Car update

The heater was treated under warranty so no money was spent on the new water hose, clogged heater coil, or the water pump. However, money was spent on the 60,000 mile tune-up. $440.00. Which ironically was going to be the payment on the Tahoe we almost bought Tuesday night. Yes we did the dreaded car shopping thing again. (We have been in the process of buying a car for over a year now) I think...if we can't commit to a $500 car payment how are we ever going to stomach a house payment? That $500 will take a bite out of our entertainment budget. The Tahoe was a 2008 but it didn't have my coveted captain chairs in the second row. We talked them down near the price and monthly payment amount, but they just could reach what we wanted. And let's face it I don't see the car market going up anytime soon, so I really think we will get the price we want this year. However, I have come to the conclusion we won't buy another car until the one we have is paid off. It has 16 more payments left and all the interest has been paid so the incentive to pay it off early is gone...except maybe a new car once it is? But then we will have no car payment and not want one. Are we forever going to be the only family in America who through our entire marriage will always own just one car?