Drove the old girl to work today...

[VA72C10]

This brings up the reason I'm seriously considering daily driving one of our trucks as soon as I can afford to buy one nearly done. The joy of driving is something you don't experience with new vehicles.

Plus, the original math completely left off the gas for the modern vehicle...some of the fancier rigs don't get any better mileage than our trucks do so fuel costs are a moot point. 500/month car payment x12months = 6000 per year to save or use to restore the truck. In 5 years you'd have 30k for that dream truck instead of a 5yr old tundra with almost 100,000 miles on it maybe worth 10k.
30-50 less a month in insurance (at least) x12 = 360-600 extra/yr (1,800-3k in 5yrs) for another toy for the truck.

Add in the fact that I'm planning to use either a 350 with a 700r4 and 342 gears or a LS takeout engine/tranny and my fuel economy could be as good as any modern truck. Add in A/C, sound/heat insulation in the cab, new weatherstrip, and updated suspension and the truck can be almost as comfy as a new one.

And of course, as mentioned, the older trucks will appreciate vs newer vehicles. I only buy used vehicles for that reason. Our family van (loaded honda odyssey touring) cost 49k new...we paid 10k and I expect to keep it for at least three to four years....putting 30-40k miles per year on it. Our last van cost 35k new and we paid 6k used and had it for 5 years, put $200 into repairs (a/c clutch so I replaced the compressor--not counting oil changes/one set of tires since all vehicles need those) Sold it for 1300 when it had a major engine issue. 4900 investment/63 months = $78/month for a $35,000 vehicle.