Alright guys and gals, it's time to put your/our thinking caps on.
I'm working at the biggest/best selling Toyota dealership in this region - which gives me access to all the latest and greatest things Toyota has to offer.

At the same time, I have about $5-$6k equity in my current truck.
I think that equity is having the same effect as cash - it's "burning a hole in my pocket."

While working at the dealership, I have had the privilege of meeting/learning from some of the best guys/gals in the business today.

We had a Tundra Trainer at our store last week.
He had a "cutaway Tundra" with him - basically the guts of the Tundra.
No body, no interior, no bed - just the frame and driveline.

He showed us 140 small ways that the Tundra outperforms the competition.
It was the most rewarding/fulfilling thing relating to cars that I have ever seen.

In a lot of ways I am more grateful than anything to have been able to experience this - but at the same time, I wish I hadn't.

I instantly fell in love with the Tundra - inside and out.
From the 4 valves per cylinder, to the size of the ring gear, to the turning radius, to the TripTech Frame, to the Dual VVT-i, to the size of the wheel bearing.

I have since demo'd a Limited CrewMax 4x4 5.7L loaded minus navi.
Amazing. I hadn't driven a CrewMax before. Amazing.

However, I know, in the back of my mind beyond the amazing ride quality and overall bada$$ness of the Tundra, that I have no need for such a beast.

So then I said - hey, what about an FJ.
I fell in love all over again.

I had driven an FJ but not too the extent that I did this time.
I had it for two full days - and I really tested it out.
I drove my normal, everyday route, parked in the same spots I park the Tacoma in, take the turns just as fast as I do in the Tacoma.
I wanted to get the true feeling of the FJ in my everyday routine.

It was pretty much perfect - but I'm a little worried that it's too small.
My current girlfriend and future fiancee has a two year old girl.
She's only going to get bigger - she already hits the back of my seat with her feet in her car seat.

I don't know if you guys know this about me but I am SUPER OCD about my trucks - I am WAY too picky about the way I take care of my trucks.

From not letting people brush against them when it's dirty - to being careful not to let my fingernails scratch my steering wheel/door trim on my way out of the truck.

However, aside from that - I think the FJ would be the perfect truck for me.
Slap some BFG A/T's on it, mount a Maglite or two, a fire extinguisher or two and a few other small things and I'd be set.

Then comes Saturday.
I drove an '09 Tacoma off the truck and took it for a joy ride.
While it doesn't have that whole new car feeling since I am used to it but it does have all the features I wish mine had.

Biggest thing is safety - side curtain and seat-mounted air bags.
With the two year old in mind, that is a big concern/plus.

It's got the iPod plug-in, traction control, backup camera (freaking sweet by the way), JBL sound system (with the TRD packages) and a few other small things that I really like.

Then my final, most fiscally efficient option.
Stick with what I got.

I've got a good record going with my payments, I pay extra each month on it, I've got a great interest rate and an awesome truck.

There are a few small things about it that are bugging me (OCD once again).
Like a stain in the rear seat, a few scratches and tar marks in the paint and a very annoying, ellusive rattle in my glove box.

But those are very tiny things on the grand scheme of things.
Mechanically the truck is 110%.

I don't know what I want to do or what would be best for me.
So...I've made this a poll to see what you guys would do.

Sorry for the long post but I wanted to lay it all out so I can get a good, fair idea of what others would do in my situation.

So post up and let me know what you think.

Thanks!

Fink

 

I'd go FJ, Personally I find the new Tacomas too big for my taste, And if I was gonna get a full size I'd want a big diesel truck for towing so Tundra isn't really my thing either. So ya, I'd go FJ

 

I'd go Tundra anyways. if you want to expand your family, there you go. Plus the safety of a full size truck over a mid-sized, plus all the features.

and then, when you want to get a camper or a boat, you can pull it. when you want to take a family vacation, you have enough cargo room. when the kid gets big, you have plenty of leg room.

just my .02, however if you have zero use for a Tundra, it is sort of a waste...

 

i would have to go with the FJ too. but the new tundras are badasses and i don't know what the new taco looks like. is it the same body style. btw which dealership do you work at??

 

I think the Tacoma's are a perfect size to be honest.
Coming from a 3rd gen 4Runner it's a nice step up - plus I love the 4.0L.

The Tundra is the best of the best in the truck world - from compact to heavy duty, it's whether it'd be worth the drop in mileage to go with it.

Those are exactly my reasons for the Tundra too.

But with it having a huge V8 and getting around 17-19mpg - doesn't seem to be the smartest thing these days.



The new Tacoma looks exactly the same as it did in '05 with the exception of a few interior changes and some minor exterior things.

Thanks for the replies guys, keep them comning!

Fink

 

If I were in your shoes knowing what I know now at almost 40, I'd keep the truck I had $5-6K equity in until it was paid for and drive it until the wheels fall off...then I'd buy another. There is nothing in the world greater than OWNING a vehicle that still runs...and I got 3 that will be running for a LONG time.

I love my Tundra, but if I didn't have to have a tow rig for my business...it would be gone...I absolutely loathe writing the payment for it each month.

Save your money Finkman.

 

X2 on driving it until the wheels fall off. I'm a huge believer in taking advantage of the life of the vehicle, especially a Toyota that will run forever with proper care, so long as its suiting your daily needs.

 

I have to agree with wabbit on this one but will add to it
The extra money you spend on a new payment would be great for buying all the goodies for your TACOMA that you find so attractive in the FJ and new Tacoma or even the Tundra. With all the extra cash you can build exactly what you want out of your Taco and still not worry about the extra cash for a payment for the next 5 years.

 

Havent read past this yet, but were the hell were you when I needed parts for cheap???

Saving is the best thing you can do but then again so is playing!

 

Thanks for all the advice guys!

As far as the monthly payment goes, I'm going to do whatever I can to keep it right where I'm at right now - $360/mo.

While working at the dealership I can get an FJ for right at invoice or several hundred below (net). Tundra's are pretty much the same (except a much more $$ rig) and Tacoma's are pretty close.

Really, my main thing is not increasing my gas bill by too much.

So keep that in mind when voting too.

Fink

 

So how are you gonna use this rig? That's the biggest thing in the end ... if it's to drive it to work, get a Prius or a Yaris and laugh at all the people driving huge SUV's getting less than half the mileage you are!

All that said, if I worked for a big dealership, I would be pulling strings to get a diesel truck or Prado imported...

 

Is a Land Cruiser out of the running? If so, I would just stay with what you have.

 

Well Fink. I understand wanting something else. I want a 4x4 so bad sometimes but I just tell myself to take my time and be happy with what I have. Sometimes I have to look at the older trucks on the road and think "if I was driving that thing I would kill to have a 2003 Tacoma". I'm young so I don't know how much weight my advice has but with the way things are going lately I'm just focusing on paying off my current truck to own it outright. I know it's the least popular vote because buying something new sounds way more fun but I say if you aren't getting stuck in the mud and your truck can get you unstuck from a snow bank (my reasons I need 4x4) just stick with what you have. Just remember, some people with 2003 tacomas would kill for a nice newer black 4x4 DC Tacoma.

 

Here is WA. state all Toyota dealers until the end of the month have zero financing on FJ Cruisers.
First commercial I have seen with the FJ inputted into it.

Fink, it is all up to you what will make you happy.
Personally for me there was only one choice, the FJ was the only vehicle that turned me on enough to shell out $30K for a brand new vehicle again since my last one that I bought in 1990.

I have a short commute too, only thirty miles round trip, so gas prices are of no concern to me.
Ya gotta be happy with what you drive too, as you will be stuck with it for awhile.

 

I have a Tundra because it might be called into action to pull a horse trailer on occasion. I have to admit, the rear seating capacity on my CrewMax is great for my kids. Being able to recline their seats on a long trip is a very good thing. And as I am sure you know, the safety of the Tundra is top notch. Having said all of that, if not for the towing possibility, I would own a Tacoma Double Cab. Smaller, more nimble, better mpg... everything about it would make more sense. If I were single, I would be going with an Access Cab so I could opt for the four cylinder, but that is just me.

If you go Tacoma, I would stay with the one I have. Stains can be cleaned, scratches can be buffed, and you're money ahead for when you do start your family! Just be aware, kids are going to make your OCD go into hyperdrive.

At the end of the decision making process, sit down with pen and paper and write down what your needs are in a vehicle, and list the pros and cons of each.

 

I have to agree with wabbit and olharleyman as well. With the current economy nobody's job is stable drive er till the wheels fall off. Only reason to replace it is if you have an absolute need for something else. (pull a trailer, family of 5 ect) just my .02c

 

The rig will be my daily driver as well as weekend toy.
I drive about a 25 mile round trip each day so it's not a real long commute.

I also have a 4wheeler, two lawn mowers, weed eater, gas cans, etc...
I have to have something that will be able to haul all of that.

With that said, a pickup is nice but a trailer is just as nice if not nicer since it is lower to the ground for any big loads.

As it is right now, I am scared to put my Prairie 360 ATV in the back of my Tacoma after watching how much the tailgate sagged with all the weight on it during loading.

Once the ATV is in the bed, it hauls it perfectly - it's just the stress of the loading/unloading/loading/unloading/etc...

With a new one being around $75k well equipped - the answer is a definite no.
I'm really wanting to stay with a new rig whichever way I decide.
After working at the used lot here at Toyota, even the nicest/cleanest cars can have hidden issues that could cost thousands.

I'm young too so you're advice is probably the most applicable in this situation.

You have a great outlook on life and it's refreshing to hear that - very good way to look at it.

Right now, the FJ is my most attractive option - with the exception of the smaller back seat.

If I were to go with an FJ I would order an '09 - all the '08s on our lot have been sitting for over 200 days.

They do have some nice incentives going on for all three of my options.

$5000 cash back on the Limited Tundra
$4000 cash back on the SR5 Tundra
$2500 cash back on the Base Tundra

$500 cash back on the Tacoma

0% APR for 36 months on the FJ.

With my credit union (NASA FCU) I can get a super low rate for a longer term.
While I know it'd be ideal to pay it off in 36/48 months, the payments for that term would put it way out of my budget.

I would rather not be completely strapped for cash month-to-month than have a shorter term.

Thank you for your advice and experiences.
I love the Tundra - they are so superior it's unbelievable.

I would never use the Tundra to its full capacity.
I would probably feel more comfortable putting my ATV in the back because it's such a hoss of a truck but that's about all I would ever haul with it.

My biggest reason for going with a newer Tacoma would be safety, handsdown.

Stains and scratches are minute things - I agree.
But after watching the crash tests of the Tacoma's without the side air bags - it freaks me out putting my girlfriends two year old or even my buddies back there.

The backup camera is a HUGE help too!

Very good point and like I said in my original post - keeping what I have and continuing to pay extra per month is probably the most fiscally smart decision.

But at 21 do I really want to be completely fiscally smart?!

The bottomline is I think the FJ fits my needs absolutely perfectly.
Only two downsides as it is right now? Small back seat and I would have to get a trailer or borrow one.

I've been wanting to get a trailer anyway and it's a nice thing to have on hand - especially since that is usually my method of choice anyway given the scary sag of the tailgate.

I really appreciate all the advice - keep it coming!
Don't forget to vote for your choice!!

Fink

 

I use to strap my youngest son all the time into the back of my '90 Extracab into a child seat, then a booster seat.

I do not see how much of a difference it could be with the FJ.
At least it has the second suicide door that opens up to access it back there.
More room than what I had with the Extracab fussing with a childseat.

 

Good info Corey, thanks!

She fits back there in her seat but her feet are pushed up against the back of the seat. I could always put her in the middle and then just put a towel or something over the console so she didn't scuff it up.

Fink

 

Which seat?
I always put the childseat on the passenger side, as I drive all of my vehicles with the drivers seat all the way back and then up one notch.
Not much room that way then on the drivers side.