DIVELY'S GARAGE
THE TRUE COST OF DRIVING!
Most people have no idea of the cost of providing transportation from point "A" to Point "B". I have assembled some statistics for you to consider; remembering that the average mid-size new car now costs around $20,000 plus. Financing the average new car at 8% interest over 4 years runs $488.26 per month. The average full coverage insurance is around $90.00 per month. With average miles driven of 15,000 per year totaling 60,000 miles over 4 years and average maintenance costs of $1,200 which comes out to $25.00 per month adds up to a total expense of $603.26 per month, for the next 4 years, not counting tires or gas!! Oh, by the way, that's after putting a $1,000 down and a $1,000 sales tax!! The total expense to drive from point "A" to point "B" costs $7,239 per year and $28,956 for 4 years of transportation; and you wonder why money is tight! This will all vary up or down based on your individual transportation requirements. If you have more than one vehicle, multiply the above accordingly.
When the time comes to perform maintenance and repairs and you need to spend a $1,000 to prolongs the useful life of your vehicle take this into consideration. If by doing the maintenance and repairs gets you another 25 months and/or 30,000 miles; the average cost would be around $41.66 per month. You can't rent, lease, beg, borrow or buy a vehicle to use for $41.66 per month. Compare this to a $20,000 new car which will cost you $14,478 over 24 months, with and average cost around $603.26. Not to mention a $1,000 in Pennsylvania sales tax which goes for nothing!! Which will it be? A $1,000 to Pennsylvania for nothing or a $1,000 for repairs and maintenance to get another 24 months and/or 30,000 miles; you tell me what makes sense! So, use the $14,478 you save by keeping your vehicle well maintained, safer and longer in order to realize your dreams, retirement or children's education.
To fully maximize your transportation dollar you need to get 150,000 to 200,000 miles out of your vehicle. This is possible because today's' vehicles are built better than ever before. By doing the manufacturers; recommend maintenance you will help to insure the same level of reliability you have come to know and expect. The manufacturer creates detailed maintenance schedules outlining specific operations to be performed on various components and systems; these services are done at different mileage intervals to ensure proper operation and prevent premature wear. Unfortunately, most manufacturers only provide maintenance guidelines for the first 100,000 miles or so. Once your vehicle passes the 100,000 mile mark, it is time to have it thoroughly evaluated to determine the right maintenance course.
Dively's Garage has ASE Certified Master Technicians, the latest computerized diagnostic equipment and a computerized automotive information system that provides detailed data for your vehicles by year, make and model. This insures that repairs and maintenance of your vehicles are in complete compliance with the manufacturers warranty. Other information includes lists of "high-tech" specialty lubricants required for your particular vehicle, the latest service procedures, diagnostic information and factory issued Technical Service Bulletins. The bottom line is efficient, dependable, and cost effective service for you! Working together, we can add years to the life of your car or truck!
Yours Truly
Ron L. Dively
ASE Certified Master Technician,
Owner