PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

NormanB · #5 02-03-2004, 09:07 PM

Hi jmd01

I know it hurts to get the wallet out;-)

However looking at your expenditure it is not excessive and your spending items are in the main either investments or fair and tear items. But lets analyse your bills:

Here is the breakdown:
2/13/02 $3,500.00 Car purchased
5/31/02 $ 939.21 Major tune up done Dist cap, rotor, plugs
Window switch passenger front & driver rear ABS sensor, cable
Temp switch/sensor
Headlight door/bezel (driver side)
(ALL NEW PARTS)
Well I would put this down largely as investment spending and 'peace of mind' on purchasing an 18 year old car. The Dizzy, rotor arm and plugs are a wise spend and may eliminate from the diagnosis if you get rough running, poor starting scenarios if you encounter them in the months ahead. Pity you did not go the whole nine yards and fit new HT leads.

11/21/02 $1,721.97 Transmission rebuilt w/OEM parts

The transmission job is obviously the most expensive and you may have been unlucky but again an investment spend and with luck you will not have to revisit until around 2020!!

Total expenses for 2002: $3,500 (car) + $2,661.18 (repairs) = $6,161.18

3/19/03 $161.44 Driver’s side tie rod Fair wear and tear
3/20/03 $100 Towing
3/20/03 $243.21 Adj rod, belt, fan schroudNot sure what happened here or why the incipient defect was not detected by you before failure -did you not hear unusual noise - well again fair wear and tear.
5/27/03 $152.03 Alternator (rebuilt)Fair wear and tear

Total expenses for 2003: $656.68

1/21/04 $679.95 Centerlink, ball joints, Driver’s side seat relay
(used), dash bulbs & socketFair wear and tear

1/25/04 $212.00 Fuel filter, fuel pump (BOSCH) NEWFair wear and tear

1/25/03 $500 4 Rims Fair wear and tear - was this a cosmetic purchase you must have at least seen the state of the rims when you purchased the car

Total expenses for 2004 up to date = $1,391.95

Total expenses for 2 years = $4,707.81 - I spent more to keep this car running than what I originally paid for the car! Am I crazy???? How about others on this forum, what are your spending yearly to keep your car running smooth?

Overall I would add most of this cost back to the purchase price of the vehicle, most of your spending has been investment/fair wear and tear items. It is an 18 year old car and after all you inspected it before purchase. Obviously the more you can do yourself will reduce overall repair costs but remember dont skimp on regular service items and investigate strange noises immediately.Enjoy your car.