After having been stranded on the side of the road one too many times- which it’s NEVER convenient, I had my truck towed to a local mechanic. He wanted 10k to repair the vehicle, which I only paid 8k for. I told him to kick rocks and traded in the POS ($7500 trade in value, not bad for non running) toward a new truck with the extended warranty and maintenance plan.

Sometimes you are paying for piece of mind, knowing if ever something does happen, you’ll be set. I had a check engine light come on about 2 years after ownership and took it in. It was jacking up due to a failed spark plug. not sure what the bill is on that (not just changing the plug but the cascade of problems related) but I paid ZERO.

Also this was a vehicle purchased for a business, so essentially I pre-paid for the oil changes etc.

there comes a point where you have to do what makes sense for you. if you like saving a few bucks driving a bucket of rust that’s fine. I’ll take my new car and enjoy my sack lunch, thanks.