Maintenance costs - your tolerance

[levi]

Never bought a brand new car and probably won't.

But I did purchase an 01 Lincoln Town Car once that I absolutely loved. Didn't pay much for it. But it nickle and dime'd me "to death" as we say.

I know I ended up spending more on repairs than I did to purchase it. And still had a tough time deciding to sell it because I "liked it" so much. It just seemed to fit me. I loved driving it. Always thought that I would just fix the latest issue and keep on driving it to get my money back out of it.

Finally realized I could simply give it away and still save money. A lot of money.

Didn't give it away. But only got a small pittance of all the money I'd put into it.

Lesson learned the hard way.

 

[Passport1]

I support my five vehicles and one(son's) with maintenance and logistics so what ever the base camp commander will allow.

 

[02SE]

The wife and I enjoy fun cars and bikes. Maintenance is just part of the cost of enjoying our motorized hobby. Having worked in consumer car repair in the past, and still having my tools, I can fix whatever needs attention.

 

[Falcon_LS]

With older vehicles in my fleet that are long paid for, I really don't mind spending money on maintenance or even modifications and upgrades that far exceed the market value of the vehicle. I see that as spending for "leisure".

My biggest issue/concern is finding quality parts, even for much newer cars, with most stuff today being garbage right out the box. I'd rather repair/maintain right first time, and no worry about it for a good while.

 

[avacado11]

The way I see it if the car requires anything other than factory specified maintenance and wear items it is becoming a money pit, therefore it is time to sell.

I never understood how people can repair a car over and over for like 200k miles and not get pissed at it. Just recently I sold my Maserati Ghibli that I brought with 37k miles. When I got it I gave it the full service. New fluids, new filters, new belts, new brakes, new plugs, new coils. sold with 47k because the front end developed a vibration that was simply too costly to fix. Not that I couldn't afford it, just didn't see a reason to dump $2500 in parts and a few hours of my life into the front end when the rear end is probably going soon too. Plus it needed brakes AGAIN, electrical issues developed from a suspected faulty module. Plus depreciation, car getting old. Just too much money into a car that I didn't like anymore. Same deal with the BMWs I've had before.

 

[2009Caraman]

Maintenance costs would def. factor into a new car decision for me. Probably stick to base trims with a timing chain and hopefully a hybrid.

As of now; fixing stuff when it needs it? No issue. it costs what it costs. Me doing my own work keeps costs at bay. I hate driving mechanically deficient vehicles.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

you could do it for $100-250 depending on normal aftermarket vs premium products

labor is everything and some people don’t care, they just want to know when their car will be ready

I drive an old 3 series. Aftermarket brakes are the same price as anything else. Change them before the sensor is tripped and you save the $20 or whatever that cost. BMW dealer is often $1k+ front or rear for brake job. It’s a fun car for not much money if you can repair it yourself. It is nice that BMW keeps OEM parts available a lot longer than domestic manufacturers seem to.

 

[Bladecutter]

Well, it really depends on the maintenance item.

I remember when my wife and I were deciding between the Cayman and the 4C back in 2014/2015, when we learned that the subframe bolts need to be inspected on a yearly basis on the 4C, that kind of helped seal the deal for the Cayman. That, and the lack of a manual transmission, plus the fact that our dealer showed us 2 cars that were delivered with body damage from transport.

There are 6 vehicles in the garage that get maintenance performed on them on a regular basis.
I've been wrenching on bikes and cars since I was in my early teens, and I trust my ability to follow instructions and not wreck my vehicles more than I do other people.
The only thing I don't do myself is car tire replacement.
Motorcycle tires, yes. Car tires, no.

I don't mind crawling underneath the 2015 Cayman (58k miles currently) in order to swap out the spark plugs, or change the oil and filter, and I've already swapped brake pads at all 4 corners, and will again sometime in the future, along with rotors, the next time. I also had to take apart the trunk area in order to access the air filters in order to replace them. Plugging the laptop into the Porsche using the Durametric tool is the best way to reset the service light every time it comes up, plus it allows me to access running data if I ever need to troubleshoot something deeper. When I had the '98 Boxster, it came in very handy when I had the CEL light tell me that I had a faulty MAF sensor, and I was able to properly test it, and make sure that I was spending my money on the correct part. The most recent repair to the Cayman was when the front right turn signal bulb burned out. It was actually more work to FIND the bulb in order to purchase it than to actually pull the headlight assembly and replace it.

My 2014 CX-5 has only had me service it in the 80k miles I've owned it. The only work performed by the dealer since the original purchase was when they replaced the rear hatch struts due to recall. I've done every oil change, air filter change, spark plug swap, cabin filter replacement, that the car has ever needed. Only two parts have failed on it: right rear shock sprang a leak, so I replaced the rears with KYB's, and the Shifter Position microswitch needed replacement, which required me taking apart the center console in order to get to it. No big deal with either of those jobs. Most recent service was replacing the rear differential oil, which required me to find a 23mm combination wrench in order to remove the fill plug. I couldn't fit a 23mm socket and wrench into the space between the rear diff and the subframe. I also installed my own trailer hitch and wiring on it back when I first bought it back in 2013, and all that still works flawlessly after all these years.

My wife's 2012 Abarth also has had all of its oil and filter changes performed by me.
The biggest issue is getting my hands down through the small area to pull the cartridge oil filter cap out and back in.
The air filter assembly is kind of a pain in the keister in order to replace the air filter, or access the spark plugs, but I've done both of those jobs, too. Swapped pads and rotors up front a bunch of times (ate the front rotors in about 20k miles, without actually wearing out the brake pads. Never saw that one before). The only actual part that has failed on the Abarth in 37k miles has been the TPMS sensors in the original wheels. 2 out of 4 have failed. First one when the car was under warranty, and a second one last winter. Oh, and it had 1 headlight and one taillight burn out at separate times in its life. The only other problem that the car has had since it was built is something that can't be fixed. Apparently, Italians don't realize that there are 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 24 hours in a day. The clock always runs fast after a month or so. Funny to think that the 2012 500 Sport my wife traded in for the Abarth had a clock that ran slow, instead.

As for the 3 motorcycles in the garage that, 2008 Ducati 848, 2017 Ducati Scrambler Icon, and the 2020 Ducati Supersport I just bought back in October, all of them have had their services performed by yours truly, also. 848 has had plugs, oil changes, air filters, batteries, cam belts, and valve adjustments performed all by me. The dealer has only had to replace the voltage regulator rectifier due to recall, and the low fuel level sensor under warranty in the first two years of its existence. I've swapped out brake pads, and replaced tires front and rear on it. I love my pitbull rear stand more than any other tool in my garage. So much so, I bought the needed fittings so that I could use it on my SuperSport, and on my Hawk GT.

The SuperSport and the Scrambler still haven't reached the mileage points to need any service other than their initial oil and filter changes, but one day, they will. But, the SuperSport has had some money spent on a few items on it. Passenger grab handles were purchased and installed, and then I spent the big bucks on the Ohlins rear shock and mudguard, plus an ABBA bike stand in order to help me install those 2 pieces. Not to mention the 3 different ohlins springs in order to tailor the rear suspension to either my weight, or when my wife and I ride 2 up on it. I can swap out between the Ohlins shock and the OEM shock in about 30 minutes.

So, for maintenance items, tire swaps and alignments are the only regular service items I farm out to actual shops.
That means that I get to buy cars and bikes other people think are too expensive to own due to maintenance costs.

BC.

 

[doublebase]

The way I see it if the car requires anything other than factory specified maintenance and wear items it is becoming a money pit, therefore it is time to sell.

I never understood how people can repair a car over and over for like 200k miles and not get pissed at it. Just recently I sold my Maserati Ghibli that I brought with 37k miles. When I got it I gave it the full service. New fluids, new filters, new belts, new brakes, new plugs, new coils. sold with 47k because the front end developed a vibration that was simply too costly to fix. Not that I couldn't afford it, just didn't see a reason to dump $2500 in parts and a few hours of my life into the front end when the rear end is probably going soon too. Plus it needed brakes AGAIN, electrical issues developed from a suspected faulty module. Plus depreciation, car getting old. Just too much money into a car that I didn't like anymore. Same deal with the BMWs I've had before.

I usually tend to lean in that direction, but every time I buy a new vehicle I get hit with all the taxes and fees before I even get the thing on the road...then that excise tax bill comes in the mail and it’s like $700 bucks. Then the car payment, then the higher insurance premium...then three weeks later there’s a little ding on my door (no idea what magical creature left that little gift there). And I add it up all up and say to myself...maybe I should have dumped that $2,000 grand worth of repairs into that 150,000-200,000 mile car? I took great car of it, always changed that oil, and everything else. Maybe I should have gone against my usual thought process and just did THAT repair?

But I don’t. Maybe next time I will...I actually made not of that on my phone - to do that repair next tome instead of buying that new car - we’ll see if I decide to look at it when I get that itch and big repair.

 

[FordMan59]

I try to keep the costs down as much as possible while still keeping the car safe. I do this by either buying decent parts at Rock Auto or if it's something I need right away buying it somewhere that has a lifetime warranty so I'm only buying the part one time for the life of the car. Things like oil, oil filters, air filters, cabin filters, spark plugs, transmission filters, transmission fluid, wiper blades, anti-freeze, etc. I usually buy when I catch them on sale or when placing an order at Rock Auto and try to keep on hand so I don't come up needing to pay excessive prices. I used to do nearly all my own work but as I'm getting older with chronic back pain I'm finding I can still do some things but am having to pay someone to do more of my work than in the past. I'm currently maintaining 3 vehicles and in most cases I'm able to do what needs to be done to them for under $1K a year. I'm still using oil/filters that I bought years ago. All the oil was purchased at $1 a quart or less and many of my oil filters were bought for $ .25-$1. each at store closeouts and flea markets so my oil changes are still costing me less than $5. each. It also helps that I've found a good mechanic that works for 1/4-1/2 the cost of other mechanics when I do need one.

 

[avacado11]

I usually tend to lean in that direction, but every time I buy a new vehicle I get hit with all the taxes and fees before I even get the thing on the road...then that excise tax bill comes in the mail and it’s like $700 bucks. Then the car payment, then the higher insurance premium...then three weeks later there’s a little ding on my door (no idea what magical creature left that little gift there). And I add it up all up and say to myself...maybe I should have dumped that $2,000 grand worth of repairs into that 150,000-200,000 mile car? I took great car of it, always changed that oil, and everything else. Maybe I should have gone against my usual thought process and just did THAT repair?

But I don’t. Maybe next time I will...I actually made not of that on my phone - to do that repair next tome instead of buying that new car - we’ll see if I decide to look at it when I get that itch and big repair.

I hate buying new cars too but the itch is always around lol. Not only the taxes but the higher depreciation rate, the buying process, and possibly having to work out any kinks thru warranty. All that aside having to move all my stuff to the new car is a pain too.

I won’t throw out a car over some minor issues either. It usually has to collectively add up, but the small stuff usually makes me less likely to do the big repair. As the car gets older I’ll tolerate valve cover leaks or weaker shocks. But that’s only assuming I actually keep the car long enough. And usually if I do(80-90k/8 years) the car shows enough physical wear that I want a new one anyways.

The only other used car that I put a ton of money into making it right was a 3 series. At the end of the day both cars just weren’t worth the money to figure out anymore. $4500 value needing $1500 to diagnose electrical issues plus occasional lifter tick and rear end noise...that’s why I hate buying used cars.

 

[wtd]

I'm pretty anal when it comes to maintenance and don't mind paying the money for it as long as it's in reason but I also do research on vehicles and try not to get ones that will be expensive to maintain or repair down the road. It's probably why I keep vehicles for a long time since everything I have is pretty easy to work on and doesn't cost much to fix.

One example is my Mustang. It's a base model GT with an automatic transmission as it's only extra option. I don't have the more expensive Brembo brake package that has higher cost parts to replace later on down the road. It stops fine with the brakes it has.

I also don't buy vehicles with expensive timing belt replacements as a maintenance item as I'm not willing to pay that much for that type of a maintenance item.

With vehicles becoming more complex, people may not have much of a choice in what they pay for maintenance or repairs down the road.

 

[doublebase]

I hate buying new cars too but the itch is always around lol. Not only the taxes but the higher depreciation rate, the buying process, and possibly having to work out any kinks thru warranty. All that aside having to move all my stuff to the new car is a pain too.

I won’t throw out a car over some minor issues either. It usually has to collectively add up, but the small stuff usually makes me less likely to do the big repair. As the car gets older I’ll tolerate valve cover leaks or weaker shocks. But that’s only assuming I actually keep the car long enough. And usually if I do(80-90k/8 years) the car shows enough physical wear that I want a new one anyways.

The only other used car that I put a ton of money into making it right was a 3 series. At the end of the day both cars just weren’t worth the money to figure out anymore. $4500 value needing $1500 to diagnose electrical issues plus occasional lifter tick and rear end noise...that’s why I hate buying used cars.

Yeah, I get what you’re saying.

And you’re doing it right anyway, you’re keeping a car a good 8 years or so and then dumping them before they get into that 100,000 plus, zone. That makes sense to me. And plus after 8 years - and let’s face it, that’s a good amount of time - you’re ready for something new. I can buy that. And you’re also only driving 10,000 miles a year or so.

Me? I’m driving a good 20,000-30,000 miles a year commuting. I like a nice car, I’ve owned many of them, but seeing as how my car is being driven to death on a yearly basis...next time I may just do the repair. That BIG one and give it a try because THAT new car that I buy (aside from all the initial and overall cost), is only going to get driven into the ground anyway. It’s not going to be sitting in my garage and I’m not interested in selling it after two or three years and taking that hit. So if a I keep a car 8 years, it has 200,000 miles on it. At that point it’s worth next to nothing, I’m not recouping much of anything, I’m already in too deep. So maybe when it needs that transmission or $3,000 worth of tires and struts, I just might do it, rather than dump a $70,000 dollar car for $7,000 at trade in (which I had to do once on a Lexus LS460).

But then again, who knows? I’ve said this^^^ before and I’ve always ended up selling it for something newer or better. Because life is too short, etc, etc, etc. But next time I think I’ll buy a collectable car, garage it, wax it, baby it...and continue to drive my regular car till it explodes. Maybe that will cure my itch.