[V8] What a chintzy way to get ahead, or I absolutely HATE it when this happens.....

[dsaad at icehouse.net]

My only two pennies here are to not accept that toyota (or subaru or any other 
japan car) ownership means no repair bills.
My sons teacher was just complaining about a $300+ bill to get her window 
switch replaced on a very late model camry.

I know lots of people who have had to buy another very expensive toyota V6 
engine because the last one was un-repairable because of:
- stuck thermostat (warped the whole engine)
- broke t-belt - caused extensive damage to upper and lower end
- defective block casting
and all these happened before 100K miles

I have been hearing stories about subaru transmission and axle failures.
My sister has a subaru and has had several recalls in the last few years.

And the kicker for me - EVERY TIME I have been in a car that broke down on a 
road trip it was japanese. (Owned by one of my friends and usually a toyota or 
subaru. My cars do not break)

With all that in mind, I also come to the conclusion that I can spend an 
average of $2K per year on upkeep and repairs and still be way ahead of buying 
new.

Dave


> 
> I am not going to be silly and suggest that it makes sense to compare
> this
> car and a 2001 Toyota Camry, bought new.  While it might be tempting, as
> they are about the same size, and while considering the carrying charges
> of
> a $30,000 car with one that cost one half that much, plus the added cost
> of
> excise tax, insurance premiums, sales tax and so forth, the total would
> be
> really interesting,  the truth is that I WANTED a V8 Quattro, and I
> didn't
> want a Toyota Camry.
>