Originally Posted By: B320i
Tire prices:
The current tire on my car is 205/60/R15; Pirelli Cinturato P1. $670 total - absolutely did not want "Nexen" tires on my car again after they were bald after 30,000km.
If I had increased just the rim size to 16-19in., still as 205/60, the cost per corner increased about $25-40!
Also bear in mind the "Australia Tax," by virtue of the fact I live down-under. Everything down here is relatively expensive.
Could understand people being stingy with oil down here, too. After all, you're looking at a minimum $10-14 a litre for fully-synthetic oil. Thankfully there are a barrage of mineral and semi-synth oils meeting A3/B4 and other specs
I have also found that parts prices down here are also pointlessly inflated; when compared to an online reseller + exchange rate differences and shipping.
Take for example the Knock Sensor. OEM commands about $105, and its US$105-135 at online stores based in the USA. The same, brand-new, Siemens (OEM) part from Lithuania(!) is about AU$35 shipped. Online stores in Australia do not even stock the part, let alone many others for vehicles they "specialise in." Might explain the price.
I'll attest to spending $800 twice for service. The majority of that was the cost of
a mechanic working on the car.
NOT parts. With labour at $125+ an hour, it adds up quickly. Do the work yourself and research parts; I guarantee you'll save.
There is no reason a European car or anything from 25 years ago to today should cost a bomb, unless you are completely anal and insist on wasting your money at the Stealer or unscrupulous Indy shops.
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
I have yet to understand why OTHER people wanting to be too cheep with THEIR money on THEIR vehicles maintenance bothers so many so much.
Since it has ultimately effected members on this board!
My current DD got cheap tires... I foot the bill for something better. The previous mechanic overlooked such simplistic issues like deteriorated, squeaky belts (and worn tensioners and idlers). I paid again.
Other members here have ended up with sludged engines that may ultimately fail prematurely... Who pays for that?
People might buy an older Volvo under the pretense of "rock solid dependability," but if the vehicle was neglected, they're out of pocket and the image of that make/model is then scarred.
B320i, while I understand where you're coming from, what you're suggesting is the first owner should keep on top of maintenance, fit top quality tyres before they trade the vehicle in, have their mechanic take care of every little worn item, etc. just so the next owner doesn't have to pay to have things fixed? With all due respect, it's not my problem once I no longer own the vehicle! I wouldn't replace belts and tensioners on a car I was about trade, or put top quality tyres on it. That's why you do (or pay someone else to do) a thorough pre-purchase inspection, to make sure you don't up buying a neglected vehicle, or to pinpoint any repairs that need doing so you can factor that into the price.