I agree w/ Robinhood. Patience, grasshoppa! Your college (ie:future) is more important than going 4xing right now. It is very hard when you find something perfect and you come to the realization it is just out of reach. It sounds like you would be eeking out a living w/ new car payments which is not financially sound.

I feel your pain. I love 68/69 SS Chevelles and I found a 69 on Ebay IN TOWN w/ a slightly tubbed rear, straight body, and no engine/tranny for just over $2200. I came very close to bidding. Thought things over and decided I HAVE to put money into my IRA, and turn my carport into a two car garage before making any "toy" decisions (to keep future Chevelle secure ). My perfect project car...not the right time .

 

ya, you guys are right, i just dont have the means to be making car payments. I'll just be happy with what i have i guess

-Casey

 

Well, if you want to you can get a cheap, reliable DD like a civic and also get a samurai or an old toyota.

 

i think i'd rather have my runner

 

Glad to see that you're not blinded by the desire for a 4x4 and capable of being logical

I think if I could trade up to a 4by with the same features I have now I'd do it in a heartbeat
Unless I think about it... whew, no thanks - maybe later.

 

Casey,
if you can, wait untill the end of the month, the dealers want that end of month sale,, or even better, wait untill the end of Dec. end of year, they will almost "give " it to ya,
Ric

 

Here is an idea I don't think anyone suggested that might be a happy medium. Buy a pre-owned 98 or 99 4runner 4x4 and switch all your goodies from your current rig to the new (to you) 4runner.

IMHO - The ride on a 4Runner is much better than a Tacoma (I've got one of each), and your car payment should be lower than a new truck.

Good Luck!

 

everyone is so sensible. The '03 taco will rock. You'll get a decent trade in (I suspect) for your 2wd 4runner, so you're truck payments should be less than $300/month. You will have to register a new vehicle....... that got me good on my new truck.

but as previously mentioned, Toyota is clearing out their '03s. I got 0% finance on mine for 5 years, but that sale is over. But dealers want the '03's gone to make room for the '04s. see if you can't get the dealer down to rediculously low, and if you can't then wait until college is over.

Just think of all the college girls checking you out because of your sweet new black truck.....

haha, just kidding. Be sensible, don't take on huge debt without a good plan!

 

been there, done that, DON'T FOLLOW IN MY FOOTSTEPS.

However, if you want a 4WD, find some decent coils for up front and get some cheap spacers. Change them out with the SAW's. Remove other goodies and sell the 98 2WD. Find a good 96 or 97 4WD and install the SAW's + scavenged goodies. That way, you get a 4WD TOYOTA and it's got some mods giving you a jump-start on making it a capable off-road ride.

Best of luck on whatever you decide...

 

Well thanx for all the great replies guys! I really appreciate every angle everyone has added. i just gotta say tho that right now i have no payments on the runner, and i have about $300 for living expenses per month. and i only make about $600 a month not including tips. so if i had a car payment, i would have no money for mods or fun. that doesnt sound all that appealing.

this does sound like a good idea, i might look into it if i dont have to pay too much more for the used 4x4. also, itaking out my locker out of my 98 right now would be quite an expensive ordeal, so i dont know if it would be easier to find a runner with an e-locker, or just pay to transfer the ARB?

-Casey