Little backstory. My brother (7 years younger) and I are pretty close, even though we have differing vehicle tastes.
He owns (is paying for) a new 2018 Chevy Silverado crew that books around $50K and is leasing an Infinity QX80. It books at $85K.
He has had his fair share of inexpensive vehicles, but never worked on them his self. As soon as they give problems, it is trade in for something new.
A few weeks ago, he took me for a ride in the Infinity. I'll admit, it is nice. There is no way in he** I'd pay that for one, nor lease a vehicle.
One thing he did that he was so impressed about was turn the thing around in a tee-intersection of two roads. It does turn well.
Tonight was my turn. I gave him the keys to Radio Flyer and let him take it out for a spin.
He was impressed how smooth it rode and the top end it had. He also was shocked at how tight and responsive the steering was.
Then, on the way back in his neighborhood, I told him to do the 180* turn in the intersection. Just as tight as the Infinity.
He was very impressed. He commented that this thing had to be the top of the line when new given it was now almost 35 years old and still this well mannered. Of course, he would never own something like this Jeep, nor would he put TLC into an older vehicle like I do.
I'm not knocking his way. It works for him. He's happy.
But I did open his eyes about how a well cared for machine will perform, no matter the age.
I've spent less than $6K on my investment compared to what the QX80 retails for. I could spend another $6K on a complete mechanical overhaul and still be ahead in my opinion. That makes me feel happy.
That's all that matters, right?
Keep Jeepin'