Should I sell while she is running smooth & creamy?

Well I have hit a crossroads. I sold my Miata the other day and have been driving my 1st gen Tacoma more and more. I was sitting in traffic and thinking two things, Dang this thing is running well... Strong Engine, Strong Tranny, no noises, smells, or any other fears that come with driving a 20 year old truck. Second thing I was thinking is maybe i should get rid of it because this is probably the most i'm going to get for it. More mileage on top of 225k is just downhill in value no matter how well kept or maint records...Miles Scare Buyers!

Am i crazy to think that this is probably a good time to sell for 7k, take out a 10k loan and look for a late 2nd gen (2014-2015 access cab 4wd 4cyl 5speed) for ~20k?

I also realize this is the WRONG place to ask if I should get rid of my 1st gen haha I know how crazy y'all are.

We truly have been through a lot...Here is deer hunting in the Sierras from when i was into 35mm As she sits today:

RIP Miata



Anyways what would you do? Though I have a motorbike for around town I still would enjoy the extra 2-3mpg from a standard 4cyl of the 2nd gen...That ads up on road trips n such. Right now with the 3.4 I average 15.5

 

Keep it. That things looks like a gem. Buy another little car for commuting.

 

Shoot for 30 years and 337,500 miles! I can't see any rust on it? Why sell it when you are riding FREE? I vote to keep it until the wheels fall off.

 

I ask myself 2 questions:
Have my needs changed?
Is it costing me more in maintenance to keep this truck than the payment on a new one?


And that's how I end up keeping vehicles so long. That truck has depreciated most of what it's going to, and if its running good, keep driving it. You won't save any money buying a new one. Although if your gas mileage is that bad, you might do some investigating as to why, that gets expensive.

 

I had the perfect commuter. I was tired of having 2 cars, 2 bikes, boat etc. definitely want to go 1 4 wheel vehicle, 1 2 wheel, and one no wheel

 

You’ll have no problem selling that rig. Good luck with your decision.

 

That’s definitely option 2 here ride till it’s worth scrap. Which isn’t a bad idea financially. I’m wondering if I’m 5 years I’ll be wishing I had done the swap while I could get 7g...

Super valid points I think my needs haven’t changed but maybe my wants have? I do get semi nervous when I’m on road trips but don’t really have a reason to be.

Costing more question for maint vs payment is a negative.

Wonder why gas is bad? It has 3in suspension lift and 265’s maybe next round go less agro on tires?

 

For all you know that truck has another 225k in it, I'd drive it until the wheels fall off

 

Im quickly starting to consider taking down my ad's for the truck

 

Ooh is that a Honda XR? My buddy has an '81 XR250R. Anyways, it looks like a nice truck and I would say if it isn't giving you any trouble I'd keep it. I wish I hadn't sold my 03 to be honest.

 

whats the suspension and tires? i want my 98 to sit like this beauty. my vote is to keep it, why take out a loan if you don't have to

 

Yep 97 XR600 now that im back in TN 600 is way too big of a bike for the woods. Looking to swap er out for an XR250 actually.

So you traded up for a 2nd genny eh?

 

Put 450k on my 1st gen. Drive another 200k set aside save up 20k and buy a good used 3rd gen cash in a few years or even really well kept 2015.

 

Tires are 265/75/r16 and its the OME ~3in lift. Ive been very very happy with it all so far. Rides a tit better when i had a plate bumper on the front and when i have the cap on the back.

 

15.5 mpg isn't that far off what most get with these trucks (4x4s with lift) especially if you're running heavier E rated tires?

Could probably get that number up a little higher with a fresh tune up if one hasn't been done in awhile. Clean the MAF sensor and throttle body too

 

Honestly think this is exactly what i'm going to do! Though i'm kind of reading not very good things about the third gens?? Alright boys I think you've talked me off the ledge.

 

Yeah, with a couple other toyotas in between. I like the power, size, manual trans, and tow capacity all better than the 03, but I feel like my 1st Gen still felt more like a truck to me. I don't like the plastic bed and the flimsy tailgate, and the rear windows of the access cab don't open like the 1st gens. The 1st gens were even easier to fit down tight trails and I'm also not getting much better gas mileage. And there was just something about those trucks that I'm kind of nostalgic about, even though I'm only 21 haha.

 

Fresh tune up being....Air filters, sea foam + MAF and Throttle. Maybe a tire pressure check?

Could it have anything to do with wheel bearings?

 

I would drive that thing into the ground. Go for 400k.

 

Don't forget new spark plugs and wires, if you're running the copper plugs they should be changed out every ~40k or so I forget, but it's not a very long interval. If they're worn/tired it'll effect your MPGs

Tire pressure check is always good, if you had bad wheel bearings there would be other signs. Grinding noises from the wheels when turning, mostly. But it's pretty easy to check, just jack the front end up and spin the wheels by hand. If you hear a loud grinding sound then the bearings are bad. Or if there's in/out play with the tire when you grab it by hand.

Throttle body I would clean by hand, it isn't difficult to disassemble. MAF can be taken out and cleaned with MAF cleaner