Is it worth it

It is a hobby. Treat it as such. Set up a "car budget", and do what you can afford. When I was younger, a lot of people raged on me about what I spent on my cars. We sat down and figured it out. Most of them spent more money on their hobbies, then I did on my cars. How much is spent on Golf, Bowling, Shooting Range, stopping at the local bar for a "quick one" after work, etc. What about all that fishing gear. I think you get the idea. My wife does not have a problem with my cars. My "normal" income is for household expenses. Overtime, and "side jobs" is car money. She knows where I am when working on the cars. I am not out getting drunk, doing drugs, or chasing other women (though at my age that would probably kill me).