95 Series, 400 k...to keep or sell

[JoshuaLuke Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close JoshuaLuke]

Would love some feedback on my current dilemma.

I own a 95 Series that has just ticked over the 400k km mark. Been a brilliant car, bought it at 280k for $11,000 almost 10 years ago. I recently moved to Queensland, so now need to register, which requires a road worthy. Unfortunately, the timing belt needs to be replaced, a few other biggish items, a few other bits and pieces, and heaps of little things (tinting, seat belts), which is going to cost upwards of 6k all up.

My partner is buying a Rav 4 to replace her 2014 mazda, and the Toyota dealer offered 4k trade in (not budging) for the Prado. I would normally laugh at this, but considering what I need to spend immediately, just to get it up to date again... well, it's an option. I can't sell the car either without most of the work being done. (Toyota don't require a road worthy).

Do I spend the money, and then likely drive it into the ground, hoping it will go another 50-100k> or take the money, and just drive my partner's older car. I don't really go hardcore off-road at the moment, but do love being able to fit the surfboards in the back.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. TIA

[GeeWhizz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeeWhizz]

The answer comes down to a financial one. Some questions to ask yourself:

• How much must you spend on the vehicle to get it up to scratch?
• What would it realistically be worth to sell after the repairs were complete and paid for?
• Are there other expenses for the vehicle on the horizon?
• What is your own financial position now and in one or two years time?

Finally vehicles prices, particularly towing and "recreational" ones, are inflated at the moment. Over the next couple of years, people are likely to resume their former lifestyles of cruises and flying overseas for holidays. This, and the rising price of fuel, is likely to restore the price of Prados of all ages to their former levels. So, if you're imagining that the resale value of your Prado will remain around today's values, you could be disappointed.

[johnnytucker Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close johnnytucker]

In the next years, cruises and international flights for vacations will undoubtedly return to their previous levels of popularity. The price of Prados of all ages is anticipated to return to pre-recession levels as a result of this and the increasing cost of gasoline. drift hunters