how do you decide when it's time to get rid of your truck?

jacksonpt · 12-29-2005, 03:52 PM

Seems like my wife and I try to get a handle on this question every 6 months or so... how do you know when it's time to call it quits with a truck and go with something new?

I've got a 96 4Runner with some mods. About twice a year, something happens where we end up putting a nice piece of change into the truck - either maintenance or repairs. The truck is worth $3k to the dealer as a trade, and on a good day, probably $5k if I sold it outright.

The debate my wife and I have is this... is it worth keeping a truck that is mostly reliable and paid for, but bad on gas, not as "refined" (quiet, smooth, etc) as a new truck would be, and seems to need about $1000-$2000 worth of work every 6-8 months.

I love my truck, and getting rid of it would mean no more wheeling. I'd be OK with trading it in on a new Tacoma even if it meant no more wheeling (I wouldn't mod/wheel the taco). But I hate the idea of trading it in on a Matrix or something like that (I like the matrix, but I'm a truck guy). Financially it would be about a wash... roughly $4000/year in repairs/maintenance versus roughly $4000/year in car payments.

We go back and forth about which is best depending on how frustrated we are with my truck and how much we like not having the extra car payment.

So... for all of you guys who wheel your trucks AND use it as a daily driver... when is enough enough? Or is it never enough - will you take your truck to teh grave with you?

Rick F. · 12-29-2005, 04:00 PM

You didn't mention the mileage you have but I'm suprised that your putting that much $$ into a '96 that frequently. Still, $1K or $2K is less than a new car payment over 6-8 months.

My criteria to keep or sell is based on functionality and reliability. If I had money to burn, my criteria would be less of a priority than the emotional urge to drive a new, shiny vehicle.

bob200587 · 12-29-2005, 04:00 PM

NEVER give up, you'll regret it. My dad said I'm not allowed to sell or trade mine, I have to give it back if I don't want it anymore.

Yota4runner · 12-29-2005, 04:06 PM

See I'm debating getting rid of mine too in the spring. Perhaps going with a Taco or perhaps a Tundra. I have not yet decided. I'd like to get a new runner but We shall see.

I think it all comes to down function, is it still able to perform the duties you need it to, reliably? If so then I would keep it, if not I would get something new.

hektikwon · 12-29-2005, 04:06 PM

I would like to know other peoples opinions on this too. I have benn thinking on and off about selling my 91 and getting a 3rd gen 4runner, maybe a 99 with a locker. I hate payments and would want to find one that can be paid a quick as possible, something about having that title that makes me smile. The problem is that I've put so much time and money into my rig to get it running good without problems that I'm almost scared to sell and get an unknown vehicle. It's hard to sell something that you've grown to love.

JHupp · 12-29-2005, 04:17 PM

I usually get rid of a car when I just flat out dont like it or something new comes along that I like better. If you enjoy thew truck, and it is not super expensive to mainatin, I figure keep it. I bought an '06 f250 this year, but only to haul around all of my other toys. I love my runner, and even if it becomes expenives to maintain in the future, I will keep it, just not as a daily driver. If your strapped for cash, it is more of a tough call, but if it is still cheaper than a new car, and you still love it, why get rid of it?

rngrchad · 12-29-2005, 04:40 PM

The same way I decide when it's time to get rid of a girlfriend:
When it's just costing you too much money and the investment and time isn't worth it anymore.

Paul H. · 12-29-2005, 05:06 PM

Your putting that much into it every 6 months!!!! Whats been going on. As far as gas milage, put it back down to 31's with less lift and it may go up to 18-20mpg. Just a thought. Bottom line, if you are having that much problems with it, time to get something newer.

jacksonpt · 12-30-2005, 07:22 AM

It's got about 120k - but that's not an issue for me.

And the money numbers is only part of it... it's much easier to pay out $350 - $400 every month that we know is coming than it is $1500 out of the blue when it doesn't pass state inspection or whatever. We just don't have that kind of money laying around. The lower monthly payments are easier to budget, especially if we know they are coming every single month.

As for where the money is going... well, this spring it's going to need new upper control arms (total chaos are $650, plus about $250 to have them installed) and new tires (probably around $700). Hopefully, that will be it for this year, but inevitably, something else goes on... feul pump, starter, 02 sensor... whatever, and back to the dealer it goes.

The gas mileage is a necessary evil for me because of the off-road mods. If I take some of the mods off, I can't wheel it as hard, and then there really is no point in keeping it. So de-modding it is not an option.

After spending the better portion of this week (had the week off) trying to get the upper control arms off (and failing), I've decided that I'm about the furthest thing from a mechanic there is. It's just not worth the time/effort/frustration for me to do my own repairs. That's a big reason why the repair bills are so high... because I have the dealer work on it when it needs attention.

I guess, for me, at this point... there are 2 main reasons why I still want to keep the truck. One - it's paid for, so not having to shell out cash every month is a good thing... even if at the end of the year, it's about a wash financially. Two - getting rid of it would mean no more wheeling. That would suck, even though I don't get out as much as I'd like, I still really enjoy the few trips I do get in each summer.

X-AWDriver · 12-30-2005, 07:24 AM

If you're not happy with it then get rid of it and obviously putting money into it at too regualr intervals is making you unhappy.

FilthyRich · 12-30-2005, 07:27 AM

is there someone other than the dealer to work on it???

We have a great local, shop that uses all OEM parts and the mechanics have actaul Toyota training.

How much will you miss wheeling??? If you can settle for a not as capable rig, then perhaps de-modding it some and leave it alone for awhile. You can save some cash--no wheeling, better mileage, no excessive wear. Then keeping a vehicle you like is the cheapest route.

One More Time · 12-30-2005, 07:28 AM

I've never had to spend that much on maintence for my Runner...that is until the headgasket went...

Epic Ed · 12-30-2005, 08:49 AM

How about if you put $350 - $400 a month into savings over the next six months. If you get dinged for repairs, take the repair dollars out of that account. If not, then you've built yourself a nice cushion for the next repair bill down the road. After a year, check the balance to see how you're doing. If you've exceeded the dollars you're putting into savings it's time to sell it. If not, then you have some extra money to help make the decision easier to keep it or sell it. Apply the money to a downpayment on something newer and sell the Runner, anyways, or keep the Runner and continue to put away money for repairs. You may come out way ahead in the long run if you keep it and end up with a good chunk of change in savings.

Ed

surf4runner · 12-30-2005, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacksonpt

how do you know when it's time to call it quits with a truck and go with something new?

when it quits, not me. i kill 'em so its a little easier to decide to replace it then fix it. like when the ex rolls it.
i haven't spent >$2000 (in repairs) on my p/u in the 6 years ive owned it.

12-29-2005, 03:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
jacksonpt Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 2,761	how do you decide when it's time to get rid of your truck? Seems like my wife and I try to get a handle on this question every 6 months or so... how do you know when it's time to call it quits with a truck and go with something new? I've got a 96 4Runner with some mods. About twice a year, something happens where we end up putting a nice piece of change into the truck - either maintenance or repairs. The truck is worth $3k to the dealer as a trade, and on a good day, probably $5k if I sold it outright. The debate my wife and I have is this... is it worth keeping a truck that is mostly reliable and paid for, but bad on gas, not as "refined" (quiet, smooth, etc) as a new truck would be, and seems to need about $1000-$2000 worth of work every 6-8 months. I love my truck, and getting rid of it would mean no more wheeling. I'd be OK with trading it in on a new Tacoma even if it meant no more wheeling (I wouldn't mod/wheel the taco). But I hate the idea of trading it in on a Matrix or something like that (I like the matrix, but I'm a truck guy). Financially it would be about a wash... roughly $4000/year in repairs/maintenance versus roughly $4000/year in car payments. We go back and forth about which is best depending on how frustrated we are with my truck and how much we like not having the extra car payment. So... for all of you guys who wheel your trucks AND use it as a daily driver... when is enough enough? Or is it never enough - will you take your truck to teh grave with you? __________________ Jackson - My Site 96 SR5 4x4 - 33" MTs, open diffs, and 3.90s - LET'S ROCK! My runner has bee traded in sniff on an 06 SR5 long bed d-cab Tacoma. The tacoma is nice, but... sniff ... I'll update my site when I'm done grieving.

12-29-2005, 04:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rick F. Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Far western Kentucky (transplanted from central PA) Posts: 1,061	You didn't mention the mileage you have but I'm suprised that your putting that much $$ into a '96 that frequently. Still, $1K or $2K is less than a new car payment over 6-8 months. My criteria to keep or sell is based on functionality and reliability. If I had money to burn, my criteria would be less of a priority than the emotional urge to drive a new, shiny vehicle. __________________ '00 SR5, Desert Dune: 4" Deckplate, Amsoil TS-115, Bilsteins, Brembo rotors w/Performance Friction pads, Fiam Highway Blasters, Sylvania Silverstars, Hella Micro DE Fog Lights w/Hella Yellow Star Lamps '08 Sport, Salsa Red: bone stock (for now...)

12-29-2005, 04:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
bob200587 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,802	NEVER give up, you'll regret it. My dad said I'm not allowed to sell or trade mine, I have to give it back if I don't want it anymore. __________________ 87 4runner 4x4 SR5 22RE ARB Bull Bar, 31X10.50 Mastercraft M/T's, Stock 4.10 Gears, Mellowtone Muffler AISIN Manual Hubs, Marlin Crawler Sliders 181XXX miles 92 Ford Ranger 4x2 4.0L 4 speed auto FOR SALE Needs Transmission And Head gasket work. Contact me for Details. Facebook "An Open Mind is Like a Fortress with its Gates Unbarred and Ungaurded." "There are two kinds of people in this world that go around beardless: boys and women, and I am neither one." -Greek saying

12-29-2005, 04:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
Yota4runner Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Peterborough Ontario Posts: 1,194	See I'm debating getting rid of mine too in the spring. Perhaps going with a Taco or perhaps a Tundra. I have not yet decided. I'd like to get a new runner but We shall see. I think it all comes to down function, is it still able to perform the duties you need it to, reliably? If so then I would keep it, if not I would get something new. __________________ [-Chris-] 1988 X-Tra Cab 4x4. V6. Stripped to the frame. 1998 Chevy Chyenne Extended Cab, pretty much stock, except for a few cosmetics.

12-29-2005, 04:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
hektikwon Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NE GA (Between blizzads & hurricanes) Posts: 458	I would like to know other peoples opinions on this too. I have benn thinking on and off about selling my 91 and getting a 3rd gen 4runner, maybe a 99 with a locker. I hate payments and would want to find one that can be paid a quick as possible, something about having that title that makes me smile. The problem is that I've put so much time and money into my rig to get it running good without problems that I'm almost scared to sell and get an unknown vehicle. It's hard to sell something that you've grown to love. __________________ 91 4x4 4runna 3.4 , auto to manual tranny conversion, 2" body lift, Aisin manual hub conversion, vinyl flooring, 2nd gen inclinometer, 2.5 Magnalow cat & muffler, Trail Gear Sliders, Bilstein Shocks *Gone but not forgotten 96 4runna Limited e-locked and stock

12-29-2005, 04:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
JHupp Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,148	I usually get rid of a car when I just flat out dont like it or something new comes along that I like better. If you enjoy thew truck, and it is not super expensive to mainatin, I figure keep it. I bought an '06 f250 this year, but only to haul around all of my other toys. I love my runner, and even if it becomes expenives to maintain in the future, I will keep it, just not as a daily driver. If your strapped for cash, it is more of a tough call, but if it is still cheaper than a new car, and you still love it, why get rid of it? __________________ Jason '06 F250 Super Duty Daily Driver '01 Toyota 4Runner Sport 265/75/16 BFG ATs, OME 881s w/ spacers front, OME 891s rear, SS roll bar, and some other stuff. Out of Commision njttora.com

12-29-2005, 04:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
rngrchad Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Currently reside in Ohio Posts: 791	The same way I decide when it's time to get rid of a girlfriend: When it's just costing you too much money and the investment and time isn't worth it anymore. __________________ 2008 Tacoma TRD Access Cab v-6. 97 regular cab tacoma 33x9.5bfg at, 4.10 gears, custom sliders, custom rear bumper, 4xinnovation tube doors, lockright. CB: Connex 3300hp Radio driving a FatBoy Amp doing around 1000watts on AM. Antenna: Monkey Made MM5 -=NO BAMA 08 =-

12-30-2005, 07:22 AM	#9 (permalink)
jacksonpt Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 2,761	It's got about 120k - but that's not an issue for me. And the money numbers is only part of it... it's much easier to pay out $350 - $400 every month that we know is coming than it is $1500 out of the blue when it doesn't pass state inspection or whatever. We just don't have that kind of money laying around. The lower monthly payments are easier to budget, especially if we know they are coming every single month. As for where the money is going... well, this spring it's going to need new upper control arms (total chaos are $650, plus about $250 to have them installed) and new tires (probably around $700). Hopefully, that will be it for this year, but inevitably, something else goes on... feul pump, starter, 02 sensor... whatever, and back to the dealer it goes. The gas mileage is a necessary evil for me because of the off-road mods. If I take some of the mods off, I can't wheel it as hard, and then there really is no point in keeping it. So de-modding it is not an option. After spending the better portion of this week (had the week off) trying to get the upper control arms off (and failing), I've decided that I'm about the furthest thing from a mechanic there is. It's just not worth the time/effort/frustration for me to do my own repairs. That's a big reason why the repair bills are so high... because I have the dealer work on it when it needs attention. I guess, for me, at this point... there are 2 main reasons why I still want to keep the truck. One - it's paid for, so not having to shell out cash every month is a good thing... even if at the end of the year, it's about a wash financially. Two - getting rid of it would mean no more wheeling. That would suck, even though I don't get out as much as I'd like, I still really enjoy the few trips I do get in each summer. __________________ Jackson - My Site 96 SR5 4x4 - 33" MTs, open diffs, and 3.90s - LET'S ROCK! My runner has bee traded in sniff on an 06 SR5 long bed d-cab Tacoma. The tacoma is nice, but... sniff ... I'll update my site when I'm done grieving. Last edited by jacksonpt : 12-30-2005 at 07:24 AM.

12-30-2005, 07:24 AM	#10 (permalink)
X-AWDriver Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Littleton,CO Posts: 9,532	If you're not happy with it then get rid of it and obviously putting money into it at too regualr intervals is making you unhappy. __________________ '99 4Runner Highlander 4wd E-locker,rear diff and deckplate mod * 265/75/16 Nitto TerraGrapplers * Yakima Load Warrior rack * clear corners/signals * Tacoma skidplate * Silverstar lamps/fogs Alpine CDA-9831,Bazooka EL Series 250w amp,MTX 10" sub

12-30-2005, 07:28 AM	#12 (permalink)
One More Time Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 1,082	I've never had to spend that much on maintence for my Runner...that is until the headgasket went...

12-30-2005, 08:49 AM	#13 (permalink)
Epic Ed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 655	How about if you put $350 - $400 a month into savings over the next six months. If you get dinged for repairs, take the repair dollars out of that account. If not, then you've built yourself a nice cushion for the next repair bill down the road. After a year, check the balance to see how you're doing. If you've exceeded the dollars you're putting into savings it's time to sell it. If not, then you have some extra money to help make the decision easier to keep it or sell it. Apply the money to a downpayment on something newer and sell the Runner, anyways, or keep the Runner and continue to put away money for repairs. You may come out way ahead in the long run if you keep it and end up with a good chunk of change in savings. Ed __________________ '95 4Runner\|32x11.5 BFG TA KOs\|Hi-flow Cat\|Dynomax muffler; 2.25" exhaust\| Downey Headers\|4.88 gears \|Detroit EZ locker \|Detroit TruTrack\|BJ spacers\|Downey HD coils\|2" rear spring spacers\|Rancho RS9000X/RS5000s\|WARN hubs\|TJM T15 Last edited by Epic Ed : 12-30-2005 at 09:03 AM.

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