[W126 Coupe] Cost of Ownership

Mon Mar 28 10:35:18 EST 2005

Like Joseph states below, there are many many factors that go into such a calculation.  What I typically do is take the price I paid for the car, add in all maintenance costs over the years I own it (I don't include gas), subtract the selling price I get if/when I sell it, then divide either the number of years of ownership to get average price per year, or the number of miles owned to get average price per mile.

However, like it says below, where you buy parts and services plays at lot into it.  If you use synthetic oil your oil changes obviously cost more than convential oil.  If you use synthetic and have the dealer change it, or use dino and do it yourself, it matters.

What I do is use the same "method" or technique for service/repairs on all my cars.  Then I figure it out over the ownership period to get a rough idea how much each car is costing me.  I also don't figure in upgrades that weren't needed, like lowering the car, euro lights, stereo because those aren't true costs of ownership in my opinion, not necesseties.

Also, while I haven't figured out the cost of ownership of my SEC (since I have no plans to sell it) I have to say its the most fun car I ever owned, I feel real safe in it (how do you put a price on that) and if treated well, will be reasonably cost efficient compared to any other cars.  It all depends on the prior history, how well it was maintained, and where/how it was maintained.  A brand new car can be cheap for the first 5 or 6 years of ownership if you do nothing to it but tires/brakes/fluid changes.  You can even skimp on a lot of it and not do most - never change brake fluid, trans fluid, coolant, etc, etc.  It won't cost you much.  But the next owner may inherit a ticking timebomb that will cost money because it wasn't maintainted properly to begin with.

All things are relative I guess.
Unfortunately with the cost of new cars these days, our cars are looking better and better!

I still can't believe an 18 year old car is my daily driver (non winter).

Cheers,
Markus

 --- On Mon 03/28, Chiappinelli, Joseph < joseph.chiappinelli at mirant.com > wrote:
From: Chiappinelli, Joseph [mailto: joseph.chiappinelli at mirant.com]
To: dan at landiss.com, mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 10:18:39 -0500
Subject: RE: [W126 Coupe] Cost of Ownership

What you need to "budget" or spend is highly dependent upon age and current condition, how you use or intend to use your car, and how many miles a year it is driven and the prior maintenance history of the car. It also depends on geographical region, whether you do your own maintenance, use an independent or (God forbid) use the dealer. Where do you get your parts? Pep Boys, reputable OEM suppliers on line, or the dealer? It all makes a difference. J.Chip -----Original Message----- From: mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com]On Behalf Of Dan Landiss Sent: Monday, March 28, 2005 9:56 AM To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Cost of Ownership Chris wrote: >My question again is what do all of you budget annually to maintain your coupe? > > I budget nothing, spend maybe $200 beyond gas, oil, filters, etc. 1991 560SEC, 95,000 miles. -- ----- "He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would fully suffice." --Albert Einstein ----- The MB Coupes Website! W126 SEC Mailing List Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C. The MB Coupes Website! W126 SEC Mailing List Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.

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