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.
