In 2 years... still no payoff

[Varn]

As far as payback, I don't calculate depreciation or residual value. Autos are only an expense not an investment. I generally drive them until they are scrap. Once rust takes hold there is not much you can do. I only pay cash for vehicles.

I have thought about getting rid of the minivan but after it's recall it became apparent that it is on it's way out. The sub frame has structural (rust) damage that Ford patched. The rockers have major rust. You never see windstars even at used car dealers anymore. On the plus side it drives great for now. I need to use it up before it is rusted out. I don't want to sell it for a couple of grand and do what buy someone else's problem.

Our vw has 100,000 miles more than the minivan, is less rusty for now. It's low tech is it's saving grace.

The vans are our farm vehicles particularly the econo. Try moving bales of hay with your compact car.

I am glad that I spent money to get my vw. It's running costs are low and purchase price was reasonable. When I need another vehicle, another VW will be looked at.

[niky]

Even if you don't sell it, calculating how long it takes to depreciate a car to scrap value helps assess how much you're spending per kilometer versus using something else.

Totally agree, though... Cars are not monetary assets.

[Arragonis]

Went from Fabia VRS (fasty) to Aygo (not too slow but not fast) to save money.

Insurance is £170 vs £350+
Tax is £20 vs £135
MPG is running about 15-20% higher, and as Diesel costs more I save more too.

Break even based on the difference will happen in a few months time, then I will be on the gain.

[darcane]

Originally Posted by Varn

As far as payback, I don't calculate depreciation or residual value. Autos are only an expense not an investment. I generally drive them until they are scrap. Once rust takes hold there is not much you can do. I only pay cash for vehicles.

I never claimed it was an investment. Depreciation is basically just measuring the value remaining in your car, whether you keep it or not. Even if you pay cash and keep them until they are dead.

By running up the ticker on the VW and not putting miles on your other cars you delay having to buy a new car. There is a big difference between buying three new cars over 40 years and buying five...