Cost Of Ownership
Hi, When I purchased my first 928 (an '81 model) a couple of years
ago I was alarmed at the constant references to the enormous costs of
928 ownership. What have I done I thought!
That car was with me for nearly twelve enjoyable months and it was a
cheap car to own costing about $700 over 12k or about 5.8 cents/km for
repairs, tyres etc. Very very cheap!
I've had my '89 S4 now for about 15 months, covered 23k and the costs
have been about $3000, about 13 cents/km for repairs, tyres etc. Very
cheap for such a car!
By contrast,
a) my '02 Subaru Outback has cost about 3.2 cents/km for repairs,
tyres etc. these cars are unbelievably cheap to own.
b) my 500hp Iveco PowerStar prime movers cost about 9.50 c/km (
averaged ) for repairs and tyres over whole of life (about 1.2m kms).
So the 928 is not really so expensive to own if you buy a good
car and look after it. I did my own PPI in each case.
The following is a list of the things I've done to my S4 that have
made it a better one - in order of "end result". The costs are
mostly included in the figures above.
Of course all the normal maintenance things (check timing belt etc.)
were done too.
1 - Replaced the vacuum "T" piece (wheel well canister)
- about $10.
- Using a different device with a small inbuilt
'reservoir', this has transformed the vacuum controls which are
many and it has improved the car's performance.
2 - Tinted the glass - about $270.
- Easier on the upholstery that now requires a LOT
less attention and I have a MUCH cooler cockpit up here in the
Tropics.
3 - Replaced the water control vacuum valve - about $30.
- No more hot/cold indecision.
4 - Fitted a "RICK HEANEY" auto shifter knob - about
$120.
- An excellent and cheap upgrade - thanks again
Rick.
5 - Changed the ATF to Castrol's fully synthetic Transmax Z -
about $120.
- This has greatly enhanced the Auto's operation
both cold and hot and it can stay there for 100k.
6 - Changed the engine oil to Mobil's synthetic Delvac 1 5w-40
(from a synthetic 15w-50) - About $110 - this is an annual (or 25k)
change oil.
- This has made the engine significantly more
responsive - quite amazing really and is partly due to the Ester
content, lost a tad oil pressure but gained flow in the process.
7 - Changed the diff oil to Castrol's Syntrax 75w-90 - About
$50.
- This can stay there for 100k too.
8 - Fitted Bosch W7DP platinum spark plugs (installed with
"Copper EZE" anti-seize compound and good for up to 80k+
without attention) - about $112.
9 - Spent 10c on repairing my rear hatch auto release - exactly
10 cents.
- 2 x 5c pieces well spent - so far.
10 - Upgraded all H1 and H4 bulbs to Xenon (light yellow in
fogs) - about $120.
- I only used the "expensive" German made
bulbs - both OSRAM and TRIFA - and stayed with the original
wattage in each case. This avoids component & wiring overload.
These bulbs are VERY long lasting.
The lights are MUCH better!
11 - Used "303" Aerospace Protectant on all internal
surfaces, engine bay and tyres, and SONAX Wash & Wax concentrate
on paintwork & SONAX R2000 Wheel Cleaner - About $70.
- "303" is long lasting, the SONAX wash
is easy to use - and the R2000 gets rid of brake dust very easily.
12 - Fitted fly-screen mesh across air cleaner intakes and air
pump filter (prevents entry of things like horses etc.) - about next
to nothing.
I hope this helps the newer members of our group to cut the costs of
ownership a little and to generally improve the quality of our cars. - Regards,
Doug Hillary '89 S4
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