<< So the rule of $20,000 needs further analysis and a new figure (much Higher) will likely surpass the "old rule of thumb.">> You're right, the "new figure" *should* be much higher, simply because no one ever really stops putting money into a car to keep it maintained and repaired! To me this whole "rule of $20,000" thing sounds a bit ridiclous. Even if you buy a $17,000 DeLorean, if you keep the car long enough you are obviously going to end up putting more than $3,000 into the car for repairs. To me this whole rule is a little silly and not very logical.