Sidelining the 31-year-old Trooper Orphan

[WilliamM2]

It is perhaps a luxury to have two vehicles when you live on a modest fixed income. But I don't think it will be a hardship for me.

You ignored the most important question. How many miles do you drive a year?
I mean, like you, I'm no longer working, being without a car for a few days really doesn't even matter. We keep enough supplies in the house to stay home for weeks.

If you want a new car, buy one, but ditch the trooper. Why pay to insure a 30 year old car?
As for your reasoning, the tariffs will be gone soon enough, so will trump. Prices may actually go down. I mean, the RAV4 is made in the US, and moron gave Japanese automakers lower tariffs than the US automakers. America first and all...

 

[BonzaiDuck]

You ignored the most important question. How many miles do you drive a year?
I mean, like you, I'm no longer working, being without a car for a few days really doesn't even matter. We keep enough supplies in the house to stay home for weeks.

If you want a new car, buy one, but ditch the trooper. Why pay to insure a 30 year old car?
As for your reasoning, the tariffs will be gone soon enough, so will trump. Prices may actually go down. I mean, the RAV4 is made in the US, and moron gave Japanese automakers lower tariffs than the US automakers. America first and all...

Well, William -- could be 5,000, could be 7,000 -- has often been below 4,000 mi/annum. That's why I think there's a lot of life left in the Trooper. It doesn't make sense to ditch it.

If you missed it before you posted, go back and check my two previous posts.

I had added two posts before you chose an earlier one to answer. [I'm sitting here killing time when I should be out and about doing my very important THINKGS! And -- what fun, driving that old rig!] In the one previous to the pic of the exterior Trooper, I noted that this vehicle -- over the years and particularly since 2019 -- has become a hobby. And I said that I objectively believe in applying a capital budgeting and cost-benefit logic to detached and practical car ownership, a hobby adds an entirely different dimension.

Here's a pic of the center console "project" with the mounted tablet, rear-view-night-vision, double tunes library, voice nav and recognition with Google Maps. I have to explain my attachment to this rig, because you are otherwise correct in your judgments. It's an ongoing hobby! Meanwhile I will temper my choice for a second car purchase. And as I said, the second car is a replacement for the truck I sold in July -- which was my "backup" ride. Anyway, the interior pic with the console. It apparently doesn't show the BlueTooth receiver in the cassette deck, or that I cleaned up and hid some of the visible wiring. The dash-mounted tablet gives me voice rec and voice nav with Google Maps, and I have internet with my cell-phone as mobile hotspot. Maybe I already added some of this detail in a previous post.

I just can't throw this old car away, William! And -- it's a hobby!

 

[manly]

You ignored the most important question. How many miles do you drive a year?
I mean, like you, I'm no longer working, being without a car for a few days really doesn't even matter. We keep enough supplies in the house to stay home for weeks.

If you want a new car, buy one, but ditch the trooper. Why pay to insure a 30 year old car?
As for your reasoning, the tariffs will be gone soon enough, so will trump. Prices may actually go down. I mean, the RAV4 is made in the US, and moron gave Japanese automakers lower tariffs than the US automakers. America first and all...

OP is infatuated with his old vehicle, so it is unlikely to beat him to the grave. As he's tried to explain, keeping it as a 2nd car isn't that expensive.* Like obviously he doesn't need a brand-new RAV4, and he doesn't need a "backup car" too. He spins up threads like this one to solicit "advice" but in reality, he's never willingly giving up his old Trooper. Cynics might say he's trolling us.

As I've said repeatedly, the worst play is to eat new car depreciation. Having said that, the RAV4 is unique in its class. The depreciation curve is actually quite slow. While I still wouldn't willingly eat new car deprecation, the reality isn't quite as bad as for all other models.
Personally I don't buy Toyotas, so I would be looking at lightly used CX-5 or CR-Vs instead.

* If it costs him total $500/yr and gives him joy, then who cares?

 

[lxskllr]

I've never had a vehicle that hasn't gone 250k reasonably trouble free miles.

The figure in my head is 200k. Everything after that is bonus miles. Stuff breaking before that is defective workmanship.

 

[WilliamM2]

Well, William -- could be 5,000, could be 7,000 -- has often been below 4,000 mi/annum. That's why I think there's a lot of life left in the Trooper. It doesn't make sense to ditch it.

If you missed it before you posted, go back and check my two previous posts.

I had added two posts before you chose an earlier one to answer.

Then keep the trooper, it's all you need.
As far as the post I replied to, I replied to the post where you quoted me. Seems totally normal to me?

Don't get me wrong, I love Toyota's. Mine has needed TWO repairs in 17 years and 83,000 miles. A radiator, which was $155 for the rad, hoses, and coolant. And a set of rear sway bar links, $35. The first 15 years it needed nothing but normal maintenance.

Now I'm only driving 2K to 3K miles a year. It would last forever, but around here, rust takes them out eventually.

I would never consider a car a hobby, unless I did my own work. That would probably drop your "repairs" to a fraction of what they are.

A "spare" has never occurred to me, I don't like having large expense things I don't need or use. It's a waste of resources.

On the other hand, the new RAV4's are on a Camry platform, and ride much better than a truck. And it would be much safer in the event of a crash than a 31 year old Isuzu.

 

[WilliamM2]

The figure in my head is 200k. Everything after that is bonus miles. Stuff breaking before that is defective workmanship.

I agree, with some brands. But for many American brands (usually actually made in Korea, China, Mexico, or Canada) 200K is a pipe dream...

Odd that Japanese cars that are actually made in USA, easily pass 200K or even 300K.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I agree, with some brands. But for many American brands (usually actually made in Korea, China, Mexico, or Canada) 200K is a pipe dream...

Odd that Japanese cars that are actually made in USA, easily pass 200K or even 300K.

I've taken stock of your comments, manly's and lxskllr's. It may be a shame that I might not get full use out of the RAV4, but I"d best incur the expense until I can't drive. When would that be? I can't say. AFter talking to a social worker today from county agency on aging, I'm ahead of the game for heading into assisted care -- which I don't need at all at this time, in this year, at my age. Meanwhile, I live on a hill in a gated community, and I want reliable wheels.

So I've had the Trooper back for 5 days? Went out to start the car this morning. The alternator is dead. Drove it back to the shop on the battery. It was one of those few things which was "due" -- end of life. If the OEM part has 90,000 miles of service, count on a Reman unit to go 50,000. So I'm going to swallow that expense, get the car back Friday, and shop for the Toyota. But this sort of thing -- in and out and in and out -- no good. You see how my confidence in this vehicle is rising and falling at the drop of a bad part?

As you say, I can explain that "it's a hobby". And -- maybe it is. perhaps not such a wise one. Whatever it is, if I have to worry more about it, I want to be backed up by a more reliable ride while they still let me drive.

A "beater", a vehicle older than five years or with mileage over 50,000 is just asking for more trouble.

Should I apologize for my dissertations here? I don't know. You read my stories. I appreciate your feedback.

I'm going to buy a new car. The Trooper can hang around for a few years. I need to quickly get to the point that I can either drive it once a week, or if anything that costs a lot arises, I can let it sit in the garage for months before I decide what to do with it. But I can pay for the insurance, the tires and the other periodic necessities.

WilliamM2 has a perspective roughly parallel -- at 3,000 miles/annum. I think I'd better pay the price to avoid finding out if I could've got by with the old car exclusively. I'm going to get a new or recent-pre-owned RAV4. That's all there is to it.

 

[WilliamM2]

WilliamM2 has a perspective roughly parallel -- at 3,000 miles/annum. I think I'd better pay the price to avoid finding out if I could've got by with the old car exclusively. I'm going to get a new or recent-pre-owned RAV4. That's all there is to it.

I think you misunderstood me. At 3-4K a year, that's LESS reason to get a new car.

I'm puzzled why this car with only 90K miles on it needs so many repairs? Seems odd to me. I don't trust mechanics, it's the main reason I DIY.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I think you misunderstood me. At 3-4K a year, that's LESS reason to get a new car.

I'm puzzled why this car with only 90K miles on it needs so many repairs? Seems odd to me. I don't trust mechanics, it's the main reason I DIY.

My Trooper has almost 210,000 miles on it. And as I said, I've kept a spreadsheet with miles, dollars, repair descriptions. I know how many miles I have left for things like ball joints, timing belt and other items. I just thought I'd get more miles from the alternator. I would've thought I'd get more out of the transmission than 90,000 miles, which was a rebuilt unit installed in 2004. (Maybe that's the 90,000 miles to which you refer.) I don't think my repair shop techs are sabotaging my car. The car told me the transmission needed work, and the old remanufactured alternator just died. that alternator was first replaced in 2009, and had to be replaced under warranty in 2010. It says something about the repair shop's choice of parts. But that shop has been closed, and the owner died of Alzheimer's four years after his retirement, dead in 2023.

I think you have a point about putting only a few thousand miles on a vehicle in a year. it could be a reason to just stick with the Trooper. After these experiences though, my first idea is for having two older cars in good repair, and my second idea is to simply -- and finally after a lifetime of a used car strategy keeping cars for decades -- buy a new or recent model pre-owned vehicle. I've never had the experience of a leased vehicle, and I don't like the prospects that some stain on the carpet is going to cost me extra.

It's a tough call, because of where I live and my perceived imperative need for personal transportation.

I like what my family says, though. I deserve to have a nice vehicle in my sunset years. I shouldn't limit myself to a simple business analysis of what makes more sense. If something happens to me, my heirs can sell the vehicle.

Right now, the imperative is to find a deal on the vehicle I want, and seal that deal. I don't want to go through a month like this again.

 

[WilliamM2]

My Trooper has almost 210,000 miles on it. And as I said, I've kept a spreadsheet with miles, dollars, repair descriptions. I know how many miles I have left for things like ball joints, timing belt and other items. I just thought I'd get more miles from the alternator. I would've thought I'd get more out of the transmission than 90,000 miles, which was a rebuilt unit installed in 2004. (Maybe that's the 90,000 miles to which you refer.)

That makes more sense. I assumed it from this:

The alternator is dead. Drove it back to the shop on the battery. It was one of those few things which was "due" -- end of life. If the OEM part has 90,000 miles of service, count on a Reman unit to go 50,000.

Thought you were replacing the original alternator the way it was worded.

And I wasn't implying that they are sabotaging your car, but that maybe they often suggest work that isn't really needed. It's quite common.
$1500 a year seems higher than any car I've ever owned.

So as I said before, get the Rav4. Get a new one since used is only a couple $K less. They are all hybrid now. They ride beautifully.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

That makes more sense. I assumed it from this:


Thought you were replacing the original alternator the way it was worded.

And I wasn't implying that they are sabotaging your car, but that maybe they often suggest work that isn't really needed. It's quite common.
$1500 a year seems higher than any car I've ever owned.

So as I said before, get the Rav4. Get a new one since used is only a couple $K less. They are all hybrid now. They ride beautifully.

I agree and I don't see any other option. I just want to avoid renting a Hertz or Avis so I can drive around and look at cars, so I want the old Trooper back in service. What I lost on it in dollars this year came out of monthly pension deposits that I'd moved to savings account. There's a sunk cost in what's been invested in the vehicle, but I believe there's light at end of the tunnel with this. I just cannot rely on it entirely.

I occasionally suspect they can find things to repair that aren't critical. For instance, last spring the valve cover gaskets were recommended for replacement because they leaked oil. They'd been replaced in 2019, or 23,000 miles prior. I told them and chose not to have it done --- too expensive to remove the intake manifold as part of the operation. I put in a bottle of Blue Devil Oil Stop Leak which is supposed to work on those gaskets. They're not dripping oil down the side of the engine that I could notice. Oil consumption might be 8 ounces every 1,000 miles. There was a rear main-seal leakage, also treated with Blue Devil, but now the rear-main seal has been replaced.

When I got this thing out on the road last weekend and throughout the week, it was really great. But I'm convinced now that it's time to retire it to secondary status. I need to get to the dealership where I've made personal contact and done some test drives, and look at some alternatives, but I'm prepared to buy a new or almost-new vehicle.

I am just concerned at the slow hemorrhage of greenbacks for these repairs. My obsession with the vehicle is costing too much. Like I said, the money is available for a new ride without the frequent repair. If I just leave the investment portfolio alone after that, it will grow back.

 

[Greenman]

I agree, with some brands. But for many American brands (usually actually made in Korea, China, Mexico, or Canada) 200K is a pipe dream...

Odd that Japanese cars that are actually made in USA, easily pass 200K or even 300K.

I would lose my mind if I had a car go for less than 250k miles. It's never happened to me.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I would lose my mind if I had a car go for less than 250k miles. It's never happened to me.

Well, I just spoke with my repair-shop owner. He's raised my spirits a bit and seemed optimistic. He seems to think it's all going to be fine, noting that they take care of vehicles decades older than mine.

I just think that I should've invested more in my transportation since I retired (28 years ago!) But I DID invest something -- I put money and time into this old Trooper.

So I have enough in my portfolio/nest-egg to buy a 2022 to 2025 vehicle. I'll inform of my progress. Today, though, I'm just waiting for a phone call.

 

[pete6032]

I still don't understand why in your situation you would not buy something used with higher mileage. If you're only doing 4,000 miles per year and you're used to driving a mid 90s car, you would be more than satisfied with a 2017, 2018 model year car. That's when most started getting important safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, etc. You don't need to pay $30-35k for a car with these features, you can find a used one for $20-25k.

 

[Greenman]

I still don't understand why in your situation you would not buy something used with higher mileage. If you're only doing 4,000 miles per year and you're used to driving a mid 90s car, you would be more than satisfied with a 2017, 2018 model year car. That's when most started getting important safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, etc. You don't need to pay $30-35k for a car with these features, you can find a used one for $20-25k.

The easy answer is he has money that he's not going to be able to take with him at the end of his run. Why not buy whatever he wants?

 

[Fenixgoon]

The easy answer is he has money that he's not going to be able to take with him at the end of his run. Why not buy whatever he wants?

I'vecertainly gotten the impression throughout this whole thread that OP doesnt want to spend too much money on a car if he can avoid it.

Whether its buying in cash or a higher monthly payment, there's inherently an opportunity cost to paying more than necessary to achieve the goal of obtaining a reliable replacement vehicle.

 

[Hans Gruber]

Well, I just spoke with my repair-shop owner. He's raised my spirits a bit and seemed optimistic. He seems to think it's all going to be fine, noting that they take care of vehicles decades older than mine.

I just think that I should've invested more in my transportation since I retired (28 years ago!) But I DID invest something -- I put money and time into this old Trooper.

So I have enough in my portfolio/nest-egg to buy a 2022 to 2025 vehicle. I'll inform of my progress. Today, though, I'm just waiting for a phone call.

You sound like Jeep owner. No other group of owners is more proud to throw tens of thousands of dollars down the drain in repairs and upgrades. Consumer Reports had repair ratings for decades. The Isuzu Trooper rivals the Jeep brand when it comes to the worst reliability of all vehicles on the road during your Trooper's era. Jeep has maintained that tradition without fault and plenty of failures since the 90's.

At your age you do not need a new vehicle. Go get yourself a 15 year old Toyota and call it a day. I would suggest a runner variety. They only need gas. Oil changes are optional.

 

[manly]

I'vecertainly gotten the impression throughout this whole thread that OP doesnt want to spend too much money on a car if he can avoid it.

Whether its buying in cash or a higher monthly payment, there's inherently an opportunity cost to paying more than necessary to achieve the goal of obtaining a reliable replacement vehicle.

That's not the impression we're getting. So far, he's resistant to some advice and seems intent on a new (or late-model) RAV4 and keeping a "backup car" around.

People, myself included, will do what they want to do. In this case, financial austerity isn't on the menu.

I'd like to see OP avoid new car depreciation, because the added cost to buy that brand new car smell just isn't worth it. Beyond that, it's his money as as mentioned, he can't take it with him to the grave.

 

[WilliamM2]

I'm wondering why the focus is on an SUV? My 17 year old Camry rides much better, is more comfortable, and believe it or not, has far more leg room than my neighbors new Rav4.
I've also test driven the new Camry, and it's as comfortable as mine. Unless you get the stupid low profile 18" or 19" rims & tires. Never understood low profile tires on a family sedan, or an SUV. They aren't sports cars.

I've never liked driving trucks or SUVs. And if he does need to haul something, he'll still have the trooper.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I'm wondering why the focus is on an SUV? My 17 year old Camry rides much better, is more comfortable, and believe it or not, has far more leg room than my neighbors new Rav4.
I've also test driven the new Camry, and it's as comfortable as mine. Unless you get the stupid low profile 18" or 19" rims & tires. Never understood low profile tires on a family sedan, or an SUV. They aren't sports cars.

I've never liked driving trucks or SUVs. And if he does need to haul something, he'll still have the trooper.

I had a fleet of Honda Civics and then a Nissan Sentra. After that, the 1986 Trooper when I was still healthy enough to go hiking and backpacking with friends. When a loopy college girl driving a Dodge RAM pickup totaled that first SUV, I quickly found the one I'm still driving, purchased in 2002 at almost 7 years old.

I hear what everyone is saying about the Jeeps and the Troopers. For the maintenance, restoration and repair, I got through 23 years with maybe a third of a car mortgage today. But the observations about the two makes of SUVs cannot be ignored.

Also, some have observed that at my age and with my annual mileage, I shouldn't put out cash for a new car, suggesting a pre-owned or used vehicle. Here's my current observation, though.

I have friends in a married couple who live in Oceanside about 70 miles south of here. They are about 7 years younger than I, but close enough. Same health problems: the wife and I are both diabetic. Jeff can go for four mile walks daily, but I have to discipline myself to do 2 miles. They have had a 2007 Hyundai Tucson for 18 years. They decided to trade it in on a 2024 AWD all-gas Kia Sportage, paying $20,000. It was a rental agency vehicle (Avis) with 30,000 miles. It has AWD but no hybrid drive-train.

At this point, my wants strongly influence my choices. I haven't that many years left, even if my doctor says "You're still fairly healthy." I sold a house in 2024, creating a nest-egg just short of $250,000. I didn't have to live off the rent from that house, and for 5 years had real net proceeds which I just socked into my savings account. With my own savings and proceeds from my mother's estate, I could've bought a new vehicle two or three years ago. But it would at that time have been as it is for most people -- a financial strain. Maybe less, but I avoided it.

I live on MODEST civil service retirement -- probably should've stuck it out another five years to full retirement age. This house is paid for. I cover all my expenses, taxes and other needs, still able to save several thousand a year from the pension alone.

Right now, we're facing down "Black Friday" at the local dealership. I PREFER a Toyota. I was SPOILED by the old Trooper. I WANT a RAV4. I WANT a hybrid drive train, and I WANT AWD. I don't NEED AWD, nor do I NEED the hybrid drive train, but the difference in price between my WANTS and my NEEDS seems to be about $5,000. The difference between a 30,000 odo miles pre-owned and new vehicle could be $5000 to $10,000.

Everybody close to me, including Jeff and Tere with the Kia Sportage, tell me "You deserve it" and "You owe it to yourself." Reluctantly, I agree. And I say reluctantly because I've always inclined to pinch pennies, never buying a new car but for the one I acquired in 1979.

If I skim this money off my nest-egg, the remaining portfolio is still likely to return 75% of annual earnings I've already seen. I've never touched that money for other things, but for maybe $4,000 in home repair that I couldn't cover from regular bank saving and monthly pension income. Otherwise, hoping for a reprieve from Orange-Face disaster, it will just continue to grow and I might have needs from it less than the growth.

I might spend $15,000 more than my friends in Oceanside. I get a hybrid drive train, no odo miles, the full warranty, and AWD. OF the available paint colors, I MIGHT be able to acquire "BluePrint", but more available but acceptable colors are Magnetic Gray Metallic and Silver Sky Metallic -- the later favored over the former. But paint doesn't get you to the grocery and back.

I've got estimates of the annual insurance from the insurer. Despite paying the extra Medicare B IRMAA surcharge in 2026 for the rental home sale of 2024, I'll be good next year, even if I decide to cut the outlay for the RAV4 by $10K to $15K with a car mortgage payment between about $160/mo and $245/mo. But I think I'm just going to write a check for all of it.

Otherwise, I agree with others here that I "don't need" to do this, or that I can "get by" with an older used vehicle. But it gets down to three words: I WANT it; I NEED it as I'd need a used vehicle; and I can AFFORD it.

An older vehicle might require more maintenance and repair. I"m FREAKIN' TIRED of THAT for NOW!

The Trooper is likely coming back to me this week. I reserved a rental car so I can get groceries and visit Toyota through Friday. Enterprise seems to be the most reasonable rental. Especially a good thing: Enterprise is at most four blocks away from the Toyota dealership, and that's less than my 1-mile exercise walk.

And the other good thing: this holiday week for Toyota prices at the preferred dealership.

It's time to pull this string. Like Martin Landau in "Ed Wood" as Bela Lugosi says: "POOL DA STRINGK! POOL DA STRINKG!"

 

[WilliamM2]

I had a fleet of Honda Civics and then a Nissan Sentra. After that, the 1986 Trooper when I was still healthy enough to go hiking and backpacking with friends. When a loopy college girl driving a Dodge RAM pickup totaled that first SUV, I quickly found the one I'm still driving, purchased in 2002 at almost 7 years old.

I hear what everyone is saying about the Jeeps and the Troopers. For the maintenance, restoration and repair, I got through 23 years with maybe a third of a car mortgage today. But the observations about the two makes of SUVs cannot be ignored.

Also, some have observed that at my age and with my annual mileage, I shouldn't put out cash for a new car, suggesting a pre-owned or used vehicle. Here's my current observation, though.

I have friends in a married couple who live in Oceanside about 70 miles south of here. They are about 7 years younger than I, but close enough. Same health problems: the wife and I are both diabetic. Jeff can go for four mile walks daily, but I have to discipline myself to do 2 miles. They have had a 2007 Hyundai Tucson for 18 years. They decided to trade it in on a 2024 AWD all-gas Kia Sportage, paying $20,000. It was a rental agency vehicle (Avis) with 30,000 miles. It has AWD but no hybrid drive-train.

At this point, my wants strongly influence my choices. I haven't that many years left, even if my doctor says "You're still fairly healthy." I sold a house in 2024, creating a nest-egg just short of $250,000. I didn't have to live off the rent from that house, and for 5 years had real net proceeds which I just socked into my savings account. With my own savings and proceeds from my mother's estate, I could've bought a new vehicle two or three years ago. But it would at that time have been as it is for most people -- a financial strain. Maybe less, but I avoided it.

I live on MODEST civil service retirement -- probably should've stuck it out another five years to full retirement age. This house is paid for. I cover all my expenses, taxes and other needs, still able to save several thousand a year from the pension alone.

Right now, we're facing down "Black Friday" at the local dealership. I PREFER a Toyota. I was SPOILED by the old Trooper. I WANT a RAV4. I WANT a hybrid drive train, and I WANT AWD. I don't NEED AWD, nor do I NEED the hybrid drive train, but the difference in price between my WANTS and my NEEDS seems to be about $5,000. The difference between a 30,000 odo miles pre-owned and new vehicle could be $5000 to $10,000.

Everybody close to me, including Jeff and Tere with the Kia Sportage, tell me "You deserve it" and "You owe it to yourself." Reluctantly, I agree. And I say reluctantly because I've always inclined to pinch pennies, never buying a new car but for the one I acquired in 1979.

If I skim this money off my nest-egg, the remaining portfolio is still likely to return 75% of annual earnings I've already seen. I've never touched that money for other things, but for maybe $4,000 in home repair that I couldn't cover from regular bank saving and monthly pension income. Otherwise, hoping for a reprieve from Orange-Face disaster, it will just continue to grow and I might have needs from it less than the growth.

I might spend $15,000 more than my friends in Oceanside. I get a hybrid drive train, no odo miles, the full warranty, and AWD. OF the available paint colors, I MIGHT be able to acquire "BluePrint", but more available but acceptable colors are Magnetic Gray Metallic and Silver Sky Metallic -- the later favored over the former. But paint doesn't get you to the grocery and back.

I've got estimates of the annual insurance from the insurer. Despite paying the extra Medicare B IRMAA surcharge in 2026 for the rental home sale of 2024, I'll be good next year, even if I decide to cut the outlay for the RAV4 by $10K to $15K with a car mortgage payment between about $160/mo and $245/mo. But I think I'm just going to write a check for all of it.

Otherwise, I agree with others here that I "don't need" to do this, or that I can "get by" with an older used vehicle. But it gets down to three words: I WANT it; I NEED it as I'd need a used vehicle; and I can AFFORD it.

An older vehicle might require more maintenance and repair. I"m FREAKIN' TIRED of THAT for NOW!

The Trooper is likely coming back to me this week. I reserved a rental car so I can get groceries and visit Toyota through Friday. Enterprise seems to be the most reasonable rental. Especially a good thing: Enterprise is at most four blocks away from the Toyota dealership, and that's less than my 1-mile exercise walk.

And the other good thing: this holiday week for Toyota prices at the preferred dealership.

It's time to pull this string. Like Martin Landau in "Ed Wood" as Bela Lugosi says: "POOL DA STRINGK! POOL DA STRINKG!"

None of that wall of text has anything to do with my question. Why are you so focused on an SUV for the new vehicle? You will still have the trooper if needed.

Why not a much more comfortable sedan? That cost less and rides better.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

None of that wall of text has anything to do with my question. Why are you so focused on an SUV for the new vehicle? You will still have the trooper if needed.

Why not a much more comfortable sedan? That cost less and rides better.

That old pooper is not going to last so many years longer. If it does, then it fulfills the need for the SUV as you say. But I don't like sedans anymore. I want some of the SUV features, even in a crossover.

I really, really, really do not get enthused by sedans. I don't get enthused about a Corvette Stingray, or a Dodge Charger. My friends like sedans -- just not the top end -- more like "Corolla". I'm sure the Camry or the Avalon, maybe the Crown are nice. But they're sedans and I don't want a sedan. Interesting that a very old Toyota model had been "the Crown" and they've reissued it as a 21st century ride. But! Not my preference.

I could save some real money if I bought a Prius (too light), or a Corolla hybrid (still cramped).
It's OK for you to ask that question. That's my answer. I still haven't "pulled the string" on the purchase yet, but I don't think I want either of those other vehicles. Nor the Camry, Avalon -- whatever. I want the RAV4.

"Wall of text" -- I'm sorry I got carried away with that. I told you how I came to my first SUV in the first place. I can't use a FULL-SIZE SUV like I had in the past. I can't climb the McGee Creek Trail to McGee Lake in the John Muir Wilderness -- don't anymore need a full-size SUV to take me there. But I want the RAV4.

 

[WilliamM2]

That old pooper is not going to last so many years longer. If it does, then it fulfills the need for the SUV as you say. But I don't like sedans anymore. I want some of the SUV features, even in a crossover.

I really, really, really do not get enthused by sedans. I don't get enthused about a Corvette Stingray, or a Dodge Charger. My friends like sedans -- just not the top end -- more like "Corolla". I'm sure the Camry or the Avalon, maybe the Crown are nice. But they're sedans and I don't want a sedan. Interesting that a very old Toyota model had been "the Crown" and they've reissued it as a 21st century ride. But! Not my preference.

I could save some real money if I bought a Prius (too light), or a Corolla hybrid (still cramped).
It's OK for you to ask that question. That's my answer. I still haven't "pulled the string" on the purchase yet, but I don't think I want either of those other vehicles. Nor the Camry, Avalon -- whatever. I want the RAV4.

The Crown replaced the Avalon. The last year was 2022. They are a bit large for me. I've never been a sedan enthusiast either, it's just good comfortable transportation.
I used to drive compacts, even has a Corolla once. I do know what you mean by cramped. That, and my Protege never seemed cramped, until I got the Camry. I could never go back now.

The Rav4 is on a Camry chassis now, I think it could have a good ride, but they all come with low profile tires now sadly. Ruins the ride on the roads around here.

And don't be too sure about your time left. My Grandma is 98 (99 very soon), she still lives on her own, and drives daily. Just gave up golf a couple years ago.

 

[Fenixgoon]

That old pooper is not going to last so many years longer. If it does, then it fulfills the need for the SUV as you say. But I don't like sedans anymore. I want some of the SUV features, even in a crossover.

I really, really, really do not get enthused by sedans. I don't get enthused about a Corvette Stingray, or a Dodge Charger. My friends like sedans -- just not the top end -- more like "Corolla". I'm sure the Camry or the Avalon, maybe the Crown are nice. But they're sedans and I don't want a sedan. Interesting that a very old Toyota model had been "the Crown" and they've reissued it as a 21st century ride. But! Not my preference.

I could save some real money if I bought a Prius (too light), or a Corolla hybrid (still cramped).
It's OK for you to ask that question. That's my answer. I still haven't "pulled the string" on the purchase yet, but I don't think I want either of those other vehicles. Nor the Camry, Avalon -- whatever. I want the RAV4.

"Wall of text" -- I'm sorry I got carried away with that. I told you how I came to my first SUV in the first place. I can't use a FULL-SIZE SUV like I had in the past. I can't climb the McGee Creek Trail to McGee Lake in the John Muir Wilderness -- don't anymore need a full-size SUV to take me there. But I want the RAV4.

What about a prius is too light? For most people, its easily the most practical vehicle they could buy.

And truth be told, if you want a rav4, go for it!

Not everything you do in life has to be 100% rational. I bought a mustang mach-e. Was it rational? Partly. But not entirely. Thr 100% rational decision would have been to drive my mazda3 to the grave. But i fucking love my MME

 

[BonzaiDuck]

What about a prius is too light? For most people, its easily the most practical vehicle they could buy.

And truth be told, if you want a rav4, go for it!

Not everything you do in life has to be 100% rational. I bought a mustang mach-e. Was it rational? Partly. But not entirely. Thr 100% rational decision would have been to drive my mazda3 to the grave. But i fucking love my MME

Here's what some of us or at least I myself have been trying to do.

When I retired, it was as though I dropped out, as I knew friends in college who "dropped out". For instance, I knew a fellow and his girlfriend -- perhaps common-law in an otherwise marital bond. He had been something of a star student in the Chemistry department. The Department together with Physics, had its own research library. I once found him there with his sleeping bag, cramming for his P-Chem or Physical Chemistry final. I believe he got his degree, but he and his sweetheart actually went to Canada and found a place where they lived in a cave. That was extreme dropping out. I'm sure it didn't last that way for Dave.

But when we talk of dropping out, we're saying we are weary of the often frustrating struggle for more money, more things. So retirement may be something of a personal statement to the rest of the world. It's a friendly sort of "To Hell With you and all your bullshit." And that's what I did.

Since then, knowing that I only have so much in the stock and flow of money, I proceed to apply a business discipline to managing my personal affairs. But in business, it is not about personal life and personal affairs, but a coordinated effort to make money.

So while we pinch pennies and invest them, we eventually get to a point where we see ourselves secure and in the black. And we begin to behave like consumers who defy some -- not all -- of their business discipline in this regard.

So we can indulge or personal preferences and wants. If I don't want a PRIUS, I don't have to have a PRIUS. I want a RAV4. If the difference between a 3-year-old, 30,000 odo-mile pre-owned vehicle and a late-in-the year new vehicle is acceptable, we will pay for the 2025.

Even if something is going out the door in depreciation with the new car which you'd want to get a tourniquet on, what you got is what you wanted, and there may be certain aspects of choice where what you wanted was still rational.