Have a Volvo 240 - which i have no complaints with barring minor to semi-major electrical problems. Still owe around $1700 (originally purchased for daughter - now I drive it). Soon to be paid for. Sometimes I flirt with the notion of driving the vehicle forever - doing something to increase its hp and acceleration, possibly retrofitting the auto trans with a higher performance manual, adding leather and sunroof, extending the wheel wells and adding sportier wheels/tires, spoiler on the back trunk, etc. etc. Get the idea? I have never advocated buying new vehicles - can't stomach the initial depreciation. Am i being totally goofy and unrealistic? I am around a 6 or 7 on the auto mechanical aptitude scale (10 being the highest) and the vehicles are incredibly reliable.