In a message dated 98-06-02 02:43:20 EDT, sxs@Schwenk-Law.com writes:

<< Am I really crazy for appraoching vehicle maitenance this way and
 wanting to replace things before they break?  <<clip>> a mechanical failure
during a race was the ultimate shame and failure.  <<snippity-doo-dah>>
Not only that, but the peace of mind knowing that the vehicle is in top
condition given the costs of a breakdown way out in the backcountry seems
worth it to me...on top of the satisfaction of keeping a really neat vehicle
in prime condition.
 Besides...I hate doing things piecemeal one at a time.  Does anyone else
 share my maitenance philosophy? >>

Steven--

Completely. Instead of dirt-bike racing, my guiding maintenance influence is a
military background that dictates "contingency planning". I would never set
out on a mission without knowing my equipment was in absolute top-notch
condition.  Neither would I have my wife drive a van that could leave her on
the side of the highway because of something I was too cheap or lazy to fix.

We have no car payments, but still budget $250-$400 per month for upkeep &
repairs. Due to this maintenance, I would take either our 1985 Jetta or our
1976 bus on a 10k trip tomorrow without hesitation.

gmbulley
cary, nc