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Trucks
Aug 6, 2019 21:14:57 GMT -5
Post by MsAli on Aug 6, 2019 21:14:57 GMT -5
So I need some general advice and help
I am going to need a new vehicle when I get to Minnesota
I really want a 4runner, but do I NEED one?
Other options are
GMC Canyon Chevy Colorado Toyota Tacoma
I've already ruled out the Ford ranger
I'm not looking for new as I dont really want a car payment that is gonna kill me
Plus I am buying a house within a year (another major life decision) and need to keep my payments around 500 (per lender)
So I'm looking at around 29,000 ?
Thoughts, advice? Keep in mind I want 4wd and something that can tow a fishing boat and get me in and out of the woods
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El JeffA
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2016
Posts: 353
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Post by El JeffA on Aug 6, 2019 21:25:59 GMT -5
I drive a full size GMC Sierra 4WD and love it. But for the smaller size, I think it would be hard to beat the Toyota...issue may be the price. It will probably higher than the others. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with all of your decisions!
Jeff A
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Post by MsAli on Aug 6, 2019 21:31:52 GMT -5
Thank you Jeff! I agree the Toyotas are really hard to beat when it comes to maintaining value. You cant get a used one for much less than a new one.
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Trucks
Aug 6, 2019 22:18:08 GMT -5
Post by hummingbirdstones on Aug 6, 2019 22:18:08 GMT -5
Ali, check carguru.com. I think you'll be able to find something.
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Trucks
Aug 6, 2019 22:27:01 GMT -5
Post by MsAli on Aug 6, 2019 22:27:01 GMT -5
I've been looking on there and edmunds It's hard right now as I'm not there to see them I kind of wanted an idea of which way people lean. Is there one that is better than the other? If so why? So far Tacoma and GMC lead the race. Is there a certain year that's better or stay away from? Do I really need an off road package? Granted on occasion, I try stupid stuff that seem like a good idea at the time Then I also have to think of snow, which I havent driven in for 20 years
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Post by aDave on Aug 7, 2019 1:17:30 GMT -5
Wow, where to start. I'll preface this by saying I probably won't have a good answer for you. But, that said, I don't think it's overkill at all for you to get a 4WD, especially if you plan on going back to MN. Even without the winter weather, the fact you may be going off-road would warrant a 4WD vehicle, IMHO. For me, simply by having to deal with snow and ice would add the need for a 4WD pickup...if that's the type of vehicle you're looking to own. I'm on my third 4WD pickup. Over the years, I have owned an '83 Toyota, an '88 extra cab Ford Ranger, and, now, a full-size GMC Sierra crew cab (which I absolutely love, BTW). Some might consider my truck overkill, but I've absolutely loved it by having 4WD when I need it. Don't know where I'd be if I needed it and didn't have it. When compared to Toyota, a GMC or Chevy (Canyon or Colorado) will not be as expensive for what is offered. For some reason, Toyotas still hold their value which make them more expensive when buying used. FWI, having also been a Nissan truck owner, I'd just stay away from them...period. GM makes great trucks, and there's no reason to steer away from them. Since you are by yourself, make the decision about what body style you're looking for (extra cab or crew-cab) and go from there. It sounds like you might be in the market for a mid-sized truck, so your $20K will go alot further. Frankly, it won't be alot further as trucks are expensive. But, you'll still do better with a mid size truck over full size. As far as an actual "off-road" package, that may not be necessary depending what is offered with a vehicle with that label. In many instances, all that means is heavier duty shocks and springs, but you still get 4x4. If you are not whomping over heavy bumps and ruts, and you're simply driving in areas where 4WD traction is a benefit, you might be OK with just the basic four wheel drive package. If you want to find out about issues with particular vehicles, go to the forums. Keep in mind that the amount of complaints are probably far outweighed by folks who have no issues whatsoever. I visit www.gm-trucks.com/ to learn about issues with my particular truck. I don't know the good forums for Toyotas and their issues. As I said, I knew I wouldn't have a good answer for you, but I hope I can give you a start. Unfortunately, you're going to have to do a bunch research. Hope this helps some.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2019 1:37:15 GMT -5
I've had a Toyota 4x4 (early 1990s) and just traded in a 14 year old Chevy Colorado. Neither had any serious problems, did what I asked and were still going strong when I turned over the keys. The Colorado (4 door with the L5 engine) was roomier and got better gas mileage than the Toyota. There was some trouble with the L5 getting carbon buildup in the cylinders prior to 2005 or 2006 model years, esp. if only used on short trips, so you might want to avoid prior to 2005-2006. Toyota had a bit higher clearance, but both handled fine in snow and up and down moderately rough tracks. There is always the bad apple in any barrel, so have anything you consider checked out (and/or get a guarantee that lasts more than 3-4 months). Also take into consideration whether one of the major service points is coming up or is overdue - those will add another $1000 to the cost if you have to pay for them shortly after purchasing. I'd probably still have the Colorado, but had to get something lower to the ground temporarily, and am hoping that by the time I next upgrade that I'll be able to get something like this (had been impatiently waiting a decade for E-motor pickups with decent range because I never want to go back to an ICE). As far as taxes, CA taxes (in total, including sales, property and others) are quite a bit lower than MN, which is ranked as the nation's least tax friendly state.
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Post by rmf on Aug 7, 2019 8:33:06 GMT -5
MsAli So this is a permanent move? They have better rocks in CA but worse taxes. Though Lake Superiors are pretty nice. I had a friend give me a link to: www.carcomplaints.com/ You can look up by model and year and see what the major malfunction reported is. It is a great tool since there are years when motors or transmissions are crap and and other years where the major issues is insignificant. Good hunting both with rocks and autos. Though rocks are more important as long as you can get them home.
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Trucks
Aug 7, 2019 9:10:50 GMT -5
Post by MsAli on Aug 7, 2019 9:10:50 GMT -5
MsAli So this is a permanent move? They have better rocks in CA but worse taxes. Though Lake Superiors are pretty nice. I had a friend give me a link to: www.carcomplaints.com/ You can look up by model and year and see what the major malfunction reported is. It is a great tool since there are years when motors or transmissions are crap and and other years where the major issues is insignificant. Good hunting both with rocks and autos. Though rocks are more important as long as you can get them home. For now its permanent but life has a way of changing so it may be temporary California had never felt like home to me. My daughter is staying here and that's breaking my heart a bit Thank you for that link, I'll definitely have to check it out And theres more than lakers in dem der woods, plus I'll be close to Thunder Bay Ontario, and the Dakotas.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Aug 7, 2019 10:07:34 GMT -5
One word "Toyota".... Have seen what they can do and will do..... As for the others, no comment..
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Aug 7, 2019 10:13:37 GMT -5
Hope you like the cold winters up north (seasoned cold weather veteran here) hahaha... I hated the winters, but the summers and falls were great! Less people and cities, that's a bonus (I'm not a people person).. Open roads and lots of places to explore up north... Have fun and enjoy the adventure... I don't blame you about California, to political and busy!!
Got a buddy that lives in Mn and he hounds some great material... Lakers, agates, jaspers and others....
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Post by MsAli on Aug 7, 2019 11:02:34 GMT -5
Hope you like the cold winters up north (seasoned cold weather veteran here) hahaha... I hated the winters, but the summers and falls were great! Less people and cities, that's a bonus (I'm not a people person).. Open roads and lots of places to explore up north... Have fun and enjoy the adventure... I don't blame you about California, to political and busy!! Got a buddy that lives in Mn and he hounds some great material... Lakers, agates, jaspers and others.... I am not looking forward to the frozen north. I don't own ANY winter stuff, so that's is another shopping trip but there is a ton I am looking forward too and some not so much Adventure for sure
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Trucks
Aug 8, 2019 19:23:50 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by NDK on Aug 8, 2019 19:23:50 GMT -5
MsAliI currently own a '13 f150 & love it. Previous was an '02 Jeep liberty and loved that too (was like a 4wd go cart) except for the crap gas mileage. I've heard great things about Subaru. Maybe something else to add to your list for consideration.
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harrym
having dreams about rocks
NH - The Granite State
Member since January 2019
Posts: 59
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Post by harrym on Aug 10, 2019 7:06:24 GMT -5
Since I'm semi-retired and no longer needed a full size p/u I went with a Tacoma. I have no regrets. In 2012 I bought a used 2010 w/ 23,000 miles. Now has 141,000 and besides normal stuff like brakes, etc., it hasn't cost me a dime. For a p/u its pretty good on gas too. My last p/u was a Ranger and I had a lot of problems with it.
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Trucks
Aug 10, 2019 9:54:23 GMT -5
Post by MsAli on Aug 10, 2019 9:54:23 GMT -5
This has been very helpful! I thank everyone that's offered advice so far
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Post by Rockoonz on Aug 10, 2019 12:05:43 GMT -5
I am quite happy with my 2000 X-cab Ranger, but will be trading for full sized soon as I can. The only way I'll buy a used Toyota is from a private party who is selling way under book. Their IMO unearned reputation makes them overpriced on the used market, at least trucks and SUV's anyway. We may be getting a Sienna van, but if we do it will need to be a low miles one plus $3k put away for the inevitable Toyota V6 head gasket replacement. Our Suzuki SUV's have been amazing, but now that they're no longer sold in the US Parts will probably get spendy. I wonder if you shouldn't buy out west before you move to the rust belt?
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mud
having dreams about rocks
Member since May 2018
Posts: 69
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Post by mud on Aug 10, 2019 12:47:28 GMT -5
My all time favorite vehicle was my '97 Toyota Land Cruiser. If I had $29k in my pocket and needed to buy a vehicle today, I'd look for a relatively new Land Cruiser that has had an easy life (probably more of them in California than in Minnesota).
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Trucks
Aug 10, 2019 17:57:40 GMT -5
Post by MsAli on Aug 10, 2019 17:57:40 GMT -5
The buying out west or even southwest has crossed my mind. I'm also watching very closely the prices. It's getting to be end of quarter and almost end of year. If I'm patient, I could end up with a really great deal on a 4runner I've got my eye on
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Aug 10, 2019 19:15:17 GMT -5
Come to Prescott and car shop! We'd have a blast and you could stay at my house.
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Post by MsAli on Aug 10, 2019 19:31:08 GMT -5
Come to Prescott and car shop! We'd have a blast and you could stay at my house. We would have a blast and probably wouldnt get much car shopping done
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