I bought an old saturn for $0.00 back in 97 (family gift) and it needed some TLC to get road worthy.
I spent $500 to get new brakes (total new brake system) with a mechanic
I spent maybe $400-500 overall in new misc. parts and peices (including tools which will be reusable and are used frequently on my other vehicles)
I spent maybe $1,500 in vehicle insurance over the last 3-4 years I've owned the vehicle.
I've driven it 21,889 miles since date of first ownership, and at $3.00 per gallon, that's $2,188.90 in fuel cost (reasonable estimate)
Since my truck with it's 5.3lV8 gets about 1/2 the mileage of this little 4-banger, I've saved $2,188.90 in just gasoline only.
Considering I just dropped an additional $530.00 in getting the car to pass safety inspections (new tires and exhaust assembly), I've ended up losing money rather than saving $ on gas vs. only driving my truck.
I did CONSUME less gas (729 gallons saved), but I CONSUMED more $$$
Here's the kicker, if I can drive this car for the next 2 years and not have to put in any $$ at all in repairs (good luck with that), then I'll maybe make my investment back. Part of the reason I only drove it for 21,889 miles since ownership is becayuse for at least 1 year combined it sat idle due to serious repairs that I did on my own in the driveway. I easily have spent maybe 100 hours wrenching on this thing getting it fixed.
Currently the car runs great, and feels great on the road. But honestly, I'm one more engine part away from ditching this thing...er, donating it. That is unless gas spikes up to $5.00 this summer then it will be a godsend....and also if my new job I'm applying for I do happen to get, then it's more highway mileage to boot.
Bottom line, even if you do lose a bit on the investment, how many of you would be willing to lose slightly on the bottom line to keep a beater?
Interested to hear what other people's experiences have been and how they manage their "fleet"
I spent $500 to get new brakes (total new brake system) with a mechanic
I spent maybe $400-500 overall in new misc. parts and peices (including tools which will be reusable and are used frequently on my other vehicles)
I spent maybe $1,500 in vehicle insurance over the last 3-4 years I've owned the vehicle.
I've driven it 21,889 miles since date of first ownership, and at $3.00 per gallon, that's $2,188.90 in fuel cost (reasonable estimate)
Since my truck with it's 5.3lV8 gets about 1/2 the mileage of this little 4-banger, I've saved $2,188.90 in just gasoline only.
Considering I just dropped an additional $530.00 in getting the car to pass safety inspections (new tires and exhaust assembly), I've ended up losing money rather than saving $ on gas vs. only driving my truck.
I did CONSUME less gas (729 gallons saved), but I CONSUMED more $$$
Here's the kicker, if I can drive this car for the next 2 years and not have to put in any $$ at all in repairs (good luck with that), then I'll maybe make my investment back. Part of the reason I only drove it for 21,889 miles since ownership is becayuse for at least 1 year combined it sat idle due to serious repairs that I did on my own in the driveway. I easily have spent maybe 100 hours wrenching on this thing getting it fixed.
Currently the car runs great, and feels great on the road. But honestly, I'm one more engine part away from ditching this thing...er, donating it. That is unless gas spikes up to $5.00 this summer then it will be a godsend....and also if my new job I'm applying for I do happen to get, then it's more highway mileage to boot.
Bottom line, even if you do lose a bit on the investment, how many of you would be willing to lose slightly on the bottom line to keep a beater?
Interested to hear what other people's experiences have been and how they manage their "fleet"