Endless coveting. It’s a disease

[markal49]

This is new to me. While I’ve always been a bit of a gearhead for all my hobbies, I was never into cars very much. Until the last few years I always kept my cars for a good long time. I’ve had my Ranger XLT FX4 for just over a year. It’s fine, some things I like, some things I don’t. And lately I’ve been looking at Ranger Raptors, Broncos, Land Cruisers and other vehicles online. I got to test drive a Ranger Raptor last month and definitely thought that would be fun to have.

So I’m tempted. Might go test a Bronco or two today. We can easily afford it, but obviously it’s an expensive interest. And will it stop? Will I spend $60k or more and start coveting something else in a year or two?That can’t go on forever.

And I don’t have a specific problem or need I’m trying to address. The current Ranger is a little uncomfortable for me, the wonky transmission annoys the $h!t out of me, but those are really minor problems. I seem to just want the fun and coolness factor of a new vehicle.

It’s a good “problem” to have I guess!

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[Epsilon Phui]

I hear you.
I had a 2013 Audi A4 that I put almost 200k miles on, mostly work travel.. Got crushed by a semi right after I retired so choosing a replacement vehicle was an interesting process. My wife saw me flipping back and forth between wanting a small pickup for practical uses around locally since I was no longer making long trips, something sporty for the joy of driving, and something off road capable so I can go out fishing on the river or camp out in the woods. While we were at the dealer buying her a replacement for her 2005 Duramax, she spotted the Raptor and said "what about that?" Bought two trucks that day.

Now I am on this forum coveting all the cool mods and just getting started buying extras.

 

[superj]

Its a very common problem and social media definitly makes it worse because people are flaunting things they get all day long while people who cannot afford things go out and get them on credit.

Luckily for you, affording is not a problem. I feel bad for kids now days trying to get into life and stay above the red in their finances since they all seem to feel like they have to keep up with the jones.

I like the ranger raptor and could have afforded it but i was always brought up to keep your expenditures as close to 1/4 of your income so i still try snd live that way. Unfortunately, my wife wasnt ever taught anything like that

 

[ColeTrainsRR]

I had a Bronco Badlands and traded it in for a Ranger Raptor. I could only handle 3 years without a pickup. They are noisy inside, ride rough and just not the funnest to live with. I paid $53k(sticker) in '22 and traded it in with 31k miles and got $42k for it on trade. If you think you'll need a pickup, seriously consider not getting a bronco. i loved my bronco but it became more and more obvious that a truck fit my needs more than a very capable offroad crawler

 

[superj]

/\ that is why i have a ranger. An suv just doesnt do everything i need and since trucks are almost always 4 doors, a truck does everything an suv does, and more.

(And my wife has a 4 door wrangler so we can use that sometimes)

 

[Epsilon Phui]

Its a very common problem and social media definitly makes it worse because people are flaunting things they get all day long while people who cannot afford things go out and get them on credit.

Luckily for you, affording is not a problem. I feel bad for kids now days trying to get into life and stay above the red in their finances since they all seem to feel like they have to keep up with the jones.

I like the ranger raptor and could have afforded it but i was always brought up to keep your expenditures as close to 1/4 of your income so i still try snd live that way. Unfortunately, my wife wasnt ever taught anything like that

So true. I am very thankful for what I have had in the past. Saved up and made wise choices so now that I am at retirement age, I can afford to live comfortably. Put my son in a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee jalopy with 250k+ miles when he started driving. He appreciated it for many years. I got that thing for $2400, fixed the water pump, power steering, air conditioning, windows regulators, and put in a stereo together. Ripped the front bumper cover off on a rock when off roading. Boy was he pissed! Much happier when we put a new one on with a new grill, it actually looked much nicer.

 

[superj]

Nice, my kids both got grand cherokees for their first, also. A 98 2wd limited for one and a 94 laredo 4x4 for the younger one

 

[KayaPayaPigDog]

I have gone through over 20 vehicles in the past 16 years and always look at what else is better until I got the ranger raptor. I love this truck and I don’t consider selling it for something else and honestly haven’t even looked. I love this thing!

 

[Epsilon Phui]

You have done a great job with your videos! Sharing your mods including the errors and frustration along the way is super helpful. I've never known a Naval Officer that is so useful! I have done a few of the same mods and am eyeballing some others. I will be doing your sound deadening soon. I love your interaction with your family too.

 

[rocsteady]

I've suffered the same affliction, falling for many different cars and trucks over the years. I've enjoyed them all, in different ways, and have been fortunate to have never lost a ton when trading around way more than sane people would understand. The current vehicle, #18 since I was 17, the "Wannabe Baja Racer" (2024 Ranger Raptor), is the most complete truck, car, or SUV I've owned. In my opinion, it's easily one of the most well-rounded vehicles ever. I have fun driving it no matter what type of road, weather, or purpose (moved some furniture with it this morning as a matter of fact). Couldn't have done that in my last GT350!

 

[KayaPayaPigDog]

You have done a great job with your videos! Sharing your mods including the errors and frustration along the way is super helpful. I've never known a Naval Officer that is so useful! I have done a few of the same mods and am eyeballing some others. I will be doing your sound deadening soon. I love your interaction with your family too.

Thanks brother! That’s hilarious about the officer comment. There are a few good ones out there but I have met my fair share of jack wagons along the way as well, I always say I learn as much or more from the bad ones as I do from the good ones, a lot of what not to do. The sound deadening will make a huge difference and you will be glad you did it for sure! Cheers

 

[KayaPayaPigDog]

I've suffered the same affliction, falling for many different cars and trucks over the years. I've enjoyed them all, in different ways, and have been fortunate to have never lost a ton when trading around way more than sane people would understand. The current vehicle, #18 since I was 17, the "Wannabe Baja Racer" (2024 Ranger Raptor), is the most complete truck, car, or SUV I've owned. In my opinion, it's easily one of the most well-rounded vehicles ever. I have fun driving it no matter what type of road, weather, or purpose (moved some furniture with it this morning as a matter of fact). Couldn't have done that in my last GT350!

Very well said! I completely agree! I may have to read this quote on one of my next videos if you are cool with that!

 

[Dingus83]

I'm constantly switching vehicles, I just passed the 1 year mark on the Raptor and still enjoy driving it. I have a Indian FTR 1200 for spirited driving as well as a 2018 Mini Cooper JCW. I'm sure I will get bored with the Mini but can't see myself tiring of the RR. I constantly look at different stuff but it wouldn't supply the same grin I get.

 

[superj]

that jcw is probably a blast, though. we had an 05 mini s that was built and it was so much fun to hot rod around in. but there is only so much fun to be had in a small hatch back when the kids are growing up

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