Haha I just posted this thread, relevant photo inside (don't know if posting photo again will trigger a filter or something):
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=44481
I bought a $200 trailer at a yard sale that has saved me $200 in gas over my pickup. Mostly awesome craigslist deals that would have been too expensive to drive to with truck. Free desk+chair, $50 DNR-grade picnic table, kayaks, etc. That said, I bought a $2000 (out the door) 1997 F-150 and would buy it again in MY situation. We own a house so every now and then it comes in handy. We have saved about $100 in soil/rock delivery fees this year alone, adjusted for gas even. I also use it to tow my 18 foot fiberglass boat so that also a main justification. I did the numbers and with the additional license and insurance (I only insure it during 8 months of summer/fall) it comes out to $340 a year to own legally. You could do cheaper if you clicked/called your insurance company only when you used it. Progressive has let me add insurance to the truck for a DAY even. I've put on front brakes and serp belt in 2 years so that was $300 total I paid to have done. If you do not have anything you need to tow, and can plan ahead, it is cheaper to get a uhaul rental truck for the few times you do need it. $19.99 + $1/mile. You could rent the truck 5 times a year and go 40 miles each time before you would meet the registration/insurance, plus I bet a new uhaul pickup will be more fuel efficient than anything you get for 2k. On the bright side of this I could wreck the truck and still get $300 in scrap for it, so that is a consideration. Anyways, I've hoped I've helped somewhat with all this rambling.