Thoughts on repair costs...

[DH5481@aol.com]

Most of my friends (?) at work love to crack jokes about my Audi, and my
constant battles with it.
  Today I asked my "cool" co-worker, who jokes the most, how long he had
owned (leased actually) his Lexus GS300.  His answer: "19 months - Why do you
ask?"
  "Well, I was just putting some numbers together - I suppose you have the
$399.00 lease."
  "No - 499.00"
  "Gee - I paid "2100.00 for my Audi, and I've put $1600.00 into it in 4
months.  Book value is $6900.00.  I've got about $300.00 to go before I've
got it right (new bomb, refresh R-12, new relays/sensor for after run
feature).  Neglecting the insurance difference in my favor, 8 months of your
payments would pay for my car and all its repairs so far.  11 more months
would be another $5500.00 - that about covers paint/bodywork, interior redo,
and the beginning of gold plating..." 

(After paying 4 years on his lease, he'll be able to get a loan to BUY it for
$21,000.00  WOW what a deal!  By that time I should have 400+ HP and a
rebuilt drivetrain).  

I have no car payments (just offerings to the Gods), low insurance, and a
great stealthy car that goes like stink and gets great mileage.  I should
want anything else?

Dave Head
87 5KCSTQ