Cheapo wiper blades vs. expensive

[jonyyuma]

I think the log book is a good idea, but since I have the time, I go a lot further. When we buy gas, we write the odometer reading on the receipt and I enter it on the spreadsheet, so I have a running account of the mileage for this fill-up and the average mileage since we've owned the vehicle

My "maintenance" column (if you want to call it that) includes all maintenance and/or repairs, but also insurance premiums, wash jobs, even any tolls on toll roads or parking fees.

I used to keep up with the gas, but now have a computer in the dash to do it? My hats off to you on spreadsheet, because you probably know how much a mile really cost. Personally, My Insurance payments stink and i don't want to be reminded.

 

[Bird]

you probably know how much a mile really cost

If you assume zero salvage worth:

Crown Vic =$0.69 per mile
Ranger =$0.59 per mile

If you assume Kelly Blue Book "Good Condition" trade-in value:

Crown Vic = $0.48 per mile
Ranger = $0.47 per mile

:laughing:

 

[Bird]

I'm glad JD started this thread because it reminded me that I should change my wiper blades, and I just now did that on both vehicles. With Anco blades from Walmart ($4.57 each plus tax), it cost me $9.90 for each vehicle.

 

[jonyyuma]

Bird, me too, just bought two new assys for the sum of $3.50 each..at our Fred's store. I looked wally world, they were the same as yours? Automotive Parts are supposed to double in 5 years from some survey experts.

 

[JDgreen227]

Bird, me too, just bought two new assys for the sum of $3.50 each..at our Fred's store. I looked wally world, they were the same as yours? Automotive Parts are supposed to double in 5 years from some survey experts.

Thanks for the compliment, Bird, I often try to start threads that will provoke many responses because that way we all learn more from others. And jonyyuma, was that 2X for auto part in regards to maintenance parts like filters and tires, belts, etc. or did it apply to all parts such as mechanical replacements (fuel pumps, starters, etc?

And, as far as driving little mileage goes and the cost per mile, as Bird calculates it...in the last 12 months (10/1/10 thru 10/31/11) my Lesabre has cost me $1.25 per mile to operate and own. There are no initial purchase costs factored into the per-mileage costs.

Total miles driven: 900 (YES, NINE HUNDRED !!)
Fuel costs: $175
Registration: $140
Insurance: $775
Maintenance: $35 (one oil filter, 5 quarts oil, a pair of wiper blades)

I only keep the car for when wifey and I want to go stepping out on the town on style. :laughing:

 

[Bird]

There are no initial purchase costs factored into the per-mileage costs.

My calculations do include the initial purchase cost, tax, title, registration renewals, etc. However, both vehicles were bought used which makes a considerable difference. The '01 Ranger was bought in Dec. '04 with 36k miles on it for $12,599 and the '02 Crown Vic was bought in Jan. '09 with 41k miles on it for $7,946.