Hey guys,

Got a vehicle question for you that I need opinions on. I drive an '04 Xcab Tacoma 4x4, has around 90k miles on it. I drive 85 miles a day to and from work. My wife and I's jobs are spread about 60 miles apart, which both are good jobs and pay well so its hard to give up, especially in this economy.

My question is to whether I should keep my Tacoma or not, since I drive that kind of mileage. The idea behind it is to eventually build an expedition rig and take camping tours out west. Its loaded with the diff lock, the TRD package, etc. so its a dream truck to start with. Though, again, I've been debating on its sale simply due to the the mileage and gas prices going up. I love driving it but only really use it on the weekends for house projects,and occassional camping/exploring trips. Otherwise,90-95% of the time its on the road hauling my ass around.

So...I can keep it, and deal with it all in hopes of finding a closer job eventually...

I can keep it, and spend roughly $5k-$6k on a commuter car. Still driving it in the winter and once or twice a week/weekends...

Or..

Sell it, buy a new car, thats good on gas and is more "practical" for what I use it for. I've looked at the Mazda 3 Hatchbacks or possibly Subaru's.

My wife is relatively indifferent on the topic, shes not too keen on the 5-6k for a commuter car but she could probably be talked into it. Realistically, I probably wont' reach my western exploring goal for a few years so if I keep it, put this kind of mileage on it, it may have too many miles before I get to this point anyways.

Its relatively stock but is in perfect condition. All maintenance is done on it including timing belt, water pump, etc. and could leave for California tomorrow if it had to. Its not paid for completely as I still owe a few thousand on it.

So...I simply need some advice on this...whats your thought? What do you drive daily? How far?

 

Keep it. And who said you had to drop $6K on a commuter car? Search craigslist.org in your area for deals on some little Honda or Toyota (Coralla maybe). If all you do is drive the car to and from work, you shouldn't need a lot out of it. Keep the truck, build it the way you want it, and if the cheap car breaks...either sell it to buy another, or drive the truck for the time that the car is down.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I don't know how much would be acceptable to spend on a commuter car. I just need it to be reliable and get me the 85 miles/20k a year. So I was hoping to get me something that would at least last a few years. i figure depreciation on that many miles for my truck, plus annual depreciation anyways, plus gas...will equal $5ish grand within a year...