Decided on a Camaro instead.

[Maddog78]

Sorry to hear about all your problems.
Makes me even happier I went German.
I was briefly considering a Z06 but after riding in a buddies that was only a year and half old and listening to the dash rattle I said no thanks.
My 911 is built like a vault.

[Mayhem]

When I was in the shop dropping off my Camaro...   Guy just before me was in with his z06.. That thing sounded just as bad as mine. You probably dodged a bullet on that one.

I'll probably end up back in a truck again after my car experience. And leave the nice lookin cars for when I have a little more money for extra toys.

[Maddog78]

I like Vettes but I'm still not convinced on GM's build quality.
Again, sorry to hear your Camaro experience wasn't very pleasant.

I believe you talked before about a Raptor?
Leaning that way?

They look pretty bad ass.

[Mayhem]

I have neglected this thread a while! Since I've been in limbo in regards to what I am doing vehicle wise.

I have still been thinking long & hard about the Raptor Maddog. It's a sweet truck.  It'll save me 400 a year on insurance.. and even save me a little on gas believe it or not.

the 2011's are coming out with a long list of updates.. more than is usual in such a short period of time.
  
2010's are pure automatic.. the 2011 selectshift will allow manual shifting... and better shift points..

 I recieved an offer on my car for 38,000 as a trade in... with 3,000 off MSRP on the 2010 Raptor...
Raptor MSRP's at about 53k with no nav/moonroof/stickers...      so its down to about 49.5k after haggling.

I'd have to throw down 15k on top of the Camaro to get the Raptor that has been on the lot for 4-6+ months.... with 100km on the odometer...  (Definately been being used to test drive a fair bit).

Amazing truck. But at 15k on top of the car.. the trade just doesn't feel attractive enough to be a practical decision. Ruling out the 2011 since it will cost even more on top of that when the car deppreciates further and nobody wants to haggle on the new model Raptors. As much as I want the manual shifting.... it comes down to  $$$$$

Hoped for more on the trade since I was offered more elsewhere... (Just not for the raptor).. but 38 is well beyond the 30 they started at.. (insanely low-balled) the used one up the street sold for 42k with twice the mileage and half the options as mine.

I am kind of doing some soul searching. I'm back in school so with no income , an additional 15k spending is hard to justify.

I am contemplating trading the car for a v6 tacoma TRD.... and not having to pay anything on top.  in addition to saving 700 a year on insurance compared with the camaro and its better on gas..   its no raptor... but it would be 15k in the bank i get to hang onto. and I can always trick out the suspension in a couple years when work is steady. Also a few more days left on Fords incentives on the current f150's... can pick up an fx4 for around 25k at which point I'd get money back.

lastly  I am even at the point of considering going car-less a while & selling privately...  (I got my Ruckus!)

I decide on the trade today.. after that The raptor will either be mine instead of the Camaro... or no longer considered as an option! And regardless of which route I go Raptorwise... The camaro will likely be gettin the boot anyways.   I Like the safety of trucks & miss the practicality too much.

[hansolocujo]

If I were you and were in school with no income, it would probably make sense to cut your losses and sell privately. Get something more practical and look at another vehicle down the road when you have a good paying job.

[DKaz]

They're both good trucks, it's up to you. I see the F150 as being a hardcore hauler while the Tacoma feels at home mudding etc. especially when lifted, you still get what 6,500 lb towing with the Tacoma? Which engine would you go for with the F150? The V6 Ecoboost is getting awesome reviews but some might be more comfortable with the NA V8. Tough call. I'd personally go for the Tacoma because I like a real manual transmission and on its 5th model year is still one of the better looking pickups out there, but the SelectShift has always been getting good reviews, I'm just a bit meh on its looks.

[Maddog78]

I agree.  Sell private, get as much cash out of it as you can.
Take your time before jumping into a new vehicle.
Depends how long you are going to be a student.  Maybe even go for a beater for awhile?

If I were you and were in school with no income, it would probably make sense to cut your losses and sell privately. Get something more practical and look at another vehicle down the road when you have a good paying job.

[serpico007]

Saw a Raptor in my neighbourhood last weekend. When I went to the Ford plant last August in 2009 I saw them being built. It was pretty cool the tour.

[HeaTransfer]

You're a student with no income and you're thinking of buying a $53k truck?   Really?

[Mayhem]

I should have said off and on income...  I work more/less depending on my course load per semester. This semester was in favor of school.

Trucks 48k, and my trade covers 75% of the cost.  I have the funds to cover the remaining with my tuition and living expenses already accounted for and set aside.

My only additional expenses are food/gas/insurance, which are already covered as well.

I have the means & life is short.     That said, I did not take the deal on the Raptor.

Am "considering" the Tacoma or perhaps a mid size truck/suv in that price range or lesser.

Am not considering a beater, as I need reliable daily transportation that is good year round and isn't going to suddenly break down because of age, poor maintenance, or abuse of a previous owner.

I am not quite in the same position as the average student since I have no student loans or monthly payments to worry about.