James Robert Peache (@JamesRobertPeache)

lol - old is gold. A very nice mechanical and cosmetic refresh of a vehicle can be done for around $15k if you do the work yourself. Depending on the condition of the vehicle when you start, and what you choose to add/update - it can be substantially less. The car or truck is a reliable daily driver for another 10-20 years. If you pay someone to do the work, you can expect to pay around $30k. The bonus is lower registration and insurance costs. Compare that to an average of $50k for a lower end to midrange new vehicle today and that doesn't include the money you will be throwing away in interest on the loan. Higher registration and insurance costs. Plus potentially the cost of a new home, lawsuits from neighbors if you set their home/vehicle on fire, claims from the city and maybe your HOA for damages. Because once the recall goes out - you knew of the danger and you chose to expose people to the danger created by operating that vehicle. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/08/17/they-were-told-park-outside-then-their-cars-burst-into-flames/ (Bypass Paywall here: https://archive.ph/tmFwq)