Buying a used, perhaps even a much used, vehicle has benefits.

First, you save yourself from buying a new vehicle. A new truck, equal in performance and amenities to my old Dodge, costs a minimum of $28,500! I have kept records on how much money my truck has cost me over the 27 years I have owned it. Not counting gasoline, I have spent just over $4200. I just noticed. That is only a dollar a pound.

Insurance premiums on new trucks are much higher than on my Dodge. Add in “scheduled maintenance” visits to maintain the warranty, interest on the loan, high registration fees and taxes and it comes to so much money I can’t even count that high. Plus (I should say minus) as you are driving home in your new truck its value drops 20% while you are just beginning to enjoy the new car smell! Even with those penalties some people trade up to new every few years. What are they thinking?

My Oldy is insured against damaging people or other vehicles and the policy is not too expensive. If I damage my truck I can fix it myself. Since it is an antique I do not have to submit to yearly or semi-yearly vehicle inspections, those creative income opportunities for repair shops. By the way, that new car smell comes in a spray can.

I am proud of my truck and keep it in top condition. It gives me satisfaction to own a classy old vehicle and I enjoy the friendships I have made when someone comes along and says “Nice truck.”

Another good thing. As my antique truck gets older it becomes more valuable. There is a market for old vehicles just like any kind of artwork. If I had kept and maintained my 1965 GTO it would now be worth $40,000 to $65,000 according to Hemmings Motor News listings.

1957 Chevrolets have always been classics. Even ‘junkers’ cost thousands of dollars just for their parts. Restored to stock or hot rodded, they are among the most valuable classic cars in the world. Imagine how much money GM could make if they reproduced that 1957 body style with modern engines. Too bad…Toyota will probably do it. American car company executives seem to be asleep at the wheel.