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The car also continues to depreciate. Not as dramatically as early on, but the depreciation does continue.
by compiler-guy 7y ago
The car also continues to depreciate. Not as dramatically as early on, but the depreciation does continue.
- thedance 7y agoImportant point. The net present value of a car does not approach zero asymptotically, it crosses zero and keeps going.
- gvjddbnvdrbv 7y agoWhy does the value become less than zero?
- apta 7y agoMaintenance, repairs, gas, etc.
- compiler-guy 7y agoThe old saw about restoring classic cars is relevant: "What does it take to own a Sunbeam Alpine MkII worth a small fortune? Start with a large fortune." Eventually mechanical things need more repairs than they are worth functioning. That is a negative value car. People who can wrench themselves can make those repairs only for the cost of parts and if you think about it as a hobby, then you actually aren't paying for labor, but even then, you spend far more than the return the car could give you.
- sliken 7y agoMost obviously when a car whose value is $x needs more than $x of repairs to get drivable again.
- perl4ever 7y agoIt seems like everybody believes that you should get rid of a car when it costs more to fix than it's worth, but that seems like a complete non-sequitur to me. The question is whether the repairs over time cost more than the monthly cost of a newer car. Assuming there are no features you feel you need on the newer car. But I think the truth is, by the time a single repair can cost more than a car is worth, people are usually sick of it, and a nonsense reason is all that's needed.
- intrepidhero 7y agoFor ten years I've been driving a '91 Accord. I bought it for $800. This year I finally replaced it, after putting 100k miles on it, and sold it, for $600. I had the timing belt and windshield replaced when I bought it. I've also had an alternator and head gasket go out. But even with those repairs TCO is easily under $1k a year for the time I've owned it. All the cars I've owned have been used cars with over 100k miles. Pick a reliable brand and my observation is that value is more asymptotic than not at >10 years old and >100k miles. You have to factor the cost of repairs into your TCO and be willing to put up with some crappiness like dents, scratches and interior cosmetic issues. But it's much more economical than buying newer cars.
- compiler-guy 7y agoSo you spent $200 on depreciation, plus a bunch more money on repairs to address what would have been even greater depreciation. I wasn't claiming that it isn't cheaper to do what you have done, just that cars continue to depreicate. And you have made my point.