Now that gas prices have plummeted back down to a respectable level here in NJ (I paid $1.47 last week), I'm thinking it's time to strike while the iron is hot and put the FX4 up for sale. According to the NADA website, it is supposed to fetch around $16,550.

I would be happy with $15,000. I currently have the FX4 splitting time with the commuter car ('02 Dodge Neon), which I know I can get $5,000 for tomorrow if I want.

I'm thinking of taking that $20,000 and getting perhaps an '08 Toyota Tacoma leftover. That'll split the difference in mileage between the two vehicles according to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ and not cost me a dime otherwise if I can swing something in these tough times for car dealers.

My only concern is I am planning to get a 4x2 this time instead of the 4x4. Snow is becoming a rarity these past few years and I do no off-roading; but I like knowing I have the 4x4 if needed. It's a tough call, unless I can find a 4x4 at $20k. But it's looking like 4x4 adds another $4,000 to the price.

But my plan is to walk in with the checkbook, find what I want and tell the salesman I'll write out the check right now if he can give me my price. Who can say no to that, right?

The other option is to do a complete180 and get a car. It's been fun driving the Neon the past few months, but the versatility of the truck may be missed now that I've had one.

 

best of luck with your plan.

just a word of advice for ya. don't believe anything you read about the 4Runner or Tacoma getting even decent gas mileage.

the 3.4 v-6 is a gas hog. the best I ever got in mine was 18 mpg highway. the 4-banger is a slightly different story...but why buy a 4-banger truck?

 

I never know what to beleive anymore when I read these mpg estimates. I figured the EPA would be most accurate. What I do know is that I gotta be pullin' about 12mpg with the FX4. And I gotta believe that the Tacoma is better.

Is there a better mid-size pickup on fuel economy that's high quality?

The '08 I'm targeting has a 4.0-liter V6; not a 3.4.

 

Hmmmm...I just read that the Tacoma is "recommended" to be run on premium fuel. This could change things...

 

there is a reason that Ford almost ax'd the Ranger. It only gets slightly better MPG than the F-150 unless you have the I-4 motor. Same is true of the Tacoma.

The Frontier is supposedly a decent MPG light truck...but Nissan has a running history of putting out bad trucks. Toyota has really sacrificed quality...30 yrs ago they did last forever...nowadays, pretty much any auto maker is a good bet for quality and longevity.

I hate to say this, but I know a few guys with the Chevy Colorado. That I-5 is pretty peppy, and still gets decent MPG

DO NOT BUY DODGE. you get what you pay for. trust me, been there, still suffering for it...and will be for a couple more years.




for your purposes, it sounds like you already have an awesome setup. Cheap POS to get the good MPG, and the truck for doing "Truck Stuff". IMO, it's a better idea to just keep the truck and Neon. If/when they take a dump on you down the road, get something then.

 

I think Tylus has the right idea. Sometimes the thought of getting something new, makes you come up with false advantages of trading and getting a new vehicle. You didn't say how many miles are on your F-150, but unless it is getting way up there in miles (150K or so), then I would say keep it for utility, and drive that Neon to work to save gas. No matter how you slice it, keeping the two you have isn't going to cost you any more money...trading down, two for one, always does.

 

I have to agree with tylus as well, and also, noone will pay 15 for an 04 FX4, sorry to say that, but you can get a brand new XLT for 19...FX4's are going for 10-12 around here used

 

ya i just paid 18k for my 2007 scab good luck buddy

 

The day I sell my beloved F-150 for a crappy taco, is the day I stop looking at hot women!.......

 

amen brother

 

$15K for an '04 FX4...yeah, good luck with that.

 

I would be happy if I could get 10 grand on my 04 XLT with just over 17,000 miles on it in excellent condition.

 

when i was looking at taco's before i got my screw heres what i found out from the dealerships.

$25,500 for a trd sport 4 door 4x4
$24,000 for a trd sport 4 door 2x4

also don't go to the dealership with your check book, contact the internet sales department they will hook you up with a much better deal

 

I've never seen a 4x4 tacoma V6 get much better mpg than my F150. Seems silly now that gas is cheaper ( for now ) that you'd trade your truck in for something smaller, wimpier and possible not a 4x4. I know what you're saying with not needing 4x4, but if you already have it, seems silly to ditch it.

Without a significant savings in fuel, it just seems you're taking a step backwards with every aspect of this truck

More expensive
Smaller
Wimpy compared to a half ton

Doesn't make sense.

 

My previous truck was a 05 Tacoma X-Runner with the 4.0L and six speed manual tranny. The best mileage I ever got was 15 in the city and 18 on the highway. It handled really well and never really had any issues mechanical or otherwise, but unless you get a four door i think the interior is very small. Also, I ran 87 octane 90% of the time with no problems.