On Oct 19, 2012, at 11:07 AM, Roland <syncronicity1@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

"Here is one data point:  (I am a Quicken nut so these numbers are available
in about 20 seconds).
- purchase:  '89 Syncro, $4,300, August 2005
- total other expenses since then:  $9,417.03 which includes registration
(but not insurance or gas)
- but this total includes some upgrades, not just repairs, perhaps $1,500 -
$2,000 (wheels, SA grille, jump seat, camping gear, stereo, many little
things).
- major repairs: rebuilt trans, new head, 2-3 times to get it through smog.

Total:  $13,717.03, or $159.50 per month (plus gas and insurance).  I also
have another car, but sometimes when that one has broken, the Vanagon has
been my daily driver for months.

Gee, $159.50 per month is really good for my beloved Vanagon!"

Dear Roland .... great compilation, however .....

You stopped short of a REALLY important $$ number .... even if it's just
"an estimate", figure the current value.

My BET, you're monthly number completely disappears, and turns into
a growth-on-investment number, hands down.

bob
'87 Syncro Westy
purchased for $15K in 2002, received offer of $50K in 2008.
Just sayin'.........