This investment's a guaranteed winner. And best of all, anyone can do it. Car maintenance. (What? You expected me to say I bought tulip bulbs?)
Yesterday I took my Camry in for its 120K mile tune-up. In addition to routine maintenance (oil change, radiator fluid change, tire rotation) there was a long list of things Toyota recommended should be checked out. Based on the lookover results, dirty transmission fluid was flushed and 2 accessory belts were replaced. Total "investment" was $377.
---Knock on wood---
Hopefully my investment will pay off in the form of a car that doesn't breakdown suddenly on the freeway, needing to be towed, causing me to incur unnecessary expenses, and making me miss pay because I can't get to work. And hopefully my investment will pay off in the form of a car that is still going strong at 200K miles (allowing me to keep my money in the bank, earning interest, instead of buying a replacement vehicle).
Psst ... Hey Buddy ... Wanna Hear About My Hot Investment?
July 24th, 2008 at 03:39 am
July 24th, 2008 at 11:50 am 1216900213
July 24th, 2008 at 02:11 pm 1216908682
Over the years I have found there is little to maintain a car than change the oil and take it in the moment you notice something *off.* I found over the years dealers and shops recommend way more than necessary in the name of prevention. But I just speak as someone who has driven a car 200k miles (a Toyota of course). I've generally skipped the "recommended maintenance" and have never had a breakdown (mostly driving older cars with 150k-200k miles). Of course, you expect to go in the shop twice a year to replace a belt or something when you hear it. If you ignore it, yes you will be stranded! But yeah, generally I found the car gives you enough warning, if you are diligent.
I guess I am adding my 2 cents anyway.
July 24th, 2008 at 06:07 pm 1216922833
July 24th, 2008 at 07:44 pm 1216928659
My parents just paid $1,700 for the 90,000 mile maintenance schedule for their Lexus. I say it was well worth it for you, price and peace of mind.
July 25th, 2008 at 06:03 pm 1217009034
Both of ours were serviced in the past week. The van (2000 Toyota Sienna, 105,000 miles) cost $35. The car (1998 Toyota Camry, 110,000 miles) cost $65. And both times I got a free loaner for the day while they worked on the car. How can you pass that up?