Re: urq (or any audi) costs per year

[Huw Powell <human@nh.ultranet.com>]

> I'd say most Audis with 100k or that are over 8 years old probably have
> failing exhaust systems, rubber coolant lines, aux. coolant pumps, radiators,
> motor mounts, clutch hydraulics, etc. as well.  In the northeast I'd add a
> windshield to the list, and probably new headlights as well, as they're pretty
> sandblasted by this point.

82 coupe data - 140,000+ to 260,000+ miles, over 5 years.  Note, an
engine swap due to hydrolocking is included, however I deducted the
return of insurance payout at that time (I still lost money).  I have
kept two running monthly averages - gross cost and costs net of purchase
price (2300).  

Gross cost: 201.83  
Net upkeep: 164.54

Basically everything except gas, tools, and registration is included.  I
have had a penchant lately for new  items that weren't necessarily
needed, but were associated with some repair or project.

I recently split a couple of new columns into my spreadsheet separating
"upkeep" which is items that are expected to wear out (tires, brakes,
etc), "repairs" which is stuff that broke, and "custom" which is stuff
that was not necessary (leather interior, dash upgrade, fancy wheels,
etc.)

Upkeep: 45.25
Repairs: 65.99
Custom: 53.31

And the gross cost of ownership, *less* custom work is 148.53.  This is
the figure I use to compare my automobile ownership position to new car
no worries ownership.  Sort of.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.thebook.com/human-speakers

82 Audi Coupe; 85 Coupe GT
http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~human