schlep1967 wrote:
The trick is, once you pay off the vehicle you keep making vehicle payments to yourself. Put that money in an account every month. It does not need to be the full amount of a real payment but at least 50% or more of one would really help. Now when the vehicle you own needs something repaired you have the cash on hand to take care of it. If it didn't need anything for a few years and you are ready for something new(er) you have a darn good down payment. Of course this account could also fall under the emergency fund every financial guru will tell you to have.
I do this, so I have the cash. Still hurts a little :)