Should I trade in our family loved SUV for an FR-S?
 

A little background on myself:
I’m 38 years old married with a 3 month old. We currently own 3 cars (FJ Cruiser in question, a 2015 sedan and a 2010 minivan all in perfect running order).
At 16 I entered the “import scene” with an ae86 and enjoyed many other imports swapping to different platforms like the crx, SR swapped S14, AWD DSM’s. Ive enjoyed autocross, drag racing, and of course a little time going too fast on the twistys. But about 7 years ago I started spending more time off the track and In the FJ as it allowed for more time spent with the wife.

Backround on the FJ:
I built this as an expedition rally vehicle. If you’re not familiar with this. Basically you spend a week or more in the back country competing against other teams to get as close to a set arrival time as possible. We also use it for camping, pulling boats (boats sold now) and hauling around a trailer with normal home owner items.

The problem:
Since having the baby there will be no camping or week long Rally’s for a few years, so now I have a really wide SUV in my garage sort of just taking space. I Could however make day events like auto crosses. So that’s what brings me here.

Do I trade in the FJ for an FR-S? The pros and cons:

Pros:
-The 2007 FJ is worth as much as a 2013 FR-S with low miles, so little to no out of pocket.
-The FRS would have less than 40k miles next to the FJ’s 103k
-I would have more garage room
-I would have a vehicle that I could actually make time for
-Gas mileage would be better

Cons:
-Occasionally it’s nice to have something that can get around in the snow. (Arkansas)
-I know this truck like the back of my hand, its sorted and 100% dependable, who knows what the second hand FR-S has been through.
-Ill have to borrow trucks for things I would normally use my trailer for.
-The FR-S has a lower resale than the FJ, what will it be worth in 5 years?
-Hell I may be too old for this car.
-Last but not least, ive had this truck nearly 10 years and have many good memories with it. If the day comes to let her go it would be heartbreaking to myself and the wife.

Is it time? Would I make a mistake? Thanks for your feedback.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...e.jpg~original

you only live once.

I'd say keep the FJ and sell the minivan or the sedan for an FRS. I mean what can the minivan do that the FJ can't??

edit: if the payments aren't a big deal that is. maybe just wait and save, then sell one of the two and get an FRS.

yes, close thread...

You do only live once,
Unfortunately the minivan can do a lot. 7 passenger seating, gramma can get in and out of it. cheap maintenance/gas. and most of all, its my "hey I can buy whatever I want, I have a minivan." excuse.

^ Unfortunately?

this one of those cases because you are not a single guy you need to get the fr-s as an extra toy and keep the practical vehicles

I see, I see, that does make sense. I think, though, that you've listed more compelling cons than pros for trading as far as I can see. There's really no substitute for a 4WD truck in the snow, and if you do towing/hauling regularly, you're going to miss it.

It seems to me that the pros for the FR-S are mostly that it's a terrific car that you'll have time to drive and work on. Now that can be worth a lot, but you're probably trading down in terms of practicality. If you were really sick of the FJ I'd say go ahead, but it seems like you're still quite fond of it.

Perhaps you can just save up for a moderate-mileage BRZ/FR-S? Obviously that might not be practical, but unless you're really ready to let go of the FJ I wouldn't necessarily trade it in.

At 38 you barely even come in above the median age on this forum so forget being "too old".


Don't rule out the sentimental attachment to the cruiser. Getting rid of it could haunt you later. Of course it is possible that you could form as strong an attachment to a Twin.


Resale in 5 years is anybody's guess. But the bottom could drop out on the cruiser's value as well so either way is a gamble. I would not worry about resale either way.


There are several guys here that haul trailers with their Twin. A hitch and light trailer is a viable option. Just don't expect to pull bigger loads.


Some snow tires coupled with basic driving skills and these things are a beast in the winter (Canada).

I have a 2013 TE 4Runner (similar to your FJ)...I'd say keep the FJ...

Honestly, if you crave a RWD car that is inexpensive...get a used Miata.

That may not be the answer you are looking for.

@ Tcoat ...that FJ will hold its value...iono about the twins...but clean FJs (and 4Runners and Tacomas) hold their value more than pretty much anything on the road.

My wife sold her FJ and she regrets it. That being said...she bought it used for $23,000 and put miles on it and etc for 2.5 years....sold it back to a dealership for $21,500. It made me regret owning my Titan (at that time)...those drop in value so fast lol.

TLDR: Keep FJ and consider a Miata.

There isn't a shortage of used Twins...there IS a shortage of nice FJs.

If you decide to sell/trade the FJ...unless you in a state that credits you on taxes for trade-ins...privately sell it. It will be easy to sell. Heck if you lived closer...I may know someone who would be interested lol.

Some excellent points. The minivan can tow if needed. ive never used it for that but its only a 12 footer.
I think the scariest part of it is what Psilox and Tcoat said. There is sentimental value.
Would I form the same bond? only time would tell and then what happens when I see the buyer of the FJ decide hes got himself a good "muddin" truck and absolutely trash the ol girl.
Would I care as much if I was having too much fun on the autox coarse? Im not an indecisive person, but the fact this decision has me so confused makes me lean toward just keeping her in the garage and waiting it out. BUT THEN WHAT! the bottom falls out of resale and how dare I justify spending money on myself.
I would also miss the FJ online community but ive been trolling here for some time and there seems to be a lot of friendly members. the quick advise in this thread is an example of that.
For those of you still living with your folks... the struggle is real.

The FJ will only increase in value as there is high demand, though perhaps not where you live. Anywhere in the snow belt will command a premium.

Keep the FJ. Dump something else and get the FR-S.

Sell the minivan. I don't think you need a minivan anytime soon.

Test Drive

Beautiful FJ!

My vote, trade in sedan, keep minivan and FJ. Practicality, with a side helping of fun :party0030: