Miata Mailing List: September 1995, Message #101
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   From: mott@flory.mit.edu (Dr. Peter H. Mott)
Subject: Re:  Used Miata Advice/Main
   Date: Sat, 2 Sep 1995 20:53:29 -0400


> > My projected costs:  5 years miata ownership, 100000 miles 
> > ** snip **
> >                                          total:  $5339
>
> Scary: Most of the costs you mention actually seem cheap compared to other
> vehicles.
>
> I might take issue with the $20/month of car-care costs, however. 
>

Of course, your mileage may vary.  The $20 is for automatic car
washing: it costs me $8 each time I go (I can't wash my car at home).
Furthermore, I included the hidden costs of *deferred* maintenance,
like the 0.67 of the 1.67 timing belt replacements--obviously you
won't pay that until you replace the timing belt the 2nd time.  (The
Washington DC budget is a perfect example of what happens when you
don't include deferred maintenance.  This year, there will be a $700
million deficit.)  

If you drive less than 20k miles per year, just prorate the mileage
mantenance items.

>
> Great budget. May I cry now?
>

Thanks.  But you shouldn't cry over the price of happiness, i.e., owning
a miata and driving it 100,000 sunny miles.

Peter Mott