Service records - Very Important

[kqw]

I did an analysis on all my service records regarding my '86 Carrera.

Once the data was loaded into my program, I now can see everything from the date of purchase and sort on any combination of data points.

I was very surprised to realize that I was having my Fuel mixture adjusted quite often and it was happening in the fall months of the year ( Sept., Oct., and Nov.) over the past 17 years. Each time the cost was on average $86.00.

I am also gald to see that since I've been doing much more DIY, the last major service I PAID (aver. cost $600.00) for was in 2001.

Since I've been on the BBS, the invoices for "Parts only" are the majority.

Thanks folks....

[Emission]

I agree. My PO handed me a stack and I put them into Excel. Now, I can quickly search (F5) for anything with a keyword. Very helpful!

[kqw]

Emission...

I choked when I the total service costs were tallied........

I'm in the wrong business....

[david914]

KQW,

Just curious, what kind of program are you using? I've looked at a couple of auto maintenance record programs to replace my outdated 3-ring binder system. One is called Automotive Wolf. Looks nice, but just a tad overkill. I may buy it anyway as it has alot of organization built in.

[kqw]

David, it was in C++ and modified into Excel Pivot tables.

If you are familiar with pivot tables you know how flexible it is in analyzing data in any combination of data points.

Thanks

[david914]

Now you're talking over my head! I'm familiar about many things, however, programming isn't one of them! Although it sounds intriguing, it's probably safer (and quicker!) to use off the shelf stuff for me!

I've been using forms that I made up years ago stored in 3-ring binders for each of our vehicles. Everything gets recorded. Gas, oil, air, fuses, etc. Anything that's done to the vehicle is written down. It's just time for me to get everything into a database so I can manipulate the data more efficiently.

[kqw]

David....

Sorry, let me explain...Once you have the data(records) you want to load, it will go into excel. From there, excel has a "pivot table" function. Pretty straight forward.

You create the table and all the data you loaded becomes manipulative.

Sounds complicated but it's not.

My business is data analyzation and software development. I did this (porsche records) for my own edification as I needed to know what I CAN do vs. what must be taken to a wrench.

It told me that if I invest in a O2 analizer, I will save money in the long run. It told me that Alignments will go to a wrench and on average how often. Most importantly, it tells me that I should prepare to know how to drop my engine and know the in's and out's of clutch repair... Done twice in 17 years at an average cost of $1500.00.

[lagrassa]

The PO of my car (original owner from 1970) gave me a stack of receipts since day 1. I haven't totalled them all but they far exceed the original price of the car. The car runs well today becuase it was attended to properly when things stopped working or obviously needed repair/replacement. They are worth their weight in gold when deciding on a particular car.

[kqw]

Lagrassa, I agree...

How would anyone purchase a previously owned car that has no service records...Says a lot about the owner.

[efhughes3]

I keep EVERY receipt I've spent on (other than nuts, gaskets, filters and the like) the car in a folder.

I keep a simple log of everything I do to it with miles and date, in Excel.

[david914]

KQW,

I'll have to check it out. I know enough about Excel to get around, but just the basics (my wife, on the other hand knows alot more).

When I started shopping for my '86 Carrera, I was fortunate enough to have found a car that had a meticulous owner who had saved everything. It's comforting to know exactly what's been done to your car, especially when it's approaching 20 years old!

[kqw]

Thanks David,

If you have over 150 service records as I do, it helps to be able to see what you've paid, what was done, when it was done and what you should do vs. farming out at you finger tips.

Note: Back in 1978, I had to sell my 1st Porsche (1974 914) because of marriage and growing family. The buyer looked at several but when I produced recordes from day 1 he wrote me a check. I got $4200.00 when I originally paid new $4,800.00. He could have bought others (same year) for $3,800.00.

Note: if you do not have ALL your records, you can go back to the servicer and request copies. Believe me it pays off in the long run..

Thanks

[nosubstut]

KQW,

I sent you a PM.

[Randy Webb]

Check out pviot tables in teh Excel help system. Or get a book on Excel - Dummies Guide to Excel might be a good start.

[Randy Webb]

PS - That's the actual name of the book - not trying to cast aspersions....