johnny772084 said:
I had always operated under the policy that if you are a do-it-yourself mechanic, buy American or Toyota's because their parts are cheaper and easier to find. If you are not a do-it-yourself mechanic, it is always better on the long run to buy either a Honda, or German with extended warranty because for the same price, you get your cars worked on without getting dirty.
I wouldn't have disagreed until a) I bought a BMW new b) I bought a GM new
Still have both of the above plus my 1998 Nissan.
The GM is not cheap for parts, nor is the service cheap from what I've seen here.
I've paid BMW 2X for brake fluid flushes (I believe they do it right, all 4 calipers). First was $120, second was $160, 20% coupons so a little off. they offer loaners--are those prices higher than GM? Oil changes, from $60 to $80, 7 qts full synth ($8/qt. online price), again, free loaner, is that high? maint was included for 4 years.
Tires, 255/35-18 rear and 225/40-18 front, are these much more than the Enclaves tires? Not really, yet they are rated for 186 mph, whereas the Enclaves are 112 mph.
I'm surprised, to say the least, as to how expensive Mr Goodwrench service is. If we're going to pay BMW prices, we might as well drive BMWs, is the way I see it.....(3k for a/c repairs, steering racks, blah blah blah)
My BMW has been out of extended warranty for almost 2 years, and I got nothing out of the extended warranty. I work on it myself, although without a lift there are some things I probably will not attempt, such as the water pump. Oil I am beginning to do myself--I could not figure out a way around the $8/qt which is why I waited so long. But I am going to start using Mobil 1 0w40 Euro from Walmart, which is LL-01 approved, so here I go Here I go again on my own. Goin' down the only road I've ever known. Like a drifter I was born to walk alone. An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time...