Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

I can only keep 1 of these cars

Bigcanoe

Bigcanoe

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Joined
Dec 31, 2016
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I am looking for some feedback on a car decision. I am trying to downsize my fleet pre-retirement. Before I get into my decision, I also have a 2003 F150 and a 2022 Rav4 Hybrid, I am keeping both of those. My two toys are as follows:

2003 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
150k Miles
Auto
Hard top
No rust, everything works
- No fun on longer trips (but I have the Rav4 anyway)
- Bad on gas (but not as bad as the 4Runner)
- Tight seating
+ Fun in the summer
+ Reliable
+ Easy to work on

2008 Toyota 4Runner
V8
Sport
150k Miles
No rust, everything works
- Big
- Bad on gas
+ Sounds great
+ Tows (but so does the F150)
+ Comfortable
+ Reliable

Both cars have a clean history and are in great shape for their age. They are only weekend/occasional cars. It is getting to be too much to care for and drive this fleet (poor me, I know). Plus the insurance rates keep going up. So which one should I keep? I go back and forth. I think the 4Runner would be easier to sell as they are more uncommon.
 
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Yea, true, I thought there could be a few cross brand enthusiasts here that might have some arguments for or against. Of course I posted to the 4Runner forum too and they like 4Runners lol.
 
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With your other vehicles in the stable to I think you could just get it down to one question: Do you value having a convertible, open air driving vehicle in your fleet?
 
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Good point, that is the one niche the Jeep fills nicely. Since I dont plan to off road it seriously I mean.
 
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Had the 2005 TJ had it's PCM replaced? How's the OPDA?

What do you intend to do with either fun vehicle in retirement?

How long do you think you'll be using the vehicles and will you do your own mechanical work or can you afford to pay someone to do it?

-Mac
 
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Based on your post, the cars in your mind are pretty equal except for the TJ being "Fun in the summer". If thats truly it for pros and cons, then it sounds like you've answered your own question unless you have another reason to keep the 4runner. I would imagine the stock TJ is more of a fun weekend vehicle since the 4 runner is just an suv. Also, with the money you get from selling the 4runner you could buy and easily swap in more comfortable seats for the jeep.
 
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Sell the Rav4 while it's still worth something. I think it's pretty safe to assume the 20-ish year-old vehicles are paid for, while the Rav4 might not be, and the older vehicles have already reached the bottom of their value while the Rav4 will only go down from here and will become a paperweight when that battery pack shits-the-bed, which will happen within the next 8 years.

Then you would have a truck for truck stuff, a 4Runner for general comfortable transport, and a Jeep for a toy.
 
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macleanflood said:
Had the 2005 TJ had it's PCM replaced? How's the OPDA?

What do you intend to do with either fun vehicle in retirement?

How long do you think you'll be using the vehicles and will you do your own mechanical work or can you afford to pay someone to do it?

-Mac
Click to expand...

That was a typo, its a 2003. I think I would be using them once in a while just to run to the store, etc. I do my own work when I can.
 
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BlueC said:
Sell the Rav4 while it's still worth something. I think it's pretty safe to assume the 20-ish year-old vehicles are paid for, while the Rav4 might not be, and the older vehicles have already reached the bottom of their value while the Rav4 will only go down from here and will become a paperweight when that battery pack shits-the-bed, which will happen within the next 8 years.

Then you would have a truck for truck stuff, a 4Runner for general comfortable transport, and a Jeep for a toy.
Click to expand...

I was just thinking something similar. I can pay for alot of gas with the 30k equity I have in the Rav4...
 
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Keep the TJ for sure. Duh..

The interesting question is @BlueC 's point about keeping the 4runner and selling the RAV4. From a car enthusiast's point of view, I think his suggestion is spot on. But...

That RAV4 is bar far your most boring vehicle, and also your best. It's new, reliable, efficient and highly functional. It's probably the one your wife prefers (making assumptions here). Its the easiest to get in and out of (think old people or after an injury or surgery). Its the one that is sitting there ready to go when all your all cool old vehicles are broken at the same time.
Really, it is the best choice for 99% of the driving you probably do.

Don't listen to me though. I drive my TJ or an older mustang every day.
 
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Bigcanoe said:
I was just thinking something similar. I can pay for alot of gas with the 30k equity I have in the Rav4...
Click to expand...

In your specific situation, what I said above is exactly how I'd go about it. If you have to have something more reliable, more efficient, buy a 10 year old Honda Civic or Accord, or a Toyota Corolla or Camry. If you still have to cut a vehicle in that situation, then I think I'd replace the 4Runner with one of those cars.
 
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I have both a TJ and a 4runner and there are definitely people I would tell to sell the TJ, but in your specific case the 4runner is the one that seems most redundant with your other vehicles. if you enjoy the jeep "experience" I'd sell the yota.
 
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Ya I certainly dont need this many...and my wife has 2 cars as well. I rarely drive anywhere anymore!
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts
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