[graydonengineering]

Auto maintenance can be a very poor investment. This year I have spent about $500 on auto parts for maintenance issues resulting in about 5% better gas mileage. I expect to recover about $70 a year from my lower fuel costs..

On the plus side, this old clunker is more enjoyable to drive with better power now. It beats the alternative of trading it in for a $400/month payment on a new truck that is bigger and less fuel efficient since every year cars seem to grow and grow ("Now, BIGGER than ever!").

Mods on the other hand can be very cheap and may even net a ROI. In my case, i tend to spend extra money on mods for aesthetic reasons which drastically extend the time it would take to net a return. I think of it as spending money today so I can spend less on gas every week from now on and also prepare for the REAL high gas prices of the future.