Way I figure it, if a farmer can coax an easy 40 years from his John Deere, aint no reason why we cant get 40 years out of these cars and trucks. Heck, some tractors are just getting thier second wind when they turn 40.

Its true the driver’s seat may be a little worn. Might be a little hard to get her to crank on cold mornings. Maybe the paint job has turned from shiny to dull, and even showing a little rust around the edges. Might even have a ding or three in the wheel fenders and the front grill. But for the most part, the ole gal just keeps on serving one’s needs.

Now, I aint too good with number crunching all those figures for depreciation, repair costs, operating costs, maintenance costs, tax write offs and the likes of those numbers. I have found a more simpler Rule of Thumb as to deciding when to trade in old items. When one can estimate the number of pounds of duct tape used to keep something running, is equal to the wieght of the item repaired, it is close to time to trade up. Course, I should properly point out that one of my long standing mottos is: “If duct tape dont fix it….it’s cause you didnt use enough.”

I would venture to guess that you and I have pairs of boots and jeans at least 10 years old. Seems expecting a car or truck to go at least 40 is reasonable. I’m sure I have a toothbrush over 12 years old. Prettty sure it has been in the gun cleaning kit for at least that long. Friend of mine has coaxed 18 years out of a chainsaw before having to give it a decent burial.

Personally, I am not much of a car enthusiast. More of a Truck lover myself. I think cars are mostly for sissy girlie men types that carry only a briefcase. (Banksters come to mind) Until they make a car that can haul a dozen rail road ties, two dozen bales of hay, half dozen 50 pound bags of chicken feed, a spare tire, 2 ton jack, a 200 lb toolbox with almost any tool needed to build anything, anywhere, and has four wheel drive, WITH, a Warner winch, AND still have room for any junk you might find at a yard sale or something that fell off another truck….I will stick to my pick up truck. Dual fuel tanks of course.

So…..I cant see any reason why a car, carrying almost nothin, cant last a good 40 years.

Now I dont mean to put a burr under the saddle of any car lovers. But I dont think the love a man has for his truck compares in the least to what others may feel about thier cars. I know several fellas that have kept thier truck, (and favorite huntin dog) while tradin in one or more wives along the way. How’s that for loyalty? I figure that by the time that oval AAA sticker has just about faded so you can hardly read it anymore, that ole truck is just broke in good. Seen a couple trucks here in the South, with Jimmy Carter stickers still visible through half inch of red clay dust. And if it starts to burn a little oil in its golden years, and a small amount of blue smoke comes out of the tail pipe, I have found a can of STP will stop that in a heartbeat. And keep those environmentalists at bay.

And dont forget the bonding that goes on between a man and his truck. One of my fondest memories of ‘my gal’ was giving her a Sweet Sixteen birthday party. Took her out for a little muddin in the morning. Brought her home, washed and cleaned her up. Even Amored All the tires. Then we drove to town and pulled into the Sonics Drive In for all the young men to admire her distinct lines, and the roar of her motor. Now, if that dont bring a tear to yer eye?

Well, just my humble opinion….but think you ought to raise that Neon up to a proper age of say, at least 21, before handing her over to another man. (grin)

Best, Farmboy.