As the owner of a service-based company that deals with water, fire, and mold damage, I’ve purchased more vehicles than anyone I know over 100, and I’m only in my mid-30s. Some of these have been brand-new, many used, but all were chosen with intention. Over 16 years in business, I’ve developed a somewhat controversial vehicle-buying habit that I believe more people especially business owners should consider.
Sounds crazy? Maybe. But let me explain.
When I’m shopping for a vehicle, I never drive it myself off the lot not during the test drive, not even after I’ve signed the papers. If I’m buying new, I don’t even sit in the driver’s seat before purchasing. I don’t want to fall in love with it. That might sound odd, but it’s rooted in something deeper than preference it’s about discipline, detachment, and decision-making.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that almost every human myself included experiences the same emotional response when interacting with something new and shiny: excitement, dopamine rush, anticipation, and attachment. All of these emotions cloud judgment.
We tell ourselves, “I love this car!” before we even talk financing, run numbers, or think critically about what we actually need. The new car smell, the feel of the seat, the slick exterior — all of it seduces us into making emotional decisions, not logical ones.
And emotional decisions, in my experience, are rarely the right ones especially in business.
If I’m buying a new vehicle, I already know it’s going to drive well. It’s brand new. It has a warranty. The seats are adjustable. It’s designed to feel good. I also already know the exact make, model, and color I want. So what’s the point of falling into emotional quicksand just to “test it out”? If I don’t like it in six months, I can trade it in. Big deal.
For used vehicles, I don’t fake mechanical expertise by kicking tires or crawling under the engine. I’m not a mechanic and pretending to be one helps no one. Instead, I focus on something far more telling: the seller.
When buying used, especially from individuals, I rely on my instincts and years of experience reading people. If something feels off during conversation I walk. If I feel like I’m being rushed, pushed, or manipulated I walk. I’d rather lose 15 minutes of conversation than tens of thousands of dollars on a bad deal.
Here’s where my focus actually is when buying a vehicle:
Whether it’s a personal vehicle or a fleet truck for All Nation Restoration, I approach every deal like a financial strategist, not an excited shopper. I ask more questions about financing than features. I stay calm, stay curious, and aim to create a win-win with the seller.
When I understand how the loan fits into my company’s broader financial goals including cash flow, expansion, and investments the vehicle becomes a tool, not a toy.
I’ve heard the critiques. “You don’t test drive?” “You don’t even sit in it?” Some people even close friends think I’m nuts. But here’s the truth: it works. Dave Ramsey once said that vehicles and vehicle debt are among the top reasons people never achieve financial independence. On that point, I agree.
But unlike Dave, I do believe in leveraging debt to build wealth when it’s used intentionally. What I also believe in is removing emotion from the purchase process, especially when it comes to depreciating assets.
If you want to build wealth, stay in business, and make smarter decisions, stop letting emotions drive your vehicle purchases. You don’t need to fall in love with your next work truck you need to know how it fits into your business strategy.
Don’t test drive it. Don’t “sleep on it.” Don’t fall for the leather seats and fancy display. Sit down with the numbers, talk to the seller, and make decisions based on data, not dopamine.
Stay strong. Stay focused. Stay in business.
