a question about "how willing" I am, it's a question about how much discretionary income and extra time I have to make the purchase and DIY the required maintenance and repairs.

There are some freakin' cool projects less than $10k that are just as cool as a new $250k super car or G-wagon. In a lot of ways, project cars are 10x more fulfilling than buying new off the lot. New of the lot is amazing until the "new car smell" wears away and you are left thinking how many amazing projects you could be buying with the money you spent on the new car.