“How Do I Check The Oil?”

$5,939.00 Down;

$879.53 for 72 months

($63,326.16)

+ 5,939.00 = $69,265.16

(not including any interest, taxes, or registration fees and insurance)

Where is the “Dip - Stick?”

Less than 15K at time of photo (no payments), although the days of the $5,000,00 5TH Gen Bronco “driver” are probably gone forever.

2 & 4WD; 4W ABS; AC; Premium Sound System: OD Automatic: Sub - 105” WB; 300 - 480 mile range per tank; Climbs like a GOAT in any mode; MAF, Fuel-Injected, 300+HP 5.8L V8; 0-60 in 7 seconds and the OBD1 computer smartly shuts it down @95MPH (for now……).

Stardate Captains BLOG 4 - August 2026

If I made more money, I would own one or two new 6TH Generation Broncos and add them to the corral. They do produce some impressive numbers in performance and off road capability. You could create a website, or YouTube channel on the current conversations regarding “chipped” parts, planned obsolescence, build quality, price and failure rates of many new vehicles. I recently learned the term, “enshittification” as it applies to new vehicles.

The purpose of this particular BLOG is for discussion and perspective only. I will be the first to admit there are repeated frustrations with restoring and daily driving older cars and trucks too. I also understand, I am better positioned than some to engage in this endeavor. Both approaches cost money…..

‍I am firmly in the pre-2001 cars and trucks camp and in full discloser, it has much to do with the current state and trajectory of modern vehicles.

The 2026 and 1995 Bronco shown above, represent different things to different users and enthusiasts. For me, I can justify 30K towards a finished1995 Bronco I plan on keeping, performing much of my own work on and using regularly - before over 70K on something that loses value, I cannot work on (in some states it’s illegal) and I worry about leaving me stranded, despite being tracked and having my information collected.

What if you purchased an older 90’s Bronco and “banked” 3 - $500.00 per month for 36 months, towards upgrades and restoration?

Ultimately, we still have the freedom to purchase whatever we want…….

Respectfully Submitted

Todd