Nice report, but how much less was it than a car payment over the past five years? Assuming a $1,500 down and $271 per month, what could you have purchased new(er) in 2007?

Honestly, I don't know the answer, but some factors I would consider would be how a 2005-2007 vehicle in the low to moderate price range would stack up against a W124 from the 90's.