Let's see spend 30K on one of two cars to drive... One decreases in value, the other increases. You have to spend more on either than you could ever sell or insure either for.
To me the choice seems clear, but I don't like airbags or ABS. The rest you could include in your build. If you want MPG, you have to sacrifice power. MPG comparable to new vehicles is possible with comparative power if you have the money to do it, but each time you "get on it" it might cost you a little extra, just like on the new cars.
