Author Topic: Vehicle Advice needed please  (Read 4858 times)

.22guy

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Vehicle Advice needed please
« on: March 10, 2017, 12:01:46 PM »
Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some vehicle advice.  I know, I know, I should sell mine and use a bike.  It's not really an option for me, as I live in a spread out city and I'm a single dad of two young sons and it gets blazing hot/pretty cold depending on the season.

As it is right now, I have a Toyota pre-runner truck I've been driving for 18 years.  I'd probably keep driving it longer but it's been nickel and diming me pretty bad for awhile, luckily I have a friend that is a really good mechanic that's helped me keep it going for far less than shops would charge.  Also, it's an extended cab and my kids don't fit very well in it these days.

I'm considering a new 4wd double cab Tacoma (shields face from incoming punches).  I am into hunting as my main hobby and the 2wd in my current truck has limited my spots and left me hanging several times (digging out mud or sand is not a fun time and could be potentially dangerous if I get stranded overnight in freezing temps).  I hate the thought of having such an expensive loan, and driving a new truck in the mud and sticks.  I guess I wonder if it's possible to justify a new truck if I'm going to be driving it for 15-20 years.

Or should I buy a fairly well used 4wd Toyota Tacoma or Four-runner as a hunting/camping rig (resale on most of those is insane though) and buy a commuter car as well?  I feel like that's a better option but then I have two vehicles to store, maintain and insure. 

Or a lightly used (still gonna be $$$) 4wd vehicle for both uses?

I'm just looking for a different perspective, go easy on the facial beatings please. :)

Vindicated

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2017, 12:13:44 PM »
22,

Why not keep your current vehicle for the hunting trips, and buy a used Honda or similar for commuting?

Cwadda

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2017, 12:14:48 PM »
Don't feel bad about using a truck that actually fits your needs. Too many truck owners get trucks that they don't even need. You use yours for its intended purpose, no big deal.

Could you get a bike for commuting purposes?

the_fixer

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2017, 02:16:52 PM »
From what I have seen Toyota Tacoma's do not drop much in value until they get really high on miles.

A few years ago I wanted one and thought I would some money buying one a few years old but they were only a few thousand less than I could negotiate the price down on a new one.

At least that is how it is here in Colorado :(


lbmustache

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2017, 02:25:27 PM »
Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some vehicle advice.  I know, I know, I should sell mine and use a bike.  It's not really an option for me, as I live in a spread out city and I'm a single dad of two young sons and it gets blazing hot/pretty cold depending on the season.

As it is right now, I have a Toyota pre-runner truck I've been driving for 18 years.  I'd probably keep driving it longer but it's been nickel and diming me pretty bad for awhile, luckily I have a friend that is a really good mechanic that's helped me keep it going for far less than shops would charge.  Also, it's an extended cab and my kids don't fit very well in it these days.

I'm considering a new 4wd double cab Tacoma (shields face from incoming punches).  I am into hunting as my main hobby and the 2wd in my current truck has limited my spots and left me hanging several times (digging out mud or sand is not a fun time and could be potentially dangerous if I get stranded overnight in freezing temps).  I hate the thought of having such an expensive loan, and driving a new truck in the mud and sticks.  I guess I wonder if it's possible to justify a new truck if I'm going to be driving it for 15-20 years.

Or should I buy a fairly well used 4wd Toyota Tacoma or Four-runner as a hunting/camping rig (resale on most of those is insane though) and buy a commuter car as well?  I feel like that's a better option but then I have two vehicles to store, maintain and insure. 

Or a lightly used (still gonna be $$$) 4wd vehicle for both uses?

I'm just looking for a different perspective, go easy on the facial beatings please. :)

I'd just buy a used Tacoma - or any truck really, most of them seem fairly reliable? - and use that as your only car. Why do you need a separate commuter car... it doesn't sound like you have one right now? Why does a new truck prompt the need for a commuter car?

marielle

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2017, 02:34:57 PM »
How much have you spent on your current truck in the past year or two? Add up the total minus gas, oil changes, and tires and divide by 12...is this more or less than a car payment? What is the overall condition of your current truck? Is the frame in good shape and not rusty?

It may seem like maintenance is expensive, but when you really look at it it could be much less than a car payment and insurance for a new truck.

And of course 4wd is going to be significantly more expensive to maintain over those 15-20 years you plan to keep the truck and possibly worse on gas, so you have to factor that in too and figure out how much you're willing to spend extra for your hobby.

Also, how many miles do you drive in a year?

.22guy

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2017, 07:59:19 PM »
22,

Why not keep your current vehicle for the hunting trips, and buy a used Honda or similar for commuting?

I've considered that, my current vehicle is mediocre for the hunting and shooting excursions I take.  Pretty much impossible if I want to take both my sons. 

This might be a solution though, thanks for the thought.

.22guy

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #7 on: March 10, 2017, 08:01:59 PM »
Don't feel bad about using a truck that actually fits your needs. Too many truck owners get trucks that they don't even need. You use yours for its intended purpose, no big deal.

Could you get a bike for commuting purposes?

I could try that, but I work 11 miles away and the only easy way to get there is on the freeway, which is not possible.

Also, I am almost always picking up or dropping off my kids at school, depending on the day (dependent on custody agreement).

.22guy

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #8 on: March 10, 2017, 08:05:01 PM »
From what I have seen Toyota Tacoma's do not drop much in value until they get really high on miles.

A few years ago I wanted one and thought I would some money buying one a few years old but they were only a few thousand less than I could negotiate the price down on a new one.

At least that is how it is here in Colorado :(

Yes, that is definitely my experience here in CA, if not worse.  I'd like to find one for 18K or 20K but then it's got 150-180K miles on the clock.  I don't think that's a good idea for my life.

.22guy

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #9 on: March 10, 2017, 08:07:30 PM »
Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some vehicle advice.  I know, I know, I should sell mine and use a bike.  It's not really an option for me, as I live in a spread out city and I'm a single dad of two young sons and it gets blazing hot/pretty cold depending on the season.

As it is right now, I have a Toyota pre-runner truck I've been driving for 18 years.  I'd probably keep driving it longer but it's been nickel and diming me pretty bad for awhile, luckily I have a friend that is a really good mechanic that's helped me keep it going for far less than shops would charge.  Also, it's an extended cab and my kids don't fit very well in it these days.

I'm considering a new 4wd double cab Tacoma (shields face from incoming punches).  I am into hunting as my main hobby and the 2wd in my current truck has limited my spots and left me hanging several times (digging out mud or sand is not a fun time and could be potentially dangerous if I get stranded overnight in freezing temps).  I hate the thought of having such an expensive loan, and driving a new truck in the mud and sticks.  I guess I wonder if it's possible to justify a new truck if I'm going to be driving it for 15-20 years.

Or should I buy a fairly well used 4wd Toyota Tacoma or Four-runner as a hunting/camping rig (resale on most of those is insane though) and buy a commuter car as well?  I feel like that's a better option but then I have two vehicles to store, maintain and insure. 

Or a lightly used (still gonna be $$$) 4wd vehicle for both uses?

I'm just looking for a different perspective, go easy on the facial beatings please. :)

I'd just buy a used Tacoma - or any truck really, most of them seem fairly reliable? - and use that as your only car. Why do you need a separate commuter car... it doesn't sound like you have one right now? Why does a new truck prompt the need for a commuter car?
 

Definitely a possibility but I wouldn't save a ton on anything with a reasonable amount of mileage.

Sometimes I think it would be nice to have a hunting rig that I wouldn't mind getting dirty/beat up and then a somewhat nicer car to drive to work and be able to actually drive out of town, instead of always putting the miles on my girlfriend's car.

.22guy

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #10 on: March 10, 2017, 08:09:33 PM »
How much have you spent on your current truck in the past year or two? Add up the total minus gas, oil changes, and tires and divide by 12...is this more or less than a car payment? What is the overall condition of your current truck? Is the frame in good shape and not rusty?

It may seem like maintenance is expensive, but when you really look at it it could be much less than a car payment and insurance for a new truck.

And of course 4wd is going to be significantly more expensive to maintain over those 15-20 years you plan to keep the truck and possibly worse on gas, so you have to factor that in too and figure out how much you're willing to spend extra for your hobby.

Also, how many miles do you drive in a year?

It's a pretty large number in maintenance.  And would be a heck of a lot higher if my mechanic friend wasn't able/willing to help me out.  For a while my truck was in his garage on a once or twice a week basis.

I drive about 9000K a year.

JLee

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #11 on: March 10, 2017, 08:14:19 PM »
Learn how to do your own maintenance and older Toyota trucks will basically last forever for very little money. :)

That said, if I got stuck going anywhere and had a 2wd truck, I would be looking for a 4x4.  ATRAC is pretty awesome -- not as good as lockers, but it solves the problem of getting stuck if one wheel on each axle has no traction. Something new enough to have that may be helpful for you (or a TRD Offroad model with a rear e-locker).

This was me last year - would have been completely stuck without a locker or ATRAC just because I had two wheels in the air:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEGcYfifL1k

.22guy

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #12 on: March 10, 2017, 08:27:58 PM »
My current truck has a locker in the rear, despite being 2wd.  It's saved my bacon a number of times and is about the only reason I've never had to walk out until I get cell reception to call for help.

ChpBstrd

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #13 on: March 10, 2017, 08:51:36 PM »
Hunters in 1937:
Brawny, lean, tough, and muscular men who braved the elements without the luxuries of GoreTex(r) or other synthetic fiber clothing. They parked whatever primitive and utterly unreliable transportation they had where the passable road ended and hiked 2, 5, hell maybe 10 miles to reach their hunting spots or to stalk their prey. They built their own bonfires, hauled their own equipment on their backs, and spent days at a time in nothing but a tent. Their rifles didn't even have scopes because they didn't need them.

Hunters in 2017:
Weigh 250 lbs and have no cardio endurance, so they drive a $50,000 four wheel drive man-limo as close to the woods as possible, then unload the $18,000 ATV golf-cart thing from the $3,000 trailer, drive it right up to the manufactured deer stand, sit for 5 hours eating Slim Jims until their chubby skin gets cold and then race back to the warmth of the truck. You'd think the $500 designer camo / boots combo would have kept them warm.

Sorry for the facepunch, bro. Had to. It's good for you too.

.22guy

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #14 on: March 10, 2017, 09:03:48 PM »
Thanks for the hyperbole. Not really applicable here though.

JLee

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #15 on: March 10, 2017, 09:26:28 PM »
Hunters in 1937:
Brawny, lean, tough, and muscular men who braved the elements without the luxuries of GoreTex(r) or other synthetic fiber clothing. They parked whatever primitive and utterly unreliable transportation they had where the passable road ended and hiked 2, 5, hell maybe 10 miles to reach their hunting spots or to stalk their prey. They built their own bonfires, hauled their own equipment on their backs, and spent days at a time in nothing but a tent. Their rifles didn't even have scopes because they didn't need them.

Hunters in 2017:
Weigh 250 lbs and have no cardio endurance, so they drive a $50,000 four wheel drive man-limo as close to the woods as possible, then unload the $18,000 ATV golf-cart thing from the $3,000 trailer, drive it right up to the manufactured deer stand, sit for 5 hours eating Slim Jims until their chubby skin gets cold and then race back to the warmth of the truck. You'd think the $500 designer camo / boots combo would have kept them warm.

Sorry for the facepunch, bro. Had to. It's good for you too.

Brawny, lean, tough, and muscular men with a life expectancy of 58.

You can go back to 1937 if you want. I'm happier here.

ChpBstrd

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #16 on: March 11, 2017, 07:40:00 AM »
Quote
Brawny, lean, tough, and muscular men with a life expectancy of 58.

You can go back to 1937 if you want. I'm happier here.
They also smoked like crazy, lived without medical care, and didn't wash their hands after pooping, but the OP was about whether buying a 4WD truck is reasonable for a person with a hunting hobby. Today's deadly diseases are related to an over reliance on vehicles.

Quote
Thanks for the hyperbole. Not really applicable here though.
Sadly, it's not hyperbole. The 1937 hunter I described was my grandfather. The 2017 hunters I describe are the guys in my hunting club, and every detail describes most of them. Maybe things are different in your state.
« Last Edit: March 11, 2017, 11:40:10 AM by ChpBstrd »

.22guy

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #17 on: March 11, 2017, 07:57:54 AM »


Brawny, lean, tough, and muscular men with a life expectancy of 58.

You can go back to 1937 if you want. I'm happier here.
They also smoked like crazy, lived without medical care, and didn't wash their hands after pooping, but the OP was about whether buying a 4WD truck is reasonable for a person with a hunting hobby. Today's deadly diseases are related to an over reliance on vehicles.

Quote

I don't doubt there are people like that out there.  I'm not one of them.  You don't know what I'm hunting, or when, or where, or how or what the weather conditions are like.  My 2wd has left me lacking a number of times.  If I'm getting a new vehicle it probably should be a 4wd.  I'm not standing here saying it's a mustachian purchase or hobby.  But it's one of my things I enjoy in life.

I'm just here looking for different perspectives.  All my friends are just like "Dude, you work hard!  Buy the new Tacoma!".  Most of them are not mustachian or even frugal.
Thanks for the hyperbole. Not really applicable here though.
Sadly, it's not hyperbole. The 1937 hunter I described was my grandfather. The 2017 hunters I describe are the guys in my hunting club, and every detail describes most of them. Maybe things are different in your state.
[/quote]

Hargrove

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #18 on: March 11, 2017, 09:44:36 AM »
I'm confused. You know it's not Mustachian. You posted on the Mustache Forums for other perspectives. ChpBstrd gave you the especially Mustachian perspective, and everyone else was really accomodating and encouraging over the Tacoma. You got exactly what you wanted. If anything, I'm a little sad only one person posted a Mustachian response. This is (or should be) the worst place to find people who will say "you work hard, blow that money!"

Unless you are hunting T-Rex, whatever you're hunting was hunted by people without an expensive, 4WD supercab. And, nobody here will ever be able to check what decision you made. Have at.

ToTheMoon

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #19 on: March 11, 2017, 10:26:37 AM »
We faced a similar dilemma a couple of years ago.  We do a lot of camping/fishing, and have 2 boys and a dog we usually haul along with us.

Our brand new Tacoma (purchased just before we found MMM) was failing us for two reasons:

A)  We didn't want to scratch up that pretty paint job, and as a result were not going exploring as much as we used to.  The sound of every branch dragging along the side was like 10 fingernails on a chalkboard at once.

B)  For road trips having the open back made it a total pain.  We had to put everything in Rubbermaid totes to protect from the elements, and if we wanted to stop somewhere for any length of time we had to transfer all our stuff to the cab, or stick nearby to keep and eye on it.  (I know this problem could be solved with a canopy, but DH rides trials bikes and then it would have to come off/on all the time - not practical for us.)

We decided to sell the Tacoma, and replaced it with a 1996 Jeep Cherokee.  Someone else has already spent the money/time to clean it up, and it already had thousands of dollars worth of lift kit and off-road upgrades done to it (lots of guys clean these up as a hobby.)  We paid $4000 (CAD)+ new tires, bought an inexpensive hitch-mount carrier for the dirtbike, and pocketed the other $23,000.

Would something like this be an option for you?  I am obviously not a hunter, so perhaps it is impractical - but can you think outside the box a bit?  Do you usually hunt alone, or are you with a friend who also has a truck that you can haul your game out with?
« Last Edit: March 11, 2017, 10:33:39 AM by ToTheMoon »

.22guy

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #20 on: March 11, 2017, 03:39:57 PM »
We faced a similar dilemma a couple of years ago.  We do a lot of camping/fishing, and have 2 boys and a dog we usually haul along with us.

Our brand new Tacoma (purchased just before we found MMM) was failing us for two reasons:

A)  We didn't want to scratch up that pretty paint job, and as a result were not going exploring as much as we used to.  The sound of every branch dragging along the side was like 10 fingernails on a chalkboard at once.

B)  For road trips having the open back made it a total pain.  We had to put everything in Rubbermaid totes to protect from the elements, and if we wanted to stop somewhere for any length of time we had to transfer all our stuff to the cab, or stick nearby to keep and eye on it.  (I know this problem could be solved with a canopy, but DH rides trials bikes and then it would have to come off/on all the time - not practical for us.)

We decided to sell the Tacoma, and replaced it with a 1996 Jeep Cherokee.  Someone else has already spent the money/time to clean it up, and it already had thousands of dollars worth of lift kit and off-road upgrades done to it (lots of guys clean these up as a hobby.)  We paid $4000 (CAD)+ new tires, bought an inexpensive hitch-mount carrier for the dirtbike, and pocketed the other $23,000.

Would something like this be an option for you?  I am obviously not a hunter, so perhaps it is impractical - but can you think outside the box a bit?  Do you usually hunt alone, or are you with a friend who also has a truck that you can haul your game out with?

Thank you for providing actual feedback instead of just being a douche like others. I've considered this and feel like I would need another car with that option.

.22guy

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #21 on: March 11, 2017, 03:44:59 PM »
I'm confused. You know it's not Mustachian. You posted on the Mustache Forums for other perspectives. ChpBstrd gave you the especially Mustachian perspective, and everyone else was really accomodating and encouraging over the Tacoma. You got exactly what you wanted. If anything, I'm a little sad only one person posted a Mustachian response. This is (or should be) the worst place to find people who will say "you work hard, blow that money!"

Unless you are hunting T-Rex, whatever you're hunting was hunted by people without an expensive, 4WD supercab. And, nobody here will ever be able to check what decision you made. Have at.

Yeah, I've admitted this isn't a frugal, mustache thing. But I guess we all have our things that aren't necessarily mustachian things in life. Or most of us.

I was just hoping to have some discussion about it.

Feel free to give some constructive thoughts, since you apparently know it all

Hargrove

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #22 on: March 11, 2017, 05:20:25 PM »
Feel free to give some constructive thoughts, since you apparently know it all

That thick skin will keep you warm out there...

If I just had to have a giant gold-plated truck to drive through sticks, aluminum F150s won't rust, depreciate well, and get about the same mpg of Tacomas, if you drive like you have nowhere to go.

They MSRP only slightly more than Tacomas.
« Last Edit: March 11, 2017, 05:40:47 PM by Hargrove »

HipGnosis

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #23 on: March 11, 2017, 05:34:58 PM »
Used.
You might not save much, but you will save some. 
I'm deducing your boys are pre-teen/teen.  So about 10 years before they go off on their own.  Then you won't need dual cab.   So no justification for a new one.
I don't get why you'd need a second car, but I've had multiple vehicles for years as there are many benefits.

Vindicated

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #24 on: March 13, 2017, 08:20:49 AM »
22,

Why not keep your current vehicle for the hunting trips, and buy a used Honda or similar for commuting?

I've considered that, my current vehicle is mediocre for the hunting and shooting excursions I take.  Pretty much impossible if I want to take both my sons. 

This might be a solution though, thanks for the thought.

I really think this is your best bet.  You get the benefit of a truck specifically for what you "need" it for, and a nice little Civic for daily driving. 

You could also plan on selling the Civic to your oldest boy in a few years when he starts driving, and repeat the process for the younger one.  What type of vehicle lesson do you want your kids to learn?

It all comes down to your happiness.  Will it make you happier to have a newer Tacoma that you use for everything?  It'll cost you ~$10k more than a Civic of similar year/miles.

mm1970

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #25 on: March 13, 2017, 05:05:34 PM »
Well, it's not clear how often you hunt (or use the truck where another vehicle would not work).

Most of my friends/ relatives own trucks.  At one point my brother owned two, right when they were having a second kid, which was stupid.

What do you mostly use your car for?  How often do you need the truck?  It's like the whole minivan discussion "you don't need a minivan if you have 3 kids!"

Yeah, but if you are driving your 3 kids in car seats every single day AND 3 days a week carpooling 2 of their friends from school - then it's worth it to have a minivan.

See, I've got neighbors with a minivan who carpool my kid to school.  I returned the favor in my Matrix until their 3rd kid started school, but I can't fit 5 kids in my car.  So, I don't *need* a minivan because I only have 2 kids.  I only "need" (want, would be convenient if I could) transport more than 4 other people about 3 times a year.  Not worth it.

My neighors (who have 3 kids and a big dog) and my friends (with four kids) *need* a car that seats more than 5.

So, how often do you hunt?  How often are you going offroad and getting stuck?  Frequency matters. 

My family members with trucks?  Hunt, fish, haul stuff all the time.  Not all of them need a truck, honestly - they could get by borrowing.  (Nephew, brother, brother in law, dad, all have trucks).  Live where there is snow.  Use the truck to plow snow, pull people out of ditches, carry lumber and other stuff.

MarioMario

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Re: Vehicle Advice needed please
« Reply #26 on: March 14, 2017, 12:42:27 AM »
Buying a new truck seems crazy to me personally.  I just can't imagine it.

My advice would be to get something cheaper for hunting like the suggested old Cherokee for off road and a cheaper commuter car if you don't want to drive that to work.

I would also echo the sentiment that you are giving your children an example.  Think about what you will be communicating to them.