Hi Scotty,
my husband and I are going into retirement and feel like we need to set ourselves up with cars that will last us. I have a 2008 Toyota FJ with 205,000 miles, we have owned since new, a 2014 Avalon with 66,000 miles, and a 2012 Lexus Is250C convertible with 96,000 miles. We want to go down to 2 cars and love all three. We just sold a Toyota Landcrusier with 375,000 miles on it so we are not afraid of our milage. Our driving has slowed down with our retirement and we love the Fj because setting up high and towing a small trailer, we love the convertble because we enjoy the top down, and we love the Avalon because of the peppyness and can seat 4 for going out with friends. What is your best advice on which two cars to keep as my husband is not handy with cars but he is really good at keeping up with oil changes ect. I have seen newer fj’ for $15,000 more than mine would sell for with 75,000 miles on it. Thank you for your advise
Marlynda Matthews
I'd probably ditch the FJ due to mileage if it were me.
Sell the FJ Cruiser.
Definitely keep the Toyota Avalon. So the decision is really between the FJ and the Lexus. Since you say your husband is not handy and the FJ is >200,000 miles (and therefore will require more repair statistically compared to the Lexus) along with the fact that the FJ is an SUV with a cult following (and may still fetch some decent money) - and now it’s a strong seller’s market - I would sell the FJ. That’s my knee-jerk reaction.
However, if you find yourself using the FJ more than the Lexus - it is a little more practical especially for going on dirt road, towing trailers - then keep the FJ and sell the Lexus. That particular Lexus, to me, is more of a weekend /fun car. In my particular situation, if I had those 3 cars and knowing I would be using the Avalon and FJ a lot more than the Lexus, I would sell the Lexus. For me since I go off-road/overland - as well as occasional tow - I would keep the FJ. You will have to sit down and evaluate your situation/be honest with yourself which will you use more?
Practical me says to keep the Avalon and one of the others.
Crazy me says keep the FJ Cruiser and the Convertible.
TBH, it all really depends on what you expect to be doing in retirement, because each of those cars are built fo a specific purpose.
Well go have your cars inspected by your mechanic and get rid of the one that is the worst shape.
I would say get rid of the higher mileage car but the mechanic will have the last word.
