<prompt> Human: Currently only owe 10k on the 4runner, and would buy the crosstrek outright so I wouldnt have a car payment. I am going to be driving 20k per year over the next 3 years.I bought the 4runner for 34500 out the door, and would be getting 33300 on trade. The Crosstrek would be 26k out the door. More info: No debt other than a mortgage, 110k salary, car payment is 220 per month which is very affordable. However, soon I will be selling the condo positive equity of 70k and moving across the country with the wife. Unfortunately she may not be able to work, which is also prompting the desire to have zero debt other than a mortgage of approximately 1500 per month.Thanks!Assistant: As the above poster noticed, people get caught up in gas mileage but it doesnt make a huge difference. The big difference here is do you want a significantly smaller vehicle and do you want out of your car payment? Also, what is your income...can you afford the 4Runner can you afford it, not can you make the payment each month? What kind of other debt do you have?I would keep the 4Runner if I was debt free except a mortgage and could pay off your 10k balance in two years. I would suspect the 4Runner will hold its value longer than a Crosstrek and for me personally it would be a more comfortable and nicer vehicle to drive. One final thought: check the insurance rates on the Crosstrek...see if that adds up to any kind of significant savings over 3 years.Human: No debt other than a mortgage, 110k salary, car payment is 220 per month which is very affordable. However, soon I will be selling the condo positive equity of 70k and moving across the country with the wife. Unfortunately she may not be able to work, which is also prompting the desire to have zero debt other than a mortgage of approximately 1500 per month.  <response>: The problem seems to be more psychological than mathematical.But then again, who wants to waste good money on fuel? As for the capital expense, if you buy another car with cash, youll spend capital that you would otherwise invest somewhere. At perhaps 6 expected returns its better to accept a 2 p.a. car payment and keep the money for an investment, or whatever it is. 