to work on and extremely cheap on maintenance. It will also outlast the v6 by 100% or more.