I bet 90% of the population can't tell a decked-out jeep from the 90's from a decked-out jeep from last year. With all the how too you tube video's out there, I taught myself how to do auto body. I can keep the jeeps painted like new all of the time. When the engine goes out just put a new one in it, that is about the same price as a down payment for a new vehicle without going into debt. The week's worth of work to repaint it saves me 5 years of payments. The equipment to repaint it was a little pricey, but it was still cheaper than paying someone to do it. I probably get more compliments on my jeep than my friend does on his BMW.

If any have seen Fight Club, there is a classic line in there "The things you own end up owning you". When you have to go to work or work harder/longer than necessary, you have really become a slave to your possessions. That is when people end up struggling. I don't know how many people live in epic houses when they only have one or two kids, because they want to avoid the stigma of living in this place or that place. Living in Provo I had my house broken into and robbed twice, my car stolen once in 8 years. Lived in Magna for 9 years and haven't had either of those things happen. Sure there are interesting people and sometimes I have to deal with crazy joe talking to the skin lotion at the supermarket, but I don't feel like I have to lock my door when I leave.