Some recent discussions of costs hit me today when deciding what to do on
another issue.

My gas powered weed whacker just quit.  Finished troubleshooting and it is
the coil.  Price of coil 40 bucks US plus shipping.  Locally 37 bucks US
plus 8 percent tax.  Same price.

That coil is 50% of what I paid for that weed whacker new two years ago.

Will buy another weed whacker and recycle the cylinder as another key fob.
(my chain saw did the same)

When we talk costs on our vans we need to remember everything is relative.
I.E. When I did the subie mod I actually spent half of what I paid for the
van.  Got the van cheap.  When I put tires on it, I went with a higher end
tire.  Brake job coming up and I will put top grade brakes on it.  Same for
shocks.  However I will put in the cheapest seat covers and paint job
available.  As for looking for another vehicle to replace my vanagon???? Not
much chance. To me the vanagon westy is the most versatile vehicle I have
ever owned.  And to me that is the real value.

Oh and put my religion down as "camper reformed"

jimt