The opposite running costs thread

[JCviggen]

I passed the "1 year" mark 2 weeks ago.

My car did take some "putting right" which I hope will make for a cheaper 2012..

- Gearbox overhaul (had a TC fault)
- All oxygen and EGT sensors replaced + new DVs
- Ditched the semi malfunctioning DRC for coilovers
- Ditched the very leaky intercoolers for Wagners
- Fitted a Supersprint exhaust, not exactly necessary I admit. (also gutted precats and spent a grand at MRC)
- Alternator replaced for a rare intermittent malfunction issue.
- Timing belt, water pump, thermostat, belts, rollers.... replaced due to uncertain past. Good thing too because the timing belt was undertightened due to completely worn tighteners.
- New water temp sensor (failed)
Probably some stuff I forgot..but I was well north of 10K total all added up.

Needs to be done in the near future:
- new driver's door lock
- the rear wiper assembly cover is hanging off slightly and rattling annoyingly
- front discs are about done
- new MAF seals that my mechanic screwed up
- still have a gearbox issue that should be possible to correct without getting the box out, but have not yet located a suitable Shop.

[bam_bam]

Bam - I used to have a 993 Carrera Coupe 3.6 - far, far, too slow.

993 TwinTurbo would be interesting - but put simply - I can't afford one and when I had my last 911 I ended up finding it a hinderance and used my S4 all the time instead (which was far, far faster!).

It wouldn't be about the speed, it would be the sound and the looks. I'm nursing a semi just thinking about it.

[bilko1]

I've just passed the 1 year 3 week Mark, bought mine at trade price and have gone a little overboard on repairs and upgrades. Already had forge diverted valves, Bilstein PS9's, Hotchkis anti roll bars, Plus discs and pads and a DNA gear box chip

Upgrades
Milltek non res
ITG filters
Led side light bulbs

Repairs
Cv joint and boot
Drivers door lock
A.C.E Torque converter and recon gearbox
Intercoolers overhauled
Wheels refurbed
Set of Vreds as car had winter tyres on that were wrong size

Extras while tc and gearbox being done
Egt sensors and pre cat O2 sensors
Cam belt and all rollers/tensioners, thermostat, water pump
Front and rear crankshaft seals
Cam chains and tensioners and seals and gaskets (no rattles or tapping for me when starting )
Milltek downpipes
Turbo oil feed pipes

Extras left to do
Stage 2 remap
Rnsd replacement

Hopefully I should be trouble free for about 4 years except for services and probably discs and pads.

[chunky79]

Bam - I used to have a 993 Carrera Coupe 3.6 - far, far, too slow.

993 TwinTurbo would be interesting - but put simply - I can't afford one and when I had my last 911 I ended up finding it a hinderance and used my S4 all the time instead (which was far, far faster!).

It wouldn't be about the speed, it would be the sound and the looks. I'm nursing a semi just thinking about it.

You my lad need your rs6 back, QUICKLY

[Mr V10]

Quite amazing how many 911's around now. I often see one or two a day on my 22 mile commute but I've not seen another RS6 since I've owned mine. I like the exclusivity of the Audi.

Audi aren't exclusive, they are horribly common. The fourth biggest selling car brand in the UK! I wish they were exclusive. The C5 RS model is though if that's what you meant.

Edit: I take it that is what you meant as you said 'the Audi..'

[bam_bam]

By that rationale then, the 993 must be rare(r). Ooooh, another semi is being nursed in my jeans.

[Mr V10]

This has been my wallpaper for the past year.

[bam_bam]

Luuuuuuuuuuuush.

[MEV]

Got a lift in one the other day when I picked up my 6. I was impressed actually as forgot how good they are. V hard ride but swift and impressed with the smack of the Turbo. cracking chassis and more affordable nowadays.

[amanda1]

Got a lift in one the other day when I picked up my 6. I was impressed actually as forgot how good they are. V hard ride but swift and impressed with the smack of the Turbo. cracking chassis and more affordable nowadays.

You lot think with the sausage in your pants!!!!! Bah a 2 seated against a complete alrounder there is no contest go and get cold showers ASAP

[perthwaRS6]

Got a lift in one the other day when I picked up my 6. I was impressed actually as forgot how good they are. V hard ride but swift and impressed with the smack of the Turbo. cracking chassis and more affordable nowadays.

I also got a ride in one in Houston down one of the concrete freeways at speed. Great engineering, power and handling but still sounded like a hotted up old stlye VW to me. But the main reason I would not buy one is very hard suspension which jolted my spine everytime drove over an expansion gap on the freeway.

Save the car for billiard table smooth race tracks in my IMHO. Would be fantastic for this untill a Nissan GTR35 blew you into the weeds!

[SteveH]

Am sure that I've posted it previously, but the largest cost was the normal car cost - depreciation... I suppose depreciation was about £20k over the 3 years I owned it, so £6.7k for that, plus annually about a grand for tyres, a grand for insurance, £1.5k for warranty, a grand for servicing, 6 grand for fuel, a grand for stuff (detailing and spread cost of brakes over the three years) so overall for me, it was pretty trouble free and didn't have surprise massive bills

Cost me £18.5k a year I suppose. Thank goodness I had a fuel card, so paying tax on 40% of the fuel benefit that would be an actual cost to me of £15k a year.

My current car, 6-series has been dirt cheap to run, but inevitable depreciation is the GIGANTIC cost... surely dropped £30k+ over the three years I've had it. Only had to have 1 set of tyres in 70,000 miles so £400 a year average. Insurance £700 a year, tax £180 a year, Fuel £2,500 (so £1k cost), £250 year servicing, Total cost about £13k a year. 4th year cost is going to be pence though; I reckon about £9k total all-in.

[bam_bam]

Got a lift in one the other day when I picked up my 6. I was impressed actually as forgot how good they are. V hard ride but swift and impressed with the smack of the Turbo. cracking chassis and more affordable nowadays.

I also got a ride in one in Houston down one of the concrete freeways at speed. Great engineering, power and handling but still sounded like a hotted up old stlye VW to me. But the main reason I would not buy one is very hard suspension which jolted my spine everytime drove over an expansion gap on the freeway.

Save the car for billiard table smooth race tracks in my IMHO. Would be fantastic for this untill a Nissan GTR35 blew you into the weeds!

I'm decided now. I don't want to be burried in a coffin, I want to be burried in a 993.

I'm drunk and inspired by DK's zest for car exchange, during my currently 'moment of clarity', I'm adamant, I'm going to get a 993. Then, I'll probably get a hotel room and have sex with it. If you've heard that I've SORN'd a 993 off the road, you'll know I'm shacked up in a cabin somewhere in the country-side with a 993 of a yet to be determined colour. I ain't a racist... Don'tyaknow.

[Fizmo100]

Unlike some wiser posters on here, I waded right in and bought the first car I saw, which needed some fettling. I knew it needed work when I bought it, and my logic is I'd rather know it's been done right, rather than buy a car that may seem ok but has had jobs done on the cheap. What I didn't know at the time was the price 'sorted' examples were going for - by the time I'd had mine tickled into shape I could have bought a forum car with more upgrades for less money. Oh well, we live and learn - I was 25 when I bought it and I put it down to the folly of youth.

Anyhow, having had just over a year and a nudge under 20k miles, it has had:

-Biiig overhaul on purchase - DRC replaced with PSS9s, cambelt and service, new intercoolers, miltek cat back, gearbox service (inc new sump pan, as during the service the original was found to be corroded quite badly - always worth getting the service done!).

-New rubber all round.

-MAFs were replaced.

-Alternator replaced after failure.

-The engine ECU died a fortnight ago - that was replaced, so at the same time it was remapped, along with the gearbox.

Luckily Unit 20 is just down the road, so the beast is in good hands. I will happily drive this car until it goes no more (fuel prices allowing), so if it costs a few grand a year to keep it tip top then so be it - think what it costs in depreciation for people who buy a new diesel Passat every 3 years, but no one bats an eyelid at that. I know how I'd rather spend my pennies!

[bam_bam]

...by the time I'd had mine tickled into shape I could have bought a forum car with more upgrades for less money. Oh well, we live and learn.

One of THE most important things you could read before purchasing an RS (from any of the Audi platforms).
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