True that. Many people (read: idiots) around here will take the plunge and have car payments for years and years before trying to fix anything more than a flat tire. Even that takes a spoon-fed youtube video for them to figure that out.
Now, to add that story, when I got the insurance payout from being rear ended in my '11 Fusion, the FIRST thing I did was look for an 03 - 07 Silverado. While I knew I'd have to kick in money on my end, I at least had a good start for a down payment. Long story short, I knew a guy who knew a guy, etc, etc..... and I ended up checking out an 06 Z71, ECSB, no bells, no whistles, but it was turn key and drive... or so I thought. My buddy put that heap on the lift and I thought the frame was going to snap apart as it was sitting there. $10K for that junk pile. If I'm spending THAT much money, it better be immediately drive-able, inspected, and not need any maintenance parts for a good long time.
With that said, I paid $1400 for my 89 RCSB. Drove it home (across town, lol), and you guys have seen the majority of things I've had to do to it so far.