My dad's advice on whether or not to buy a new Taco

Phoned my dad on Friday... he was at a doctors appointment so I had to leave a message on his answering machine. My message:

"Hey Dad.. gimme a call... need some advice. Just wanted to know if you get cold feet when making a major purchase. Having second thoughts on the truck." I followed up with an email picture of the truck I put a deposit on... but was still trying to decide on.

My dad is 80, and just recently got a new lease on life... after getting a correct diagnosis for a medical condition that he's had for 12 years... one which left us thinking he may not be with us much longer. But after a recent proper diagnosis and treatment,. he's had such great treatment for, he just renewed his passport for 10 years. He's a new man... and we just got back from sailing in Bermuda, and are planning a trip to Prince Edward Island in a month. We're also ff to Minnesota to see his aunt (97) in October. So I was looking forward to what wisdom my wonderful father would bring to my dilemma.

This morning I got this email:

"A beautiful truck for my beautiful son. I have found cold feet respond well to warm socks. Buy the truck"

Jamie

 

Looks like you're gonna get the taco!

 

Yep. I am. Mom died when she was 64, and never got to see her grandson graduate. My cousin died when he was 54. He was fit, and was a ski instructor and mountain biker, but he had a rare undiagnosed heart condition that can cause spasms of the heart. I have wanted a Toyota pickup since I that same cousin bought one in 1982, and I drove it until 2006! Live is short... sometimes you need to spend some cash.

 

AWESOME advice from your dear Dad ... enjoy life .. enjoy your new truck and warm socks !

Life Is Too Short

 

Got me a little misty with that one!

 

You only live once If you want it and you can swing it, do it.

 

YOLO

 

That just made my day. Thanks for sharing- seriously.

 

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You will like your Tacoma and best to your dad. My grandfather was my inspiration in life.

Spent some time at PEI and it's a great place in the summer time. Big tide changes out that way too.

 

After being told that his lunch was healthy, my coworker replied that the 70 years he had enjoyed were better than living 100 years and not enjoying them.

Enjoy the Taco!

 

Thanks for posting, great response from your dad. I'm 62 and loving my truck. Fourth new vehicle I've had, two in a row now.
Duane

 

Same here. Coming up on 62 (past May), about Oct 2015 reached the same conclusion. How many more years driving the '02 pushing 160k, 200k, etc.
I want, I'm due, and I'm buying. Life is great. Seize it!

 

I'm not going to say anything new here but will ad my 2 cents.

1. If you can afford it, you want it, and you'll use it - then buy it.

2. My Dad is 77 and having survived the war in Europe at a young age, he knows the importance of saving money for a rainy day and the importance of living within your means. All his life he was a saver to the point of being cheap. Now at 77 he tells me - you can't take it with you so enjoy life while you can. From someone with his life experience- that's advice I can respect.

 

Yes, I can afford it... no problem. Just common for me to get cold feet! But I never expected this thread to be much noticed.... thanks for all the positive reactions!

 

Well that's some of the best advice I've heard in awhile. I lost my father in-law (who for all intents and purposes was my dad) about 7 years ago. He was 86 and I miss him every day. I always respected his wisdom and advice. This reminded me of him, so thanks

 

Nice post. Hope to see some pics with you in your new truck.

 

Same here...Awesome!

 

Sounds like you have a very cool Pops!

 

A slight paraphrase of a famous quote that I once heard; "I do not intend to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death. I intend to powerslide up to the pearly gates, fling the door open, march up to St. Peter, and tell him "Man, that was a heck of a ride!"

 

I thought about my purchase and how expensive it was yesterday, but then I realized it was 95 degrees at 10am and that I was 60 miles from the nearest town. I bought a Toyota because of that.