If you can do the work you self, maintenance beats payments any time.
99 Montero, wheeling, exploring and going fast off road.
02 Jetta TDI, for wife's commute and running errands.
03 Ram 2500 Cummins, work and other chores.

Having three is just right one can be down for days waiting on parts or what not and life can go on as usual.

99 Montero....15mpg! Sold (so sad)
02 Jetta TDI....48mpg!
03 2500 Ram QCLB Cummins....18mpg
02 2500 Yukon XL, We out grew the montero, at least it has one locker.....13mpg (sold)
01 montero limited