re: When a vehicle is finally ready to be retired, it's usually not because of the drivetrain?

Agreed, had a 2013 f-150, intended to keep until the wheels fell off. Paid it off, no issues for 5 years, but once I hit 120k, started with electrical problems, then radiator issues (stuck on the side of the road twice for that).

Last straw, transmission fluid line busted in the new radiator, sending transmission fluid through the entire engine coolant system and spewing out of the radiator reservoir like a volcano.

Spent too much to repair and the truck never drove the same. Sold at 130k miles. Changed my view of buying/paying off vehicles