Well the Dragon drives a 2006 Black Dodge 1500 SLT duel cab with a 5.7 HEMI. I just paid the truck off about 3 months ago. Now in the past when I would pay off a car/Truck I felt like I needed to buy a new one.
NOT THIS TIME.....I tried something a little different. I wanted the truck to appear like a new or another pre owned Truck ...so I wouldn't be tempted to buy a new one and back into the payments again. This is what I did to the 06 Dodge to make it look different, and make me happy. First I removed all the chrome extra's, like the chrome strips on the side, chrome fuel door...etc. Then I installed a LEBra on the front to cover up some parking dents in the front bumper. Painted my steps (up into the cab) Black to match the truck. Then I bought some new tires (which I needed) and black custom wheels. I have already had several people ask me if I bought a new truck......NOPE, but I'm happy as a clam.
I love driving the old girl that now looks like a new girl.
Two more things to do to the old girl is.......install a Police type push bumper, and tint the driver and pasenger windows.
If or when I work another crappy Apt. complex I want all the Bangers to say (as I drive in) Oh shit ...here comes Black Death! My Trucks new Name!!

Styling Dragon

Couldn't agree more,the best thing to have is something thats paid for car,truck,bike it don't matter.With the economy tanked like it is smart move on your part.Satisfied you itch with what amounts to a couple of payments

"The Black Death"? Whatta great name Dragon! Congrats on the 'Pay-Off' and the decision to stay the course... Ya outta post a coupla shots of the BDeath... Hope you are feeling better. Life is good, stay calm but alert and hope that you find JUST what you are looking for...
EdgeWalker

DO NOT like payments of any kind. Everything we have (with the exception of a couple more years on the house) are paid for. 4X4 Truck, convertible, dune buggy, boat, camper AND bike. When I think about buying something new I start thinking about payments and the economy..... Snaps me back to reality real quick !!!!!!

Very Cool ...You da Man

Rex, I like your thinking! After owning & operating a family business for over 35yrs I finally sold it in '09 - Been debt free ever since. There's a popular radio show host who proclaims that mantra as well - he says 'being debt free is taking the place of the fashionable BMW as the status symbol of wealth. I like his thinking too~

I remember reading somewhere one way to a debt free lifestyle is...buy a very used car pay cash, and when it breaks down do the same thing again, and just continue that pattern. Never put any money back into the old beater ride.

Bought POS cars & "Penny Saver" motorcycles for over a decade, well several decads in the case of the motorcycles  - When deciding to fix or scrap look @ what it would cost to get a vehicle or equal RELIABILITY