joel, I agree with you in that the condition of the car, driving habits of any/all of PO, and maintenance has a lot to do with what has to be done/spent as the car gets older. Mine was bought from a 'lil ole lady who......j/k, but she did take very good care of it, was serviced regularly, and, more importantly, not abused

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1991 300SE (my ride, 279,000 miles, looks almost new
1954 Cadillac (21 yo son's car, he bought when age 15)
1972 SeaBird 19 ft runabout (old but solid, slant six, Volvo sterndrive perfect condition, undergoing complete overhaul and refit)
1998 Toyota Rav4 (my sons daily driver when he is in the Continental US, PROUDLY serving in US Navy)