what to do about daily driver

Paul T · 12-07-2008, 02:55 PM

I have an 06 4runner that is coming off lease next month. I was originally going to buy it but I'm annoyed that Toyota will not budge on price, plus it's always fun to think about other options

The buyout is 22k which is actually decent (it's a loaded Limited w/ v8), but I would love to not have to drive an suv everyday - although I need some type of large vehicle for home depot runs and our enourmous dog (st bernard).

Here are some thoughts I'm having.

1. turn the truck in, buy an old f150 for a couple of grand for hauling and then get into a 3-4yr old 3 series or CLK350 for a nice daily driver. Pros: more fun driving each day, Cons: gonna cost a little more than 23k

2. turn the truck in, buy an old f150 and use my 86 911 as a daily. Pros: much more fun driving (when not stuck in traffic), cons: I've had a 911 as a dd and it's brutal in my 45 minute stop and go commute.

3. buy the truck, move on.

4. Other??

I guess I'm really just trying to find a way to get a new car! But, I don't want to spend any more than I have to and make a stupid decision. I tend to make poor car choices this time of year when I'm in "winter mode" that I soon regret come spring...

Rick V · 12-07-2008, 03:12 PM

Buy the truck and sit on the rest of the money.JMO

gprsh924 · 12-07-2008, 03:14 PM

I like option 2

aigel · aigel's Garage

22k is a lot of dough. I would go with option 2. Stay away from the 97+ F150. Go with an earlier one. Also consider a full size bronco 95-96 as a good compromise. You will save $19k and really not miss out on much. Also account for insurance premiums - your beater truck will be much less with collision only ...

George

onlycafe · 12-07-2008, 08:28 PM

go with option #2, change your hours to avoid stop and go commute [if possible].

aigel · aigel's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlycafe

go with option #2, change your hours to avoid stop and go commute [if possible].

A decent truck will make a nice commuter too - just switch back and forth - until gas goes up again.

George

Axeman · 12-07-2008, 10:40 PM

Have you thought about a used Tundra? They're great trucks and go forever. You could use it as a daily driver and put the rest of the money in the bank with this crazy economy (or buy gold).

My $0.02

onewhippedpuppy · 12-08-2008, 05:14 AM

There is no worse vehicle to own today than a V8 SUV. Do a quick search of Autotrader and look at how many are out there, and how little they are selling for. Even a V8 Toyota won't hold it's value nearly as well as many other vehicles. The point? Your $22k is going to be worth $10k in a short period of time, especially when gas goes back up.

Look at what you can get in a 3-series for $15k-$20k. An E46 with under 50k is easy to find in that price range, possibly in a CPO. There's also a few E90s. Do a little looking and you could probably find an E46 330i ZHP, as close to a 4-door E46 M3 as BMW made. With a ZHP as your DD, you wouldn't miss your 911.

Then buy an old truck for $2k and you're set.

I'd avoid Mercedes in that range, from 2000 to 2006 or so they went through some real struggles with quality control and reliability. The last few years they seem to be returning to their old form.

mtelliott · 12-08-2008, 05:50 AM

Turn the truck in. Work with an company that can buy it back at auction. You'll get your truck at probably a cheaper price. Risk that you don't get it but you can name your price.

ME

jhynesrockmtn · 12-08-2008, 06:34 AM

Option 2. I've been driving my SC most days this fall and it's been great. Yes the stop and go can be a pain but the rest of the time makes up for it. Then buy a cheap 4*4 truck or older explorer or something.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

How long of a commute do you have? If it were me, you really can't beat the practicality of a truck, or larger suv. Plus, then you also have the fun car, the 911.

My commute is 62 miles each way when I am in town. During the warmer months the driving gets divided between my 911 and motorcycle. When its cold / snowy, I drive my 2001 Tahoe. They are dirt cheap to pick up right now, and as cars are never a wise investment, who cares what its worth in a couple of years.

Bill

Paul T · 12-08-2008, 08:52 AM

Thanks for the advice all, I'm somewhere between options 2 and 3 right now. Yes, I know a V8 SUV is not the best right now, but if I buy it I'm in for the long haul - I'm holding for 10 yrs and driving it into the ground.

Then again, giving it back and buying something a beater for 5k saves me some much needed dough, after this rough year...

Seahawk · 12-08-2008, 09:05 AM

Lots of good advice so far...

I own an F150 and a Tacoma. The only reason I own the F150 is to tow stuff, the Tacoma is perfect for everything else. I'm 6'4 and still fit.

You can get a Tacoma with a bed cab on it in great shape for very little compared to buying the Tundra back.

It is always fun to ponder

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

Some dealerships in Michigan are selling two trucks for the price of one - not kidding.

You can get a great deal on a new truck, look into it , and it may be less than the 22k.