Next car/truck - 2000 Avalon XLS or a 2000 Tundra SR5 - which would you choose & why?

[Tennesseestorm]

Hello all!!

I am in the market for a new car. Still unsure on whether I want brand new or used. If I go new, I have narrowed it down between a Tundra 2wd, Camry, Accord, Sonata or LaCrosse.

If I go used, it will definitely be a Toyota or Honda.

The currently Toyotas I really seem to be interested in now is a 2000 Avalon XLS and a 2000 Tundra SR5 4WD V8 extended cab truck. Both are in excellent condition.

The Avalon XLS is silver and loaded to the hilt and is priced at $9800, but I think I can get it for around $8900. It has slightly high miles, 125K, but is in EC and one owner. It is at a dealer where my aunts husband works.

The Tundra SR5 is black and also loaded. Its priced at what I think is a steep $13,900, but I think I can get it down to about $10,500, which is KBB value. Also, higher miles, around 115K, but is like new and has all service records. It is a beautiful truck.

I am trying to weigh the pros and cons of each. The Avalon is cheaper, probably better fuel mileage and probably cheaper insurance. The Tundra is probably going to cost me more initially, probably easier to work on and will probably hold its resell value much better.

Which would you choose and why? Probably a matter of personal taste, but I like them both the same.

OR- should I go ahead and buy the 06' Tundra V6 regular cab 2WD- automatic, A/C, tilt, intermittent wipers, wheelcovers, bedliner, AM-FM-CD, cloth interior, etc. for $16,400 - with the $3000 rebate? Or a 05=06' Camry around $15-18K or a brand new Camry for $21K?

At a crossroads and need some input. Thanks!

[H2O_MAN]

If it checks out 100% buy the used Tundra.

The truck is more practical than the car.

[azfire06]

First question to ask is what do you want to use the vehicle for? If you have a need to haul stuff, drive on non paved roads, then get the Tundra. If not the car may be the way to go.

Also consider cost of insurance between vehicles, repair costs, etc.

You are correct in that it is a personal choice. It all depends what you want to use the vehicle for.