Yeah this is bad frugality on their part. I like that term "Maladaptive Frugality" - I think it captures it well. You're focused on the initial cost instead of

Yeah this is bad frugality on their part. I like that term "Maladaptive Frugality" - I think it captures it well. You're focused on the initial cost instead of lifetime cost. If you can afford a higher upfront cost for a lower lifetime cost on something that has a long enough timeline, it's the way to go almost all the time.