Hi camusdarrach and CrashNburn. That ' Siverado' is a good looking pick up truck. With all due respect, i hope CrashNburn is not offended ,but i can relate to the analysis which camus submitted. It could happen, that extra finance involved will be a burden. I am not saying it will be a struggle, but it could induce restrictions.
For example one of my bosses, indicated that pros and cons are involved. There is the current economic situation. The toyota rep did not perform a trade in value on my escape. I told him my intent, on the Hilux SR5 Diesel was tentative but not definite. I requested him to do a calculation, as per total price on a " Hilux" fully accessorised.
The extras i would have opted for were: Five " Cooper suretrac tires". Tailgate and traybed liner. A hard tonneau cover that can be locked. A big heavy duty bullbar. Pair of " Lightforce HID240" spotlights. An in car navigational unit. Two genuine lambswool seat covers. Driver, passenger and rear window to have dark tint. The hilux SR5 is to be an automatic gearbox model. ( I am a lazy driver and just adore the luxury of auto trannys). :lol:
Those driving/ fog lights are factory standard on a hilux. Sidesteps ( running boards) are standard. The drivers seat, has seat height adjustment which is factory fitted, but this is only for the SR5 model. I am not a tall person, and i think my height is classed as average. So with the lambswool seat cover, plus that " Seat height" adjuster i would have been set.
Approximate price, for a Hilux SR5 diesel dual cab ute, from an adelaide toyota dealership without add ons, is about $52,000 with government fees. So after the sales rep, performed my accessories calculation, he indicated the price would be about $75,000. Because it is a commercial vehicle, the registration cost would be high. At the moment ,this current economic crisis has taken an effect on jobs. It also includes australia.
In context of my work, things have become quiet. It is because of this scenario, that i could not risk trading in on the diesel hilux. Far too much of a gamble. So henceforth i will be prudent and keep the escape. Whats that phrase? " You can't have everything" I fortunately do not have any major commitments. By the same token ,have no desire to stress out the budget.
I could have traded in, but then the Hilux loan would have imposed a limit ,on other items which i enjoy in context of lifestyle. For example i would have to give that, " 17 inch screen toshiba Qosmio gaming laptop" a definitely cancelled non purchase. Considering i have not commited to a hilux loan, this is exactly why i now have that " Qosmio gaming notebook". I took notice that the " Qosmio" is cheaper overseas. But for australia they are about $4,000, or something like that.
This is why i take note of ' pros and cons' and " You can't have everything". There is no way, i want to risk being retrenched and being stuck with the hilux loan. A computer is miles cheaper than a new car. My escape is the 06 assembly year. She is still a baby with only 86,000 kms on speedo. The escape has a long way to go yet. Truly amazing how economical my four pot engine is.
Hope i do not sound, like a party pooper or an ego deflater CrashNburn. My apology if you feel annoyed or offended. Hope you don't mind camusdarrach, but to summarise i agree with your perception of current issues.

I do sympathise and relate to how CrashNburn feels about a new car. Had my heart and mind set on that diesel dual cab ute. But i performed calculations, and knew that my budget envelope was being pushed too far.