But seriously if you have decided to go full force into this at least buy something reliable that holds its resale value. A Toyota forerunner is a prime example. If it were me I would sell my other car too given the option.
Older model Jeeps retain their value pretty well and usually stagnate at about 5k as long as they are well maintained.
Jeepers are usually willing to pay a good price for a well maintained machine.
Don't do it because it will be a "money pit". There's always just "one more thing that needs fixing". Your auto parts store will be your best friend...
You will earn lot of points on your credit card(s) with all of the parts you buy!!
Just Empty Every Pocket
I had a Jeep, will never do it again. The ride is awful and the fuel economy is worst. I went offroading one time and it was the most boring thing I have ever done in my life. I get no sense of enjoyment going slower then a snail just to get over some boulders and steep hills. I could just park my vehicle and walk to my destination faster. I was happy when I sold my jeep.
It should be a crime and a sin to buy a Jeep as a daily driver. Shame on you. These are functional recreational machines designed to take people off the asphalt and out of your comfortable air conditioning to something more magnificent. I laugh and cry at all the suckers driving their stock (and even worse "EXTREMELY" modified) street vehicles that were designed for anything but the streets.
Do it! MMM is about smart money and.living your dreams. This is a very cool hobby that should keep you busy and happy. In 6/years you can sell it at a profit.
Yeah, you posted this question on a board full of people interested in Financial Independence. A jeep now is a stupid decision.
Exactly. If it's something you will love then do it. Let's compare this against buying a dog. Someone asks how much a dog costs or how to
buy a Mustachian pet; you will get two replies
It's expensive it will drain you or
it's the best thing I've ever had it makes me so happy.
Evaluate what you want and never regret it, if you change your mind you are now that much wiser on knowing your wants.
Now that I've gotten that out of my system... here's my bias and the facts...
My dad got our first Jeep when I was 15. Our relationship before this was something stereotypical of an old-school father-son deal, never talked much. We spent a lot of time as kids camping and road tripping during the summers. Got the Jeep and this all came back, we'd spend weekends camping or Saturdays off roading. I'm not talking about camping in camp grounds where kids are running around, people are playing music, and some douche with a satellite dish towing his truck behind his jumbo bus RV... this is camping in the middle of nowhere, quiet, untouched off the side of whatever back country scenic trail was created during the western migration. There are places to see you cannot get to in a standard vehicle, or even an SUV. There is a wilderness out there and adventure you can only achieve with a proper vehicle. We still do these trips, I wouldn't trade them for anything, nor would my wife, this is just part of our COL. Happiness vs financial decision.
I've had a Jeep for 12 years. It has been one of the best and most enjoyable things in my life. We take it off-roading, camping, day trips, weekend trips and we take care of it so it gets us there and back home. That said it is not a cheap hobby. I own a '92 Jeep Wrangler, it was in great condition when I bought it. Still, it's an older model and we drive in some pretty rough places, and things break. Even with mild use and easier trails, when things don't break and you've budgeted for repairs, you'll find yourself upgrading and accessorizing. I'll leave a list of upgrades and repairs I've done over the years at the bottom. I spend about 1-2K a year upgrading, repairing, and otherwise increasing the functionality of our Jeep.
If you're going to buy one, don't buy it cause it seams cheap. When my dad bought his it had a body lift, cause some street-ego thought it looked cool.
A body lift is completely useless, he spend 2K repairing the tub and putting in a suspension lift after a few trips of off-road jarring and torquing destroyed the tub. You need a suspension lift and good 33" tires to do great off-roading, everything else is optional.
Jeep $7K for 79k Miles
- Off-roaded it 3 days after purchase found out tires on the back were 31" and the front had 33". Broke the rear U-Joint.
-- New U Joint and repaired transfer case. Bought 2 more 33" tires.
- New exhaust manifold
- New suspension lift and shocks
- Engine rebuild, bored out, few more HP.
- 2 steering box replacements
- Radiator
- Added Power Steering (maneuvering through and around large rocks is terribly exhausting with manual steering)
- Spare 33" tire and rear bumper w/ tire carrier
- Gas Cans
- Replaced front bumper and 15000lb winch with onboard air
- Hi-lift Jack
- Removed inside carpet, spray in bed liner, water proofing securing dash and inside cables.
- Master cylinder replaced
- Another set of shocks
- Yearly welding/fabrication for repairs and preventative care
Spent over 20k on mods, repairs, parts, accessories and labor. Wouldn't trade it for anything, not even getting to FI a year earlier. We make jokes about selling it, and that thought gets the same ridiculous laugh as us say we are saving too much money we should probably go buy a boat or a BMW.