Kickass and the worth of old things

Kickass, the doorstop dog, reports that the keeper has completed his research into how much money and effort should be poured into an old vehicle just to make the point that old is not necessarily bad.  The experiment seemed worthwhile at the time, especially considering the keeper’s preoccupation with his own “oldness.” But applying the vehicular research findings to him personally was not exactly a pleasant experience.  At what point does it not make sense to replace the keeper’s transmission or timing belt?  The jury is out, and so is his old beater as he tries to figure out all the damn gadgets on a newer replacement vehicle.