[livewirevoodoo]

Originally posted by nightheart
Some people are just cheap, some don't know what their getting into, and some are just downright stupid.

Hits the nail on the head. The cost of admission is relatively low, the cost of upkeep can be prohibitive.

I sold my maxima when I finished financing last june and bought my 944. But I continued to put the $320 a month I was paying in financing in a savings account every month. I went from having a car note to having a mechanic note.

Total cost of repairs after 12 months of ownership: ~$1400.
Cost of financing maxima over a 12 month period: $3840.

'Savings' during the 1st year: ~$2,400. Note that I didn't include trim items or stereo. Also consider that car taxes are cheaper as is insurance. Frustration is somewhat higher, and reliability (initially at least) was lower until I invested in some repairs and upkeep.

Anyone looking to spend $5,000 on a 20 year old car and not expect the unexpected repairs has unrealistic expectations.