Not long ago I was considering financing a new car. I’ve never purchased a new car from a dealer before and I’ve secretly always wanted a Ford F150 truck. I must be a guy thing, I don’t know, but I thought to myself…

“You know, Baz…you’ve never owned a brand new vehicle and at age 60, well let’s just say it’s time, right?”

Damn right, I agreed. Even my BMW 1150GS motorcycle that I rode across the US (and back) in the summer of 2016 is a 2000 model. So, I’m kind of due for something shiny and new.

I’m not one to rush into a big purchase. However, once I make up my mind about one, I can seldom be deferred.

When I decided to re-enter the motorcycling world about five years ago, it only took me six months to ride home on my first BMW (used, of course). Then when I upgraded to a second BMW 1100RT (think cop bike) and later my BMW 1150GS, I did so without much delay, and again, purchased older models.

I considered it for about two months before deciding against it. It wasn’t a matter of price, nor was it due to any other factor that one might attribute to cost, such as additional insurance premiums, parking, maintenance, etc.

So why the change in heart?

While my change in attitude about getting a shiny new truck surprised me, after sitting with the idea for a few months, I actually wasn’t all that surprised.

Sounds weird, I know. But here’s why. [Read more…]