The Economics of Car Ownership
Crunching some numbers to figure out if it will actually cheaper to just get a new car that won’t break down all the time.
I’ve determined that for the past 9 months, the Jeep averages costing us about $350 a month in repairs. This does NOT account for general upkeep, oil changes, insurance, or gas. I also spend about $200 a month on gas.
:-/
One other way which there is no way to really account for but should also be taken into consideration is the STRESS and STRIFE of it breaking down and stranding us, having to change or cancel plans because the car broke down, the hassle of bringing it to and from the shop, and also just the mental drain of driving an unreliable car that could break down any moment. It sucks when you hit a little bump in the road and are all “OMG IT’S BREAKING AGAIN QUICK PULL OVER” when it’s really just a pot hole. But that constant fear that it is going to break down and cause a dangerous situation on the highway can be rather draining.
Benefits of the Jeep:
- I like that it is a POS so I don’t really care if it gets scratched on the city streets, gets hit, dents whatever… doesn’t stress me.
- 4 wheel drive is bomber for trips to Tahoe and beyond. That really hairy ride coming back from ski camp in Utah wouldn’t have been possible in a civic!
- enjoy size of SUV for dog and dog kennel, work equipment, ski gear, friends in back, cooler, etc
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5 Comments
if you do a lot of driving and depend on the vehicle and don’t have a back up one, I would say buy a new one (or a used one in good condition with maybe some warranty left). Being stranded and wondering if it will start or break down is nerve wracking. We have 3 cars and 3 drivers, but I don’t need a vehicle to drive to work. So if one is in the shop, we can adjust schedules and its not too much of an inconvenience so we’re hanging on to that 10-year-old van as long as we can. However, if I needed it for driving any distance, we’d be trading that puppy in sooner than later
but I know you’ll make the best decision for you all
betty
I hate STRESS and STRIFE!
Go for a certified preowned Toyota or Honda… I have a Toyota Matrix 4wd and it hauls 2 people and 4 dogs (corgis and/or BCs). It’s car-sized, and has been totally reliable. Their small SUVs are nice, but I didn’t want to spend more then $15k on a car.
Court, I think you answered your own questions!
I owned a 1991 Jeep Cherokee and took it to 254,000 miles before I had the similar thoughts that you are now. Eventually, I hit the last issue – - a quote for $600 or so to fix after just fixing something for $700 or so.
FWIW, my 2002 Xterra is at 150,000 miles.
If I were in the same place as you right now, I would be looking at the Subie Outback Sport and would look at the Audi A3 just for fun. B-)
That generation Grand Cherokee consists almost entirely of lemons and POS’. A Subaru, 4Runner, or Xterra will make you much happier while keeping the A/4WD and cargo space you want. I’ve piled in 4 people, two dogs, and a bunch of hiking, skiing, and BBQ stuff in my Subaru wagon; it was a little cozy but not bad (and everyone was passed out on the drive home anyway). All that without a roof box or rack.