BajaRunner

I may have to sell my 4runner.

I have two options:

1) Sell the 4runner, buy an older 4-banger Toy PU and use for DDing and keep my FJ-40 for playing in (I just bought it last week).

2) Sell the Fj-40 and continue keep the 4runner

I am finally transferring to San Diego State, after 8 years at a community college, and that will require about 300 miles of driving each week, and thats just going to school... I still have to go to a job and run errands and cruise for chicks....

The 4-banger would be much better on gas, and will still get me into Baja for my trips that I look forward to through the year. I can use the FJ-40 for blowing all my hobby money on. Keep the 4-banger stock and use for everyday driving.

Sorry for the selfish "what should I DO!" post, but, we're all Toyota lovers and I will continue to only buy Toyota, so I guess I'm not missing out too much. I just would hate to sell the 4runner but, its just not economical for me right now!!??

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

Why not keep em both and buy a beater 88-92 Corolla? You can get em for about $1000 in nice shape and they get 30+ MPG

toy_tek

I say drive what ya got. Here's why.

So I got a couple cups of coffee goin and I was curious for myself to see what would be best in your situation.

I'm using some guesses, they might not be 100% accurate but probably close. Can I assume 2 years at SDS?

Your 4Runner: Lets say it gets 15mpg and your gas costs $3.40. At 300 miles per week you use 20 gallons and it costs $68.

Corolla (for arguements sake... way more economical than a 4banger 4x4). I had one, never got 30+mpg, so lets use 28 mpg. Gas is 3.40 still, and will cost you $37.40 per week, for a savings of $30.60 a week.

Now, I doubt in socal you'll get a decent Corolla for $1000. So lets say the car cost $1500 to buy, registration is $250, and figure $350 a year (x2) for maintenance which bring you to a total of $2450.

Saving $30.60 a week it will take you 80 weeks before you break even on the cost of your additional vehicle. If you're in school for 2 years that means you actually are ahead $30.60 for 24 weeks which is $734.

Of course there are tons of variables: does gas go up or down? What is your true mileage? Maintenance costs? PITA for owning and storing another vehicle? Only you can answer these.

I was at a point once where I had numerous vehicles to "save money". Its a PITA and a wash... well it was for me anyway.

osker fenix

keep the 4runner I dont want to see that thing go. Plus, the 4banger wont get as much love from the chicks as the 4runner

mpavolka

Get the Carolla! What 111db doesn't figure into his cost analysis is the cost of driving your 4Runner not to mention the miles you will add to it. Say you drive 300 mi a week plus 100 around town picking up chicks, your looking at putting on about 40,000 mi on your truck over tow years. How much does it cost to maintain a truck with 35"s, a six inch IFS lift, and everything else. You really want to put 40,000 mi on that when you could save say 30,000 by having another car.

Think of this too, how much money are you going to have to put into an older 4-cyl truck in order to get it reliable and the way you want it? Basically you will create what you already have.

There is only one logical answer... crotch rocket or better yet... moped.

stormin94

Take your time on your decision. I need to save up more money to buy your 4Runner

CC_yota

I know you've said in numerous threads that your stock gearing is cool by you but why not regear to regain your stock gas mileage AND keep the 40?

Or buy a used Yamaha Virago, Honda Rebel, or Kawasaki Eliminator? They run pretty cheap new so I bet you could get a used one for REALLY cheap...

rearviewmirror

I've got 5 cars these days, and the one I drive the most is a 1996 Saturn SL2. It gets 32MPG and takes on the elements well. Reliability is excellent w/ a strict maintenance regimen.

cackalak han

Like DeathCoug said, get a better daily driver. I had a 94 Civic and it got 40mpg on the highway. Cheap maintenance and pretty fun to drive. If you can, try to find a 92-95 Civic VX. They're a gas-efficient model that gets over 50MPG!!! But really hard to find, because it's a hatch and everybody wants one. 96-00 Civic HX's also get ~45MPG's, too. The best you're going to get in a Pick Up or any Toyota truck is 25MPG.

CJM

Here is what I would do:
1. Drop the insurance on the FJ if you do have it insured
2. Change your insurance on the runner to a pleasure vehicle, it will be cheaper
3. Buy an older beater toyota or honda and insure that as the main vehicle with just liability and drive that all over.

If you cut the insurance a bit you can sure save the cash.

aaron_crane

keep the 40!!!! I was thinking of selling my 71 when I bought my 4runner but couldn't do it. there is no better truck to cruise for girls in than fj40 with bikini top and no doors. go donate plasma twice a week you will get 30 bucks each time you donate and you can use that for gas money. thats what I do at-least.

Fink

Going by the two options you gave us...I would say go with option.

Sure, it's going to SUCK to get rid of the Runner but how often does an FJ-40 come along? I know I don't see many around here...not for sale at least.

Now, if you were going to think about other options. I would not worry about getting a Toy PU. I'd get an older Camry or Corolla, you can get a decent one for cheap. They get killer mileage and are reliable.

Granted, not as big of a chick magnet but this just means you'll have to rely on yourself instead of the ride.

Another cost you need to consider is insurance, granted if you lose the Runner and gain a Corolla/Camry then you shouldn't be out any so that might be a good option.

That's just my opinion obviously.

Good luck!

Fink

JasonWin

I'd also sudjest getting a small car, I love my tercel, and you can get them super cheap. Make sure it has a 5-speed and your all set.

pattycakes77

iTrader: (2)

i hear ya! i've been looking for a small and cheap but also stylish and classic economical car for about six months. i was all set to buy an '87/'88 VW scirocco until i found my '85 4runner. it was a deal i could not pass up, still probably better gas mileage than my 3rd gen, but i'm still looking for the VW if it ever pops up.

also, did that speed channel show with the modified FJ Cruisers off roading in New Zealand have anything to do with your purchase? after watching that program and seeing how much fun it looked, it certainly changed my mind about them, and i had thoughts of trading in on one.

all i would say is, if you have a grand and a little extra space to store one more vehicle, i'd say keep what you have and buy an economical beater and keep building the others.