We do the same with footwear and tools, kitchen equipment etc. We always get the best quality possible in hopes that it will last a long time. I hate that things are made to be so disposable these days.

I just had to buy a new stove/oven. I needed it to be "off grid" and not using any electricity but also work with propane (we don't have natural gas here) so my choices were limited. I am thrilled about having a fully functioning stove again but when they add up the cost to ship and then tax ...it sort of spoils the fun.