Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 11:16:28 -0500 From: "The Malt Hound" <enjjpt8506nospamo.com> wrote in message news:VwOZd.5047$qW.1068nospamread3.news.atl.earthlink.net... > Wondering what to expect from my car down the road so to speak. > > '89 900S w/ 155K miles. I've been spending approx $900-$1000 per > year over the last 9 years on non-routine maintenance (everything > other than oil changes pretty much). I got this cost from averaging > my bills from an independent SAAB mechanic in the central US. I'm > the only owner of the automobile, bought it new in 1989. > > Is this maintenance cost par for the course? I'd appreciate any > advice on the next 50 to 100K miles from current owners. I'm not a > trained mechanic so do-it-yourself is not a savings option. My > current mechanic is very honest and priced about right for the > market. > > I'm asking becasue I've got a new driver in the family coming on > board next year. My spouse is leaning toward a car with airbags for > the new driver (safer?). I've recently inherited another vehicle for > my use. I may want to cut loose of the '89 and buy up to a newer > model. All part of the decision matrix. TIA > > JG You have a 16+ year old car. There are bound to be repairs. Yes those sound reasonable if you have to pay a hired wrench to do the work. You might count on the costs being about 1/3rd that (or less) if you did the work yourself and ordered your own parts. OTOH, there are few cars that would depreciate less than $1000 per annum and that's if they don't have any problems of their own needing repair. Airbags are not that big of a deal IMO. Drive safely, drive a safe car (such as a classic SAAB) wear the seat belt and the incresed risk is negligble if any. My opinion, keep the SAAB. YMMV, -Fred W
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