My wife and I are moving to Australia for a minimum of three years, but it could be longer since we're going on an actual transfer, not an assignment. I have a 2000 Limited 4WD 4Runner w/ 58k miles on it, I really hate to sell it, but I fear what may happen with it if stored. Any thoughts? I know some of the "prep" work that can be done for a stored truck, but are there any bigger risks? Or perhaps I should just sell it, of course it's paid off so I know if/when we come back I'd have to drop some dosh on another car, and low mileage 3rd gens wouldn't be easy to find.

Any thoughts?

 

if you do it right there shouldn't be a problem storing it

 

yea i would store it for sure, just look up the neccessary steps for storing it. Everyone usually regrets selling their rig and as cheap as rigs are going now days you would get shafted.

 

Bring it with you?

 

x2..How much does it cost to put it on a boat..

Have you seen the wheelin they got down under !??

 

X3

it probably isnt that much more to ship it there and then back then it is to rent a storage unit for 3 years...

but, if you dont take it with you, it would probably be better to sell it. with all the money you would be spending on storage fees, then it would be better to just spend that and what you sold if for on a new one

 

If you store it put it up on jack stands so the tires don't get flat spots and drain all the fluids gas,diffs,motor rad ect. roll up all windows cover the seats with something and make sure it's a temp controlled storage unit

 

I would sell it and buy a diesel Hilux or a Surf when you get down there, then ship that bastard back home in 3 years.

Then you get a cool ride in Aussie land, get to hit some cool terrain while you are there, then have a cool and at least rare in the U.S. ride when it is all said and done.

Oh, you might want to check customs laws though, you might only be able to bring it home as an off road pleasure vehicle only...... SCORE!!

 

u in the military?

 

Sell it, or take it with you. Storing for 3+ years is not the best for a vehicle.

 

It's truly the cost of storage that should drive your equation. If you are going to be spending $100/mo = $1200/yr for secured but not climate controlled - well after 3yrs that's half the value of the vehicle. You HOPE that mice & bugs don't get in there while you're away - and upon your return you'll have a 12'ish year old 4Runner granted with low miles. Upon your return (IF you come back at all) you'll be bringing plenty of moolah from your ex-patriot gig I suspect.

So what's the value besides the emotional attachment to your truck. It will depreciate just with age. Can't avoid it. Now if you loathe the newer body style and scoff at the newer technology coming out - it might be worth keeping.

But to keep a vehicle un-used for multiple years that has zero chance of appreciation, doesn't make financial sense, and even less so if you have to pay money to do so. Oh and don't forget you'll be paying storage insurance on it as well.

 

take it with you. i know its pretty cheap to ship from Germany, thats how we got my moms mercedes

 

I would check into it, shipping I saw a 60's mustang that had a sign on the back for the steering wheel on the right (wrong) side.