[V8] running the numbers

[cobram at juno.com]

This thread is really an "apples and oranges" scenario.

Those who do their own maintenance and repairs, and those who opt to pay
someone else to do it.

My last timing belt job V8Q #2 cost me about $75.  Did I do it "right"
and change all the components...no, it is #2 and I took my chances,
getting close to the next interval now, so far so good.  Replaced the
starter and flywheel in V8Q #1 for about $300 in parts and a few thank
you oil filters (thanks again SteveB) in exchange for the flywheel. 
Climate control programmer went south, had one "in stock" from a parts
car, cost nothing to fix.  
Plus, most reading this seem to have a stockpile of parts picked up on
sale or removed from junkers.  I now have a complete parts car with low
mileage engine and toasted transmission (cost me the price of
towing...which was nothing, thanks to AAA), large blue containers loaded
with parts in the basement.

I had to change a Body Control Module in a late model Impala owned by a
family member, a friend in the parts department gave me the module at
cost (since it's a common and known problem item) but there was no way
around having to take it in to the service department to have it
programmed, they charged $125 for 7 minutes work......I felt like such a
sucker.  I'd rather have teeth pulled than deal with dealer service.

If any cars I own ever get to the point where it's a "dealer only"
proposition for repairs and maintenance on a car with similar service
times of the V8Q, the reality in the US is it's cheaper to go with
leasing, financing and incentive packages on a new car with a 5 or more
year warranty than get raked over the coals by dealer service.

BCNU,
http://www.geocities.com/cobramsri/
Developer: Someone who wants to build a house in the woods.
Ecologist: Someone who has already built his house in the woods.