The repair cost is ultimately the most significant, that’s true.

We’ll have to see how statistics play out in the long run: that’s where the non-anecdotal evidence for Toyota’s supremacy comes from.

Cheap cars definitely are more reliable if you pick the right brands. On all the other points it just doesn’t make enough of a difference to me to justify the enormous cost increase.

Our $10k used Camry is still kicking ass over ten years later and hasn’t ever needed work more extensive than replacing leaking struts. The reliability truly is astounding.

EDIT: But, let’s not talk about my camera-buying habits lol

For podcasts and audiobooks and even incidental music listening $10 panasonic buds go the distance for me.

When I’m sitting down to enjoy music at home, then it’s the $80 sony studio monitors. Still excellent value.

Give me my headphone socket back, phone makers :(