Thinking about trading

Nahhhhh!

Never skimp on three things: Shoes, bed or car. You spend more time in those three things then anything else. If anyone drives that much and can afford the car then do it. Cars are made for driving and not sitting "waiting" to be driven. Cars last longer when use too. The worst thing for a car is to sit. I would rather spend money to be comfortable and not all worn-out by time I got to work or home with a beater. Plus isn't blasphemy to drive a toyoblota? You might save much with a new car, but all those mile in a smelly old beater sucks...
Just saying.

Nice story but I'm 44, all my cars are paid off, my house is paid off, and the wife and I have zero debt.

That trumps driving a cool car that you are making payments on.

It's all about putting priorities in correct order.