Truck Shopping Advice Needed

12k miles a year? Ha that's 4 months for me.

12k miles a year? Damn that's 4 months for me.

 

And then brag about how much they’re making in the market since they invested what they were going to spend on a new truck.

 

Raptor. The other trucks on your list aren’t even in the same room.

 

Is this for a stripped down version with no bells and whistles?? That seems really cheap.

 

FYI for those who are considering a new Tacoma, it gets some bad reviews so be sure to go on a very long test drive.
They still sell a alot of them but if you check forums such as Tacomaworld, there are ALOT of complaints about the new model which came out in 2016.
Some say its fine but its hard to deny the number of low mileage used ones for sale and multiple posts on issues.
The automatic is the source of many complaints, the new 3.5 is a higher RPM engine, it struggles to hold speed on flat ground and will downshift 1-2 gears over and over.
There is a aftermarket transmission controller and a tune available that makes it drive like it should have come from the factory.
Quality control has taken a serious step back, hopefully it gets better in future model years but I think the 2018s are the same.
Leaking 3rd brake light, CPS sensor, differential leakage, differential howling, driveline vibration, seat wear are some of the issues I saw when researching.

 

There was an update for the AT late in 16. Mine has 3 pedals so not affected.
Yeah the mileage isn’t great. Haven’t seen any of the other complaints so far.

 

That’s 2 years for me

 

I drove the Cherokee SRT today and I think I am heading in that direction. They are bad ass

 

Critter, you must have pre-licked some of those envelopes you sold the retailer that eventually sold them to George Costanza's fiancée. Yes folks, he was (or still is, perhaps) an envelope salesman.

Buying any vehicle is a bad financial "investment," period. Is it nice? Fun? Perhaps. But from a financial prospective, stupid.

A very recent example: my elderly mother wanted a new, smaller car to replace her 2012 Camry XLE. She wanted a Corolla, like she used to have, or something similar. I encouraged her to consider a Ford Focus. I had rented a few earlier this year and liked it. I thought it would be a good fit for her. And I absolutely hate the local Toyota dealer and would burn down that place to the ground if I legally could.

My research found that a 2018 model Focus, with the specs she desired, would be delivered to her local dealer soon. Of course they wanted to sell her something already on their lot (or the lot of a partner dealer). We were asked if a 2017 MY was an option. We said yes, and a maxed out 2017 Focus Titanium w/ Tech Package and GPS was available. 2017MY had higher rebate, so we bought it.

The total ("out the door") cash purchase price was 26 percent .... that's right ... 26 percent off of "retail." So is buying something that loses 25% of its value on Day One a good thing to do in order to "save on taxes?" Hale no. And that is what will typically happen if you buy any vehicle, unless you were on the list to buy a GT40. (that I would endorse buying)

To minimize payment of federal taxes, there are many other, more sensible approaches. For example: Did you max out a self-employed 401K? This was mentioned in an earlier thread (a pretty good one, I must add) on investing. I believe you are over 50 years of age. Max you can contribute is $60K. Much more sensible than buying a truck.

I strongly suggest you sit back and rethink this process. And get a real tax specialist, not the guy that has a bait shop and does taxes on the side. His insight on Red Wigglers may be keen, but it is not with regard to current tax code or wise investment approaches.

 

The Cadillac of worms?

 

The answer is out there...

 

My friend showed up with his new Raptor this weekend. I asked him why he traded in his '13 Raptor and he said it was because the dealer gave him 85% of the cost of his '13 with 50K miles towards a new one, so he would have been stupid not to. Plus he said the new V6 bi-turbo blows away the V8 in every category. Used trucks must be red hot right now.

 

but are they over the weight limit?

 

Look up the used diesel trucks and let's talk again how vehicles depreciate 25% on day 1- more like 25% in 5 years and 100k on the clock.

 

The srt8 Jeep will drop in half in value in about 2 years or less, by far the worst on the list mentioned here in that regard.

 

Looks like you're talking a price range of 40K to 90K and and SUV or a Truck. Quite a few different options when you look at it like that.
What are the must haves and nice to haves?
Since you're looking at trucks and SUVs, one thing that jumps out at me that would have a Mercedes-like interior would be a Mercedes.

 

I wish. I'm looking at the 2014's and they're still over 40k.

 

I've had a 2016 Tacoma for almost 2 years. Almost 52,000 miles.

I haven't had a single issue with it.

Tow with it a couple of times a month.

It gets about 20 MPG in the city or highway.

I do wish there wasn't so much wind noise.

 

They were $80k plus new. If these are at dealership lots, someone got $30-35k trade-in for their 2-3 year old $80k Jeep.