Posted on: 03-06-09 12:08:37
If this is not a nosy question can you all share how much on average you spend on car maintenance including regular servicing, repairs, and all.
I have a 9 year old car and on average my expenses work out to about $1,000 a year.
This doesn't mean I spend 1000 $ every year.
There have been a couple of rather large expenses, such as a transmission overhaul, getting new tires (twice - after every 4 years) and some brake pads/shoes/rotors replacements.
There have been a couple of minor incidents as well that led to increased expenses like blown tire (twice), cracked side mirror and stuff.
on average it works out about $1000 a year.
The car is fully paid off and out of warranty of course.
But I'm wondering if the car is becoming high maintenance now.
do you all CDs keep track of how much you are spending on average including maintenance, repair, etc. and would you care to share numbers?
Quote:
Originally posted by DesiBabu70
If this is not a nosy question can you all share how much on average you spend on car maintenance including regular servicing, repairs, and all.
I have a 9 year old car and on average my expenses work out to about $1,000 a year.
This doesn't mean I spend 1000 $ every year.
There have been a couple of rather large expenses, such as a transmission overhaul, getting new tires (twice - after every 4 years) and some brake pads/shoes/rotors replacements.
There have been a couple of minor incidents as well that led to increased expenses like blown tire (twice), cracked side mirror and stuff.
on average it works out about $1000 a year.
The car is fully paid off and out of warranty of course.
But I'm wondering if the car is becoming high maintenance now.
do you all CDs keep track of how much you are spending on average including maintenance, repair, etc. and would you care to share numbers?
its usually a good idea to keep track of maintenance..but i dont keep any records...just pray that it keeps on going as long as possible by having regular oil change and car washes
Quote:
Originally posted by DesiBabu70
on average it works out about $1000 a year.
The car is fully paid off and out of warranty of course.
But I'm wondering if the car is becoming high maintenance now.
do you all CDs keep track of how much you are spending on average including maintenance, repair, etc. and would you care to share numbers?
I do not keep exact track, but I spend almost same amount of money as you do. I take it to authorised dealer every 3 months and get required maintenance. Oil and filter change twice, maintenance twice + spares and tires as required and recommended.
Spending this much money gives me a peace of mind while driving on a highway, especially during snowy days
DesiBabu70, what is your car worth? if it is say less than $5000 (considering 9years) and you spend $1000 on maintenance it is not worth, unless you want to drive till it dies
Quote:
Originally posted by quest
DesiBabu70, what is your car worth? if it is say less than $5000 (considering 9years) and you spend $1000 on maintenance it is not worth, unless you want to drive till it dies
Now that is one statement which I would definitely want reasons for. Do you say this only because the maintenance cost is more than 20% of the vehicle value, or is there any other reason?
In my view, if you spend only about 1000 per year on a car which is worth less than 5000, and still runs well, it might be a good idea to keep it and run it till it runs well, rather than buy a 30K car whose depreciation alone, not counting maintenance would be more than 3K per annum.
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Chandresh
Advice is free – lessons I charge for!!
Quote:It's maybe worth around $5K give or take some.
Originally posted by quest
DesiBabu70, what is your car worth? if it is say less than $5000 (considering 9years) and you spend $1000 on maintenance it is not worth
I figure that if I were to buy a new car, just the monthly payment would be about $300 or so whereas I am now paying about $90 a month for maintenace (average over a 108 month period).
So my question is whether it is normal and typical for a 9 year old car to require approximately $1,000 in maintenance, repairs, etc. or am I way off base here?
Quote:
Originally posted by DesiBabu70
So my question is whether it is normal and typical for a 9 year old car to require approximately $1,000 in maintenance, repairs, etc. or am I way off base here?
It depends. Depends on those previous 9 years and make/model. Jap. cars if well taken care .. can easily last almost another 9 years.
A friend still drives '94 mazda 626.
Excluding brakes, timing belt, tire and anything that is once in few years .. I would say you are left with fluid change. Now it might cost 1K a year if you ask a dealer. So, shop around. (Oil change: Dealer is approx $40-45, Costco is $30-35)
BTW, what does your 1K maintenance and repairs include?
