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Theleman. As you say, the whole point of running a 10 years old car is to save money at the cost of things wearing out. Cars are not investments. They always cost money. It all depends on how flash you want to look and how important it is to have OEM warranties.
My method is to look at what a new(er) car would cost per month then how many months I would need to pay in order to cover the repair costs.
Let's say my budget is £200 a month (I know that won't buy much) and the repairs cost £600. After three months I'm done and back to "free" driving. Clearly, I have to look at the big picture if the car needs clutch, suspension, exhaust, tyres and more along with garage labour, the hassle and costs will probably not add up.
David
I agree that cars are never investment unless they are rare vintage for collectors.
But I don't agree with people who are prejudiced on type of cars others drive, and judge the person's economic ability. I feel that is simpleton way to see things.
I read somewhere the world's richest man in history Jeff Bezos worth a few hundred billion dollars, and he drives an old Honda Accord.
I drive Fiat Panda, because I do like the car. It is small, nippy and practical and economical, and it looks cute. It is also simpler than other cars loaded with latest computer chips, and that's another reason I like it.
But of course, my Panda is now old 10 years old, and needing parts replaced and works needing to be done to keep running.
That's why I came to the forum, trying to learn about diy work, and also trying to find ways to get it done it cheap way. But just because I was looking for ways to get ti done cheap, Luigi told me to sell the car, and save up and do it properly, and I thought it was just not making sense.
OK, I could sell it and buy another used car maybe more upmarket and more expensive one, but that wouldn't guarantee any reliability or fun to own and drive the car.
Like Scotty Kilmer says, there is no perfect car. Every car you buy will be compromise, and have good points and bad points. I agree with that. Because I had gone through as many cars as Scott Kilmer in my life, I do know how they are like. Even the most expensive Mercedes or Benz have some sort of gremlines hidden underneath.
My fun for owning a car right now is to keep the old car I have had, and keep it as long as possible trying to work done on it by myself if I can, if not then done it by garage but in good price, and just keep it going. That is my fun of having car and running it.
I am not interested in fancy expensive newish cars trying to look smart and posh and well off, or what have you
That time for me is long past now.
OK - when my inheritance gets settled in the court, and lumpsome of money comes into my account, then I will buy an Audi 4x4 for my wife, and a decent motorhome for us, but that is it. I will still keep the Fiat Panda, and keep on driving and working on it.
Thanks & kind regards.
TM