The increased cost of vehicle maintenance

[Jon3830]

got a quote a few weeks ago for struts, brake pads, and lower control arm bushings they wanted almost 6000.00 i looked the parts up and bought them myself for about 500.00 I just went to the shop to get an alignment and they said they couldn't do until i got that stuff fixed they also tried telling me my tires were about gone too and i had just driven 12 miles from the tire store where i had 4 new tires put on so i wasn't really buying they were selling. the only thing i really needed was the bushings but i figured i would go ahead and do the brakes and struts since my car has 240,000 miles on the factory struts.

 

[GnometownHero]

I went to NAPA this morning. Upper&lower radiator hoses, serpentine belt and ac belt, thermostat and jug of flush and 2 gal 50/50 pink antifreeze was a total of $197.40 out the door.
I had suspension estimate this morning. Needs upper control arm assembly and 2 ball joints. I am putting new struts and rear air shocks on also and being done at my favorite tire shop. Not sure of cost until all the parts get gathered and no surprises so far and they appreciate customer loyalty.

 

[trekrok]

Lot of places won't install parts not bought from them. Hibdon wouldn't install Toyota tie rod ends on a land cruiser, due to 'liability' reasons. Uh huh.

 

[JokerofDeath]

I was going to have cooling system serviced on my GMC Sierra. Radiator flush, thermostat, upper & lower hoses and heater hoses.
A reputable shop that has a good track record of customer satisfaction.
Their cost quote. $1997.50
Uhhh nope. I can do the work myself
I have new shocks, struts, brake pads and alignment scheduled at my tire dealer Monday.
Any guesses on how much that might be?
I figured on at least $1000 and have more set aside.

It’s like 2k to replace the front and rear pads and rotors on my BMW at the dealer and even more at an Indy shop. At that quoted rate, you’d be better off taking into a GM dealer. My radiator replacement didn’t even cost 2k at the Ford dealer.

 

[Catt57]

Lot of places won't install parts not bought from them. Hibdon wouldn't install Toyota tie rod ends on a land cruiser, due to 'liability' reasons. Uh huh.

Most shops I know will install them, they just won't provide any warranty. That seems fair to me. Of course most shops I deal with are not corporate chain stores either.

 

[XYZ]

Just about cheaper to just buy a new one.

Plus there’s some good incentives going right now.

 

[GaryOkie]

This is why I lease. Then sell before the turn-in date.

 

[OKCShooter]

This is why I lease. Then sell before the turn-in date.

You lease vehicles (most expensive way to use a vehicle) and then sell at another loss (you're likely losing more money as residual will often be less than buyout) so that you don't have to deal with possible repairs?

 

[GaryOkie]

You lease vehicles (most expensive way to use a vehicle) and then sell at another loss (you're likely losing more money as residual will often be less than buyout) so that you don't have to deal with possible repairs?

Nope. Wrong. Made 7K on the last lease I sold during Covid. I get a new car every 3 years. Before that, once I paid a vehicle off I’d give it to my kids. So I’m not losing a dime and I pay low monthly payments. I don’t even pay for oil changes. Been doing this a long time and love always having a new car.

 

[JokerofDeath]

You lease vehicles (most expensive way to use a vehicle) and then sell at another loss (you're likely losing more money as residual will often be less than buyout) so that you don't have to deal with possible repairs?

Thats not necessarily true. If your monthly payments are less than the depreciation of the vehicle at the end of your lease, you come out ahead. Ex: the car is worth 50k and in 3 years it depreciates 20k. Now if your lease payments were less than that 20k you come out on top and then if you want you can buy the car for 30k. Better yet if the car is mechanically trash you can turn it in and get a new vehicle. Besides most repairs are under warranty since no one should lease past the warranty period.

All leasing is, is betting you’ll be ahead of the market value at the end of the lease term.

Now if you’re a commuter and plan on racking up the miles, buying would be a better option.