Reality has sunk in and hit hurts. Having to sell my

which I think the majority of the public does too. Most don't have attachments to their washer and dyer or toaster.

Also, like toasters almost everyone can afford a car or at least has owned a car in their lifetime. In the past, car ownership was special. It was a privilege. Just owning one was a status symbol-nevermind the make-so it was a source of pride. They also became a symbol of our love of freedom and individualism. (Still do, but not nearly has pronounced.) A car offered you the chance to go anywhere at anytime for cheap (gas prices). You still see this with teenagers wanting their first car. Their mentality is how most of the country felt about cars just 50 years prior.

Now, with increased safety regulations, gas prices and car prices the somewhat irrational emotional appeal of cars has taken a back seat to their fiscal sense. That's why to all but a few impassioned individuals (car nerds) the appeal of a car is as an appliance, and what is the best deal I can get on that appliance?

LakeNormanTiger

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Re: the base 4runner I saw was 35k or 36k

Sep 23, 2014, 4:14 PM [ in reply to the base 4runner I saw was 35k or 36k ]

Regarding the Toyota's. The price is big, but you cant kill them. I have 2 Toyota's, and they have been extremely reliable! Ie no major problems out of each of them.

I have a 1999 4Runner that we bought used in 2001 with about 30k on it. It now has has 220k miles and the only maintenance we have done is a regular walmart oil change every 5k or so. We have had the fuel injectors cleaned once, and that cost us about $500. But ruling out the regular maintenance (ie oil change, occasional belt, tires, etc.) This car has been relatively cheap to own.

I also have a 2006 Tundra that I bought new, and it now has 160,000 miles. I have had to change out a wheel bearing that cost $500 bucks. Not that big of a deal. But I have taken better care of this car than the 4runner. I could take up a full page regarding why I have taken better care of this car than the 4 runner, but I will spare you my vent.. I will say this, no matter the make, brand, dealership, etc. do not put any faith into the warranty's they offer you or try to sell you. They are not worth it. If you want more info, I will share. Just know that you will loose! And yes, I am really bitter about warranty's.

That said, I do like the Toyota Brand. The cars I have owned, as well as some of my friends have owned have been extremely reliable.

But with that in mind, I think you should also consider the fact that kids are messy. I mean real messy. They find ways of spilling all kinds of stuff that can quickly make that new car smell, turn into the O my god, what is that stink smell. Because of this, I would recommend you definitely buy a good used SUV, Mini Van, or 4 door truck. And I would also tell you that you have to look at it like a disposable purchase. ie you probably are going to need to change it out in 5~6 years. Dont spend big bucks.. Go cheap on this one, and wait until the kids are older and a little cleaner before buying that car you plan to drive forever or until the wheels fall off!

Also, don't think something is to big. You can never have to big when carting around kids. We use our 4 door tundra to haul around our kids. The back seat is full of car seats and their stuff. The tailgate (which is covered) carries the stroller, pack and plays, clothes, toys, etc. When I go someplace overnight, the truck is full! And it would be practically full with one kid. 2 kids and we are pretty full. If we get a third, I would be concerned that I would need to replace my bed cover with the van cap. You will be amazed out how much stuff the kids need...

Kids are Fun! But your life as you knew it is now over!
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4 Runner, Infinity QX56? It has been a long time since I've

Xterra is a great choice.

First kid or 2nd one?

For the love of all that is holy, do not buy an Xterra.***

Recommend against Xterra.

You, sir, need a

That is my plan if somebody tells me I have a kid on the way

he called the wrangler a JEEP

Re: he called the wrangler a JEEP

He called the #### "poop"!!***

I can fit two car seats, double stroller, two big dogs, and

he JUST missed out on an awesome deal here...***

Re: Reality has sunk in and hit hurts. Having to sell my

I've never understood the sentimental attachment

Re: I've never understood the sentimental attachment

My first car was a gift, my second car

I'm at 8 years and 218K on my mazda***

das a lotta driving***

The reason you don't understand is...

I bought a Camry because I knew I couldn't

life's too short to drive crappy nondescript cars

The reason is that growing up me and my friends thought

Who wouldn't want to be like Wooderson?

Probably also true

Yea, I'm like that. I have a Camry but if I wasn't 6'5"

I test drove an almost brand new 2013 Carolla when

Yeah! You need an Avalon!***

There's a lot of good and bad things that happen in

Same, I love having a car, even in big cities***

By your car choice, you see them as appliances

Sort of like the difference between a house and a home

I think we just fixed the homeless problem in the country

They'd probably just trade them in for drugs***

I like my truck more than I like my house

I'm with you on most of that...

looking at the bloated box SUVs people proudly are seen in

I wonder why vans are now considered uncool?

dunno - an SUV is just a modern-day station wagon

SUVs are often not people movers at all.

SUV's now are basically nothing but vans...

You mean something that actaully has

Yes, I think they also need to have enough ground clearance

It's just the "truck" look vs. the van look***

But what about the mentality changed? Or when?

Why buy something with payments that high?

Forester***

i was in your situation many years ago, mrssav82tiger talked

I'd stay away from the newer Nissan's...

Just got back from Toyota, getting a car serviced

WifeofGreenr was talking bout a Chevy Traverse the other

the base 4runner I saw was 35k or 36k

Did they actaully have a base model to sell?***

Yeah, that is why we now have a used Pilot***

What is the world to do when resale values

Re: the base 4runner I saw was 35k or 36k

I'm not sure a Chevy Traverse is even worth $10k new***

Yeah, she just said it was big, black, and sleek. That

but we knew that***

PROBLEM. SOLVED.

Re: Reality has sunk in and hit hurts. Having to sell my

I was just getting over the news that you were moving

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