No subject

~20 oil changes
3 major services
2 sets of tires
two radiators (just did one the other day--a used all-metal from a salvage
yard)
2 timing belt jobs (second time a bit early due to leaking water pump)
struts front and rear
brakes front and rear
a battery
PS and bomb hoses
clutch pedal
clutch MC
WG diaphragm
ignition switch/lock assy
couple of window regulators
heater blower fan
misc. hoses, heater valve etc.

By using the resources of this list, great parts prices from the likes of
Carlsen and TPC, and being very lucky in getting a good type$$ that had much
recent work done prior to my purchase, my cost of ownership is very low. In
my area shop rates are typically $85-100 per hour. If I had to pay a
mechanic for *anything* I could not accomplish myself it would break the
bank and I would not own this car (or likely any other older car for that
matter).

You're going to hear a lot of horror stories about type$$ cars. They will be
justified, and will be good information to not take lightly. But, for every
horror story, there likely is also a situation like mine--low cost of
ownership in a car that I could ask no more from. I do not spend every
weekend working on my cars (and own three cars, none younger than ~145k
miles now). Cost of ownership for keeping a good well maintained older car
will always be vastly lower than a new car. It really all boils down to what
you want, what you can afford/justify, etc. But then by the sound of your
post ("I recently bought an '88 5000CSQ w/ 141K miles"), you're committed
now ;-) BTW, you will want to do boost mods.

Mike Veglia
Motor Sport Visions Photography
http://www.motorsportvisions.com