I have a 94 Toyota, manual with more than a quarter million miles. At this point I've repaired/replaced nearly all the major parts... Most recently I spent 3k on a transmission rebuild.

The normies seem to get off on harshing my truck, but it's never let me down. Insurance is low, there's no loan on it, and if I wanted to sell it today I know that I could get a fair price.

I get around 15mpg and drive about 9,000/year. If I got another vehicle, it wouldn't be for "efficiency" it would be for luxury and comfort and maybe a Bluetooth stereo connection. I also wouldn't get rid of this truck if I had another vehicle. It sparks joy.

How long would it take me to make up for the joules of energy input to a new car?

Would I retain a greater amount of money over that time if I had a new car price + insurance + maintenance? Almost certainly not.

If something on my vehicle breaks, there are junk yards all over the country to source parts from. It's simple machine that I can fix if I need to, and most mechanic shops are happy to see it.

If my cash flow increased dramatically, I might lease a fast German luxury car.

I plan to never pay to own something that can be shut off remotely.