Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by supton
Hmm, I'm starting to think I'm derailing this thread, looking for TCO and hard numbers when the thread is more about addressing myths. I'm looking at some very specific parameters that few car shoppers would be; my own car shopping should probably be off on its own thread.
Apologies.
I still do not get how you get exact parameters? That Highlander with [problematic water pump would turn out expensive, but it is actually very reliable overall.
Failed solenoids on VVT-I on 2GR-FE will cost more than anything on BMW N55 engine for example. On BMW N55 you know you will have to change valve cover for sure at 100k, on 2GR-FE solenoids might or might not fail so if they do not, great, if they do? oh boy.
Then choice of tires. I have RT43 tire, as a spare in BMW. I personally believe in buying best possible tires on wheels. So I will spend more money regardless of vehicle I own.
I am not sure TCO is exact science.
I do not follow you. First you say the water pump is expensive, but the vehicle is reliable, but then if the VVT solenoid goes, it's crazy expensive. So how is Highlander any good? By your metric it is very bad.
Your money to spend. My money to spend. I have specific requirements--to minimize TCO and to hopefully minimize downtime & hassle. What is hard to understand about that? IIRC in other threads you made it sound like you oversaw a fleet (or more than one), then surely you know about the bottom line. It may not be an exact science but it certainly can be tabulated in the review mirror (looking at past data) and then tentatively used to predict the future (at least if the model does not change drastically).
Last time I was able to justify a new car I took into account maintenance (timing belts et al) and expected failures (few grand at 250k, had to figure the turbo would go eventually, based on anecdotal forum trends). Vehicle did as planned. I see no reason why I can't reasonably do the same on future purchases--look at prior data to determine what I should expect in the future. That data, my expectations--those are the parameters.
Originally Posted by supton
Hmm, I'm starting to think I'm derailing this thread, looking for TCO and hard numbers when the thread is more about addressing myths. I'm looking at some very specific parameters that few car shoppers would be; my own car shopping should probably be off on its own thread.
Apologies.
I still do not get how you get exact parameters? That Highlander with [problematic water pump would turn out expensive, but it is actually very reliable overall.
Failed solenoids on VVT-I on 2GR-FE will cost more than anything on BMW N55 engine for example. On BMW N55 you know you will have to change valve cover for sure at 100k, on 2GR-FE solenoids might or might not fail so if they do not, great, if they do? oh boy.
Then choice of tires. I have RT43 tire, as a spare in BMW. I personally believe in buying best possible tires on wheels. So I will spend more money regardless of vehicle I own.
I am not sure TCO is exact science.
I do not follow you. First you say the water pump is expensive, but the vehicle is reliable, but then if the VVT solenoid goes, it's crazy expensive. So how is Highlander any good? By your metric it is very bad.
Your money to spend. My money to spend. I have specific requirements--to minimize TCO and to hopefully minimize downtime & hassle. What is hard to understand about that? IIRC in other threads you made it sound like you oversaw a fleet (or more than one), then surely you know about the bottom line. It may not be an exact science but it certainly can be tabulated in the review mirror (looking at past data) and then tentatively used to predict the future (at least if the model does not change drastically).
Last time I was able to justify a new car I took into account maintenance (timing belts et al) and expected failures (few grand at 250k, had to figure the turbo would go eventually, based on anecdotal forum trends). Vehicle did as planned. I see no reason why I can't reasonably do the same on future purchases--look at prior data to determine what I should expect in the future. That data, my expectations--those are the parameters.