How did you come to afford your raptor?

[RustyNutz]

So I know its too personal a question for some, but I've always wondered:

For myself, my family has owned a smallish collision repair facility for decades. Business is good, but money comes in and out so rapidly that I don't consider any of us rich by a long shot, it always gets reinvested in equipment. My wages fluctuate between 70 and 90k, for managing the shop (and putting in 60+ hrs per week). I've been getting burned out badly lately between insurance companies, employees, and family drama; and have thought of doing a complete industry change. But this is my first and only job I've held, and worry about a massive drop in pay for starting fresh somewhere else.

I know some raptor owners use family money or inherited money - you don't count in this thread lol. But for those of you that have been successful enough in your career to own a $75k truck....what do you do?

 

[C_Erwin_78]

For me, I retired from the Navy just under 4 years ago so I get a decent pension for E7, and I have VA disability. Most of that pays for the house and connected bills. My main money is in the defense contracting biz where I get to take yearly trips to beautiful and austere shitholes for 4 months and support snake eaters as they do what most kids will ever only see in a video game. It's enough to pay off debt that my wife accrues during the year.

 

[GordoJay]

Worked in the electronics industry for a while, then started my own company, built it up, and sold it to a big company. If you think 60+ hour weeks are bad, start your own company. 100+ hour weeks were SOP for two years. With no income. Then it dropped off to the normal 60+ with a below average income. We lived off my wife's $20k salary in a little old house that was paid for. It worked out in the end, but it was an exciting ride and it could easily have ended in tears.

 

[MG21]

I started to work as a rep in the oil and gas industry. We're a service company with a unique tech, after a few short years and hard work....Im the regional sales manager making a very nice income. I still can't believe where I am today and very cautious about money and purchases. My company basically pays my payment and gas.

 

[melvimbe]

I worked in a nursing home and took a little cash from the ladies purses. It adds up after a couple years!

Just kidding. Nothing that exciting. Work in IT for an O&G. After 20+ years, a bit of saving and steady pay increases, you get there.

 

[WestTXRaptor6]

Oil and Gas industry.

 

[MG21]

I paid about 6-8k more than I would have a new Lariat...vehicles aren't cheap anymore. Been boat shopping lately? I was willing to spend more because it holds its value a bit more than a regular truck. My price was $66k, i just couldn't spend over $70 out of conscience.

 

[Woolaroc]

Oil and Gas industry.

 

[SVTTrooper]

well I own a Gen 1 now so maybe I don't count, but I had a Gen 2 before lol.

I work in O&G so I worked a 21 and 7 shift for a year to buy my Gen 2.

 

[EmbDriver]

I sling rocks down in philly every thursday and sunday...I only got a Gen1