Quote:
Originally Posted by thebmw
I hear you (or read you) and I generally agree. But, it I am paying a lower insurance price for the 3 series compared to the Mazda 3 or a Civic because claims data yields higher risk profile for those drivers. Again, the cost of acquisition was the same (we had a specific budget in mind).
This is an enthusiast forum so I thought many of the people here would be able to find a good independent shop, DYI simple things, find well priced parts, and know how to maintain their cars, thus negating the high costs of BMW dealership service. Is that not the case?
True story. Just last month, the 3 series, which is at college now, showed a low coolant light. Coolant hadn't been filled in a few years, so not shocking. My son didn't know what to do. It was a great teaching and learning experience. He learned how all about the coolant tank, lines, checking levels, what product to buy, and how to fill it. That education is worth a lot and definitely justifies the tiny bit more I might be paying for the 3 series (again, I still believe I am at a net savings vs some of the entry cars).
Bonus, he actually loves the car and realizes how much better it is than many of the other cars/brands on the road from a driving dynamic standpoint. That is also education and worth something.
|
I agree with all of this. However, most folks, even on this forum, aren't DIYers except perhaps really basic stuff. Things that we wouldn't blink an eye at, they would say absolutely not. As I tell my friends when I'm elbow deep into a repair "It's just Legos."