reading how cheap you guys are. I consider my vehicles toys with each bringing different joys. The 78 Datsun Z probably has about 5 or $6K in it and is awaiting a turbo transplant from an 83 along with a modern engine management system. The diesel ram was $10K used & has another 2K in it fixing the incredibly p poor fuel system and front end. It is a perfect example of a 500,000 engine inside a 50,000 mi vehicle. The 85SD was a gift and will soon get a paint job. None have less than 145,000 mi on the clock & all receive whatever they need to keep moving and all have plans for improvements.

Isn't that just a pip, that lovely Cummins lump in a poor Dodge dress. Its a shame but I am glad to have it anyway. I just don't drive it much so it slowly rusts away.
The Benz's are really low dollar cars thus far and so simple to keep running barring unforseen disaster..gulp.
The VW is definitly more complex but again, steady routine maintainence keeps the $/mile lower with the high mpg's

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily