I wander there, along with /r/povertyfinance and /r/frugal

If you can't afford 1500 for a used car, your almost certainly paying way more that you should. Try to take your tax return if possible to pay for it. Once you have a cheaper running car you can save up easier.

2 are mine. The other two I decided to take in to prevent them going "into the system". Yeah, my choice, but I stand by it.

Oil changes are scheduled at my favorite shop. $40 full synthetic for my expy can't be beat doing it myself.

I'm am watching the ball joints carefully. I've already had estimates. Sway bars are fine. Rust is minimal being southern Indiana. Could be better, could be worse.

All in all I'll likely spend 3k for vehicle, 1k for tires and sensors (has a spare tire pressure sensor!), and 2k for ball joints and control arms. I'll likely do the ball joints next year, so 4 years will be 6k. But from there easily get 3 or 4 more years.

I'm not sure that a 4R can fit 8 or 9. Either way, I want to be able to seat everyone while still having back storage.

Edit: standard seating is 5. Optional 3rd row but no room and almost no storage. Not idea.

I occasionally have to drive 9 people around at one time. I can seat 9 if I have to. 3 seats up front, 3 in mid, 3 in back. The center console fold up to produce a seat.

This advice isn't for 6 figure income lmao.

Edit; forgot the 6

I never said I spent 5k each time. In another comment I say I've spent 6k in 10 years.

This is also a fair point. However, unless your buying absolute brand new or a used vehicle with a warranty still, I can't imagine spending 10s of thousands of dollars on a vehicle.

That's by choice BTW. Been saving to upgrade. Also having kids forced a vehicle change, and I've taken in my niece and nephew which forced a bigger vehicle.

This comment has since been heavily edited. Just FYI for people.

Nah, you being incoherent and not liking being told that. This isn't bragging. Your comment history shows your a contrary person so I won't bother with you.

This is a somewhat fair point. However a new large SUV (4 kids and me and missus) is around 80k.

80,000/10 is 8000. In 10 years I've spent maybe 6k, including repairs. That's less in 10 years than one year with the new vehicle. Not even counting interest.

What are you trying to say. Try thinking before you submit. You're flipping between experience in vehicle purchases, and actual "milage may vary".

I'd like to have this conversation, but you aren't being very clear.

Well aware. But you didn't say YMMV my guy.

I've spent 1000 to replace tires since I've had it. You can be safe and get a loan, or research the problems a vehicle has and find a well maintained one.

Repairs so far? $0. Not sure why you asked about gas since that varies even with newer cars. I obviously know what kind of MPG to expect in a large SUV.