Heart vs. head

hollywoodrox

Vehicles are an money pit  whereas gear can always be sold on and partially recouped 

fretmeister

Or a telecaster with a Merc hint?

Paul_C

Argh! My eyes !

Devil#20

As a Mercedes driver myself I would highly recommend @Sporky suggestion of a Yeti. I wouldn't have anything electric if you plan on going distance and would certainly stay away from a hybrid, because if anything goes wrong you'll flatten your bank balance quickly. Mercs are great but the Yeti will suit your use case better. Relatively cheap, reliable and plenty of room is the passenger and rear space for dogs and other smelly things. If you want something on the prestige side then maybe a BMW X3. 

Conclusion. Skoda Yeti is the sensible and practical option. You then have money left over for that custom shop tele you've always wanted. Or, if you want to be sensible on that front then see if you can pick up a Vintera Road Worn Tele for about £800. Still closest to a custom shop Tele without the price IMHO.