In NY, for the most part, it's going to rust out before it wears out
How many miles to get your money’s worth?
- Thread starter Elkins45
- Start date
Here too I find, 15 years is my goal before the rust makes it unsafe, which also would get our cars up around 200k miles which has been fine for all the drivetrains we've had so far. No major repairs other than a Neon headgasket at 60k miles and then it went to wreckers running well near 200k miles.
150,000 miles without opening up the engine or working on the transmission. Along the way there might be a few bolt on items that need replacing but since auto mechanics is my hobby I don’t get too excited. My Ford Taurus I bought from a Church Lady needed a water pump and a set of rear struts prior to 100,000 miles. I also had a Ford Taurus that made it to 150,000 miles but was rusted underneath and went to wrecking yard. That car owed me nothing.
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I bought my 2012 Fiat 500 for $11,000 off a neighbor with 600 miles on it. We usually garage our newer cars in the winter and drive the Fiat. Just crossed 180,000 miles and drives like new. Other than maintenance the only repair was a new thermostat. This car owes me nothing based on how much I paid.
As long as it can go reliably, with a "20 foot" paint job, and the cost to repair is less than the payments on a new one. Which is a LOT these days!
You included the depreciation by including the entire purchase price. Good service/cost I'd say !
When I bought my TDi I wanted 250k w/o major repair costs; after that I expected some amount (which it delivered on!) and I got the 300k I had hoped for. I think repairs&depreciation was at the 10c/mile mark in the end (I wasn't tracking too close at the end and I don't feel like going back to find what it did).
On our '11 Camry I figured, $20k for 200k and 10 years, that was my criteria. It's delivered, although it's feel a bit worn now. Our '21 Camry, I didn't have any real goals going in; with all of its tech I'm a bit dubious if we will keep to 200k. Maybe I'll be surprised, but I have found in life, if I keep my expectations low, then I'm less disapointed.
I used to be a fan of 10c/m depreciation but I'm starting to think that may not be enough money. I'm not a mechanic so at some point repair costs at a mechanic to keep something alive comes into play, as does reliability.
On our '11 Camry I figured, $20k for 200k and 10 years, that was my criteria. It's delivered, although it's feel a bit worn now. Our '21 Camry, I didn't have any real goals going in; with all of its tech I'm a bit dubious if we will keep to 200k. Maybe I'll be surprised, but I have found in life, if I keep my expectations low, then I'm less disapointed.
I used to be a fan of 10c/m depreciation but I'm starting to think that may not be enough money. I'm not a mechanic so at some point repair costs at a mechanic to keep something alive comes into play, as does reliability.
Only from my experience, the first 150,000 miles for my Hondas are the EZ miles...basic wear maintenance only. (oil, brakes fluids, belts, plugs, suspension parts---bad roads).
Past 150k was when you start getting ready for the bigger items (or annoying items that need access behind the dash): starter, alternator, maybe a HVAC actuator or compressor
Past 150k was when you start getting ready for the bigger items (or annoying items that need access behind the dash): starter, alternator, maybe a HVAC actuator or compressor
234000 on my e90 and although I don’t even want to think of the dollars, hours , blood, sweat, tears, and cuss words that keep it on the road.
Yet it’s such a better deal than dropping 35-40k on a replacement.
Yet it’s such a better deal than dropping 35-40k on a replacement.
Sunk costs. You need to constantly evaluate the alternatives. Don't forget present/future value of money.
Any? My car is worth $5K more than I paid for it late last year. Buy a quality car at MSRP and it will appreciate right now.
I honestly don't
I honestly don't know. My pickup just turned 31 years old, and it's still delivering trouble free miles. So it still has a long way to go.
I honestly don't know. My pickup just turned 31 years old, and it's still delivering trouble free miles. So it still has a long way to go.
My little sister's car with typical maintenance (Not Bitog). Really most anything will last 150,000 mi.
2008 Solstice - 90% City Driving with short trips
Dexos Blend 5W-30 changed by OLM (Usually about every 7,500 - 9,000 mi)
3 year / 30,000 mi air filter
5 year / 50,000 mi coolant changes
10 year / 100,000 mi auto trans fluid change
10 year / 100,000 mi brake fluid change
10 year / 100,000 mi spark plugs
Major Replacement Items
Cat Converter at 120,000 mi
Starter at 130,000 mi
Current Mileage 140,000 mi
Other than that a few sensors, tires, batteries brake pads and rotors.
I honestly think the 15 year mark is often more important than the 150,000 mi mark.
2008 Solstice - 90% City Driving with short trips
Dexos Blend 5W-30 changed by OLM (Usually about every 7,500 - 9,000 mi)
3 year / 30,000 mi air filter
5 year / 50,000 mi coolant changes
10 year / 100,000 mi auto trans fluid change
10 year / 100,000 mi brake fluid change
10 year / 100,000 mi spark plugs
Major Replacement Items
Cat Converter at 120,000 mi
Starter at 130,000 mi
Current Mileage 140,000 mi
Other than that a few sensors, tires, batteries brake pads and rotors.
I honestly think the 15 year mark is often more important than the 150,000 mi mark.
Especially in the salt encrusted Rust Belt.
This is a great conversation to help think through my predicament.
Our 3 DD cars are getting up there. The 2014 is the nicest, with the least miles @ 94k. It has early signs of rust in the doglegs I am keeping at bay with fluid film.
My 09 Camry, bought a year ago when I lost a company vehicle, has 231k miles, and I hoped to take it to 300k miles if it stays rust free (only showing inner lowers of front doors, keeping at bay with Fluid Film.
Our Beetle has 107k and will die before any of them, and I’d like to dump it. It requires the most maintenance, has electrical gremlins, and leaks oil badly.
My concern is that I keep my cars, and in 5 years need to replace all of them. My thought is to let the economy slow, like we see about to happen, and jump on a new or newer car then, dump the Beetle, and put my daughter in my Camry.
I just hate debt, and prefer to save, but interest rates will go crazy soon, so taking advantage of low rates is attractive.
Our 3 DD cars are getting up there. The 2014 is the nicest, with the least miles @ 94k. It has early signs of rust in the doglegs I am keeping at bay with fluid film.
My 09 Camry, bought a year ago when I lost a company vehicle, has 231k miles, and I hoped to take it to 300k miles if it stays rust free (only showing inner lowers of front doors, keeping at bay with Fluid Film.
Our Beetle has 107k and will die before any of them, and I’d like to dump it. It requires the most maintenance, has electrical gremlins, and leaks oil badly.
My concern is that I keep my cars, and in 5 years need to replace all of them. My thought is to let the economy slow, like we see about to happen, and jump on a new or newer car then, dump the Beetle, and put my daughter in my Camry.
I just hate debt, and prefer to save, but interest rates will go crazy soon, so taking advantage of low rates is attractive.
