I own one car, and a truck-based SUV, both of which are over ten years old. I do most of my work myself, unless it's something like an overhaul, and enjoy every moment. I also use the best parts/lubricants/fluids I can afford, and spend time researching products thoroughly before going ahead and purchasing. I think the latter is a true statement for all BITOGers.
Both vehicles are on their factory original drive trains (286,000 km/179,000 miles on the Mercury and 355,000 km/222,000 miles on the Mitsubishi), minus the cylinder head gaskets on the Mitsubishi, which I voluntarily replaced along with the valve guides to overcome an oil burning issue at the time. The Mitsu does not burn a drop of oil between 6,250 mile drain intervals (a BIG achievement for a 6G72 12-valve), and the Mercury consumes just under 250 ml at the same drain interval. I think whatever I've done has paid off. I enjoy driving both vehicles, and they both run like a dream.
What I do not appreciate, however, is when I get friends and family sticking their noses into my business. The typical questions are - why such an expensive engine oil for such an old car? Why are you importing ceramic brake pads? Who replaces an air filter every 10,000 km? Why don't you just sell them and buy one new vehicle, do you really need two? Why are you modifying and spending a lot of money that old Ford? Best one yet - you've got more money than sense.
I like owning older cars for many reasons. First off, both are paid off ages ago (I always pay cash for my cars). They also keep me occupied with something to do - I can't really imagine having a car with nothing I can do to it, other than clean and detail. I also don't have to use the dealership's service department for the sake of not losing the warranty (a requirement here), and it's a learning curve. I've learned how to service my own brakes, replace a steering wheel bearing, shift lever bushing, etc. on the Mitsu. I also learned how to replace my parking brake cable, instrument cluster, shifter bushings, etc. on the Mercury. To others, this may be a "waste" of time, but not to me. Most importantly though, I've "bonded" with both...would be very hard emotionally to sell either of them off.
I think at the end of the day, we're all free to do whatever we want. What are your reasons for babying your older vehicle(s)?
Both vehicles are on their factory original drive trains (286,000 km/179,000 miles on the Mercury and 355,000 km/222,000 miles on the Mitsubishi), minus the cylinder head gaskets on the Mitsubishi, which I voluntarily replaced along with the valve guides to overcome an oil burning issue at the time. The Mitsu does not burn a drop of oil between 6,250 mile drain intervals (a BIG achievement for a 6G72 12-valve), and the Mercury consumes just under 250 ml at the same drain interval. I think whatever I've done has paid off. I enjoy driving both vehicles, and they both run like a dream.
What I do not appreciate, however, is when I get friends and family sticking their noses into my business. The typical questions are - why such an expensive engine oil for such an old car? Why are you importing ceramic brake pads? Who replaces an air filter every 10,000 km? Why don't you just sell them and buy one new vehicle, do you really need two? Why are you modifying and spending a lot of money that old Ford? Best one yet - you've got more money than sense.
I like owning older cars for many reasons. First off, both are paid off ages ago (I always pay cash for my cars). They also keep me occupied with something to do - I can't really imagine having a car with nothing I can do to it, other than clean and detail. I also don't have to use the dealership's service department for the sake of not losing the warranty (a requirement here), and it's a learning curve. I've learned how to service my own brakes, replace a steering wheel bearing, shift lever bushing, etc. on the Mitsu. I also learned how to replace my parking brake cable, instrument cluster, shifter bushings, etc. on the Mercury. To others, this may be a "waste" of time, but not to me. Most importantly though, I've "bonded" with both...would be very hard emotionally to sell either of them off.
I think at the end of the day, we're all free to do whatever we want. What are your reasons for babying your older vehicle(s)?
