I want a new car, but should I? Let's compare the finances

I have a 2002 Tacoma. It's great and does everything I need, I'm not into offroading, I just use it to move stuff and motorcycles. I keep doing upgrades here and there to it to modernize it, like a touch screen stereo and backup camera. As I'm putting this money into my truck, there is a little voice inside my head that reminds me what it would be like to just get a car with all the bells and whistles.

Since I don't use my vehicle for anything besides transportation, I was thinking of selling the Tacoma and getting a Prius for the gas mileage. I also really like Alfa Romeos, but that's a want, not a need.

So? Keep the truck and upgrade it here and there, or get a Prius? I'm at a frugal point in life, or at least would rather cut down on car expenses and put the money in my stock trading account or in my street bike.

All my vehicles are paid off. I have a 5VzFE 6cyl with a 16.5 -17gal tank, and I used to get 300mi on a tank. Recently changed from AT to HT same stock size and am now getting 220mi a tank. I guess in the long run this difference is minimal. Every time I go on Tacoma World and see all the sweet upgrades I get impulsive with my credit card. Is improving the functionality of your truck just putting money into a depreciating asset in your eyes?

 

Just keep it since it’s paid off. The amount spent on a new car would probably cost more than gas for the Tacoma until the day you quit driving.

 

If the truck's in good condition, I'd keep it. Nothing like a good ol' first gen!

 

Get an Alfa!














Because you know they’re cooler than a Prius. Would you rather say “I drive a Toyota celibacy” or “I drive Italian awesomeness that only sometimes has issues”

 

There ya go

 

If you're being frugal, only consider a Prius if the trade difference is meaningful based on the split in (annual? monthly?) mileage and fuel consumption between the two. How much do you drive?

That said, Priuses are another great Toyota product that last forever with low costs. I have a Prius and a Tacoma, and both are very good for what they are.

Good luck figuring it out!

 

Come now, it's not almost always.

The Alfas only have issues on days that end in "Y".

 

I am in the exact same situation man, I built a rig for terrain that isnt even available within a 4 hour drive. I sold my s2000 to buy my first house and being an import guy I want another one so bad, my truck is paid off and runs great but to keep me from having to take out a loan I would have to sell my truck.

 

Idk... I heard a quote at the dealer to replace 4 struts and a 300 dollar sensor... total bill to customer.... $2200.00

 

Get the Prius and put an long travel suspension on it with 35s (there will be some trimming necessary). Embrace impulsivity.

 

I remember an ex who had a Prius. I rode in it a couple times and it wasn't thhaaatttt bad, but then...then I saw it. The prndl lever. I lost it and was dying there in the passenger seat for a few minutes looking at this feeble little after-thought of a device. It just brought the whole experience together. I was told that if I didn't want to drive, I could never mention it again. Needless to say, I usually drove.

 

Do it. You know you want to.

 

My second car is a VW Golf Sportwagen TDI, gets 40 mpg, hauls my 800lbs of tools daly. Gets good enough fuel milage that it pays for itself compared to driving the truck daily.

 

I remember after we bought my wife a prius and she drove from Seattle to Portland and back, and then to work for a week before she got gas. 50 mpg. just wow. imagine how much time you spend pumping gas! you'll get that time back, and thats time in your life that you can use to start a new hobby like knitting or quilting.

 

You are talking about getting rid of your Tacoma for a Prius, WTF it is Wednesday right?

 

What are you talking about? There's nothing more Apple-pie American than spending every other day filling up my F950 6x6 9.2L V8 Trifucta that is lucky to make it home and back on one tank

 

Lexus IS 350 it's still a Toyota and it's not a Alfa Romeo

 

I like the F250 Tremor but Ford needs to offer it in regular cab.

 

Ford is as Ford does. Don't think they'll ever make the good ones in a regular cab. I'd take a regular, 3 seat, raptor. That'd be fun. Why haul friends when you can haul ass

 

My cousin has one and his ECU says he gets 99mpg!!!!1!