Does Exhaust lower the "worth" ?? Need input !

GeneralTJI · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2002, 10:15 PM

Here is the deal,
I have a 1996 Tacoma, xtracab, 4x4, 3.4, 5 speed. I am 18 and am currently paying for this (Which shouldnt be a problem, I work for the Post Office and run a computer business on the side. I'm hoping to have it paid for in less than a year (total time)). Ok that will play a role in what I have to say later. Anyway, the loan I got on the truck is in my parents name, to lower interest. Pretty sweet. My dad is not excited about me modding things until its paid for- partially understandable even by me. For example, I will NOT be supercharging it until its paid for. Ok, now I have done some things like a gague pod and boost guage. White faced neon gauge kit. Stereo, including amps, subs etc etc. Neon lights... And I'm adding a fuel pressure gauge and voltgauge right above the glove box on the dash.. he knows about this and thinks its cool !!(just giving some background info) He also doesnt want me doing exhaust. I think he is worried because on my last vehicle, blazer, I cut off the cat and muffler and ran str8t pipe through a muffler that didnt do much mufflering

However, I wouldnt even think of doing something like that to a nice truck like mine ! Instead of doing it myself again, I just had a shop install a dynomax stainless steel ultra flow 3" i/o muffler. And 3" pipe right out the back in the same location as stock. It sounds better than anything I have ever heard... really impressed, kinda a mix between a hich perfomance v8 and something a little smaller and not as low. Cool. And not that loud either ! I mean at 60 mph+ you cant really tell its there... and under 2000... can tell. So, he doesnt know yet !! lol... and my QUESTION IS: Does adding a pretty high quality aftermaket exhaust system like mine. (Comes w/ warranty, part of it is stainless) make the truck worth any less ? Its still smog legal, and not that loud.. sounds good! WHat do you people think ? He is worried if I can't pay for it he will have to sell it.. and wont be able to w/ exhaust an other mod's.. I think its pretty lame excuse and is VERY sellable right now ! hehe, he sure is gonna be cheezed when he finally notices this little upgrade.. hehe Well please give me your input, sorry for long post.
Todd

Tundra_Jules · #2 (**permalink**) 02-22-2002, 09:08 AM

Is long as you haven't removed any of the smog equipment you should be okay. I would have to warn you though that one of those giant tachs and a bunch of aftermarket gauges on the interior would set off bells as a prospective buyer. That to me says that the truck has been raced and most people steer clear of vehicles with that kind of history. You don't mention if you've lowered it or not, cutting coils off the springs will ruin the truck. Consider it unsellable if you do this. I wouldn't go crazy pimpin' out the interior either. An exhaust upgrade shouldn't hurt the resale though.

aguevarra · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2002, 11:20 AM

Concerning the exhaust, if you don't mind spending a little bit more consider going with the TRD dual exhaust. If anything, I wouldn't think it would lower the resale of the Tundra because its still a Toyota part. And if your dad still truly feels that the resale would be higher with stock components you can always hang onto the stock exhaust and replace when needed. It's all bolt on...nothing gets cut, drilled or welded. It would prbably take 45 minutes.

GeneralTJI · #4 (**permalink**) 02-22-2002, 07:33 PM

Yea, I did keep the old system, in tact. So I could throw it back on quickly. Yea all those gauges could be a bad sign depending on how you take them... I do "get on it here and there" and race a little.. I dont beat the car, there is a big difference. I havn't done anything to the suspension and dont plan to. Thanks for the replies !!!

Tundra_Jules · #5 (**permalink**) 02-22-2002, 09:16 PM

"Yea all those gauges could be a bad sign depending on how you take them... I do "get on it here and there" and race a little.. I dont beat the car, there is a big difference." Yeah but the people you might want to sell the vehicle to don't know that. They see a monster tach and just assume that you raced it. If you tell them you didn't race it they will definitely assume you raced it. I would say to them that "yeah, I get on it every now and then but I never abused the truck. I just like the look of the aftermarket gauges." At least you will come off as being honest that way.

GeneralTJI · #6 (**permalink**) 02-22-2002, 09:31 PM

True... good point. I actually don't have a Monster tach or shift light.. and probably never will. Fuel pressure gauge is more for reliability.. if i start having problems with it running funny at least I can monitor fuel pressure. I have always been gauge happy I guess. The boost gauge could be taken as a racing deal- more so when I supercharge it... interesting. it looks to me like the exhaust isn't even the major factor here. Oh and from an ealier post, its all still smog legal, basically just did a 3" custom cat back deal. Thanks