I got ya, WI. I was just throwing that option out there. Options are good!

Both but the internet makes it easier. Finding deals can be a lot of frustration. I have made some long drives to buy vehicles that are not like they were represented. Making a wasted trip.

It also helps to have the model of vehicles in mind you want and problem areas and what to look for in those models. For example Ford excapes have rust issues on the rear passenger side at the spring hanger.

My want to buy list is Toyota camary 120k miles or less for 6500 ( reliability and good mpg) , tundra 2021 18k or less depending on year and milage (longevity or older with v8, watch for frame rust) , maybe a 2015 -17 f150 15k or less with the natural aspirated 3.6 becuse its got aluminum body panels and its the most simple motor offered in them that year. Older f150 with 4.6 for more reliability under 130k miles 8k or less. 00-05 Ford focuse under 120k miles 4500 or less( missed a manual transmission one with 89k miles for 3500 last week sold when I was on my way to look at it) Just to name a few for an example. Having an idea of what you want and are looking at. And for helps avoid problem vehicles

Good deals sell fast so you have to be ready to move with cash fast when you see one. It gets frustrating truly good deals on nice old vehicles are harder to find ant take time and effort to find. But it saves me a lot in the long run.

In still shoping I have one son turning 16 in June, so need another truck and I want another gas saver car as well so looking for 2 more vehicles. But he may end up with the truck just bought if I find one if the more expensive trucks listed above. I will drive it 6 months until he is eligible to get his license and make sure its 100% reliable by then. Its always nice to have options.

I’ve done both, paid cash and used low interest loans with different level payments. All of the vehicles have required dumping money to keep on the road, some more than others. I suppose when a guy says he hasn’t had any issues he’s probably overlooking routine maintenance and all the small things that add up in the end. Lifetime cost of a vehicle is a lot higher than most realize.

PF tear up your formula sheet for figuring cost of a beater. Look at other thread. All the parts going up.

But seriously. It can be a giant money pit either way. Roll the dice on used. OR buy a new one if you can. No exact formula fits everyone.
Hope you guys are having a good weekend. No rain here for 10 weeks. Gotten 6 plus inches since thursday here.

Something you also missing is I can work on the old stuff or take it to independent shops. They have years fixing them and know how to find the problems. Also aftermarket parts are established and available. Need vehicle often have to be taken to a dealer, need dealer parts, need dealer computer to reset, all costing much more. The issues are not as well known and the fix worked out. So many new vehicles have issues ther is not one I want even it it were free.

No way ill ever beable to pay cash upfront for a new 60k dollar rig. Some people can, not this ol boy. Warrantys aint always what they are cut out to be. As farm said, older ones a guy can work on himself. My 98 f150 blew a plug. Mechanic wanted 500 to fix it. Bought a kit for 300 and did all the plugs myself. That was the biggest issue on the 2v 5.4, bulletproof motor other than that. Oil changes take 20 minutes, aint wasting my time to take it somewhere, even if it was free. Time is money to, dealer may do it for free but how far you gotta drive? How long does it take them?

All vehicle require matanamce and wear items replacement. Clearly older vehicles will have more wear and required more things replaced. I believe his statement is more in line with major repairs in the drive train vs replacing breaks or ball joints. Yes that can add up but most can do those repairs themselves, buy parts at the local auto parts store or upgrade to stronger off road stuff.( my choice and a good excuse to upgrade) theoretically if you keep up with inspections you know things are wearing out before they break and get them fixed when its convenient for you vs geting broke down on the road. ( but how many really check their vehicles over routinely)

.all vehicles cost money. No question about it. One method buying esp financing new at today's rates is a long term debt trap. Being careless and buying used and using the saving to build wealth is to me the smart play. The down side to theis is it takes discipline to actually invest or pay down debts vs spend it. That is difficult to do at least its tough for me. But I manage most of the time. And if I can do it anyone can im surely nothing special or talented.

Sure my way is not the only way. Just what I have learned from years worth of mistakes and thinking maybe when I post this some young ones may see it and it click helping them build wealth and reduce debt learing from my mistakes. The old guys set in their ways will just dig in and keep doing what they have been doing. Some will get defensive even. My post are not for those guys they can keep on keeping on.

Nope. My last truck I had for 15 years. The money I put into it was still cheaper than buying new. Years of no payment was huge for me and my family.