Re: Sometimes I Have Thoughts Of Selling My Car.
When I get to thinking those thoughts, I just remember this:
My car is paid off, completely. If I were to go out and buy a reasonably priced used car, I would have to finance. Lets say I were to get a 2009 Impala for example, with 75k. I would have a monthly payment of about 200 bucks, on a car that will soon begin nickel and diming me.
I plan to spend about $2000 a year to keep my car running, a little high, but it covers some of the more major stuff. Divide that by 12 and it works out to $167 per month. My car has 240k miles on it, the engine itself is solid for at least another 100k, and the trans will last if I dont beat on it too much. Here is the breakdown of what I spent in 2012 to keep her running: (parts and labor inclusive)
Battery(Original) at 223K - $95
Upper intake plenum at 199K - $135
Water Pump and PS Pump(both original) at 218K - $400
Sway Bar Link, Front rotors/pads, rear pads, control arm bushing at 229K - $550
Windshield (dang truckers and their rocks) - $225
So in 2012 I spent $1405 on essential mechanical parts/work. Divide that out by 12 months and thats $117 per month. I know that some of these parts lasted much longer than average, especially the battery and water pump. The battery in my grandmother's civic crapped out at 45k/6 years (she has a 2004, had it since new and has 56K on it now).
If I bought the 09 Impala, after the 3800 was put out to pasture, I could expect similar things beginning to fail, depending on the previous owner's care and the fact that I live in a salt brine state.
Hope that helps...