Keeping track of repair costs on an old car is dumb

"BarryDanger" (dbarry102) 04/02/2019 at 19:21 • Filed to: Z, 300zx, radwood, datsun

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Well, my Z and I have officially made it 7 months and I’ve decided to stop keeping track of what I have in to the car. I don’t think I’ll be parting with it any time soon I just wanted to take some time to vent .

I purchased a 1984 300zx Turbo Anniversary Edition late last August at a below market rate (or below BaT completed auctions for what it’s worth) because it needed things....

Most notably the front bumper cover and drivers side fender which has been repaired poorly...

So far, I’ve addressed the blown out suspension with some PowerTrix Coilovers and new bushings. Along with that came wheel spacers for the stock wheels. Not long after, I decided to purchase Watanabes - saving me 6lbs per corner. Then, I had a shop change all the belts and fluids @ $150/hr for labor. Ouch... but there were no other recommended services.

Well - This morning I found a fuel leak at the front of the engine bay coming from a high pressure hose that connects the filter to the rail. I also found an oil leak coming from the driver side valve cover. I took the car to that same shop and they recommended changing all of the high pressure fuel lines and the filter - totaling just over $400.

I told em to just go ahead and do it. Am I a sucker to pay $150/hr. in labor? Maybe. I’ve stopped overthinking what I have in to the car and decided to just bring it in to this decade so it can be enjoyed.

What bothers me is that these issues are postponing me from fixing the few remaining cosmetic issues - things that I know no one else can see but I zero in on. I’m done venting, it’s truly a fantastic car that I’ve had the pleasure of driving over 2 000 miles in half a year. Who can commiserate with me?

RacinBob > BarryDanger 04/02/2019 at 19:51

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Cheaper and more entertaining than a new car. You have the right perspective. Enjoy the ride. 

Hey Julie > BarryDanger 04/02/2019 at 19:52

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That’s a sweet ride 

NKato > BarryDanger 04/02/2019 at 19:57

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I’m in the same boat. Mechanicals are delaying my cosmetic plans. Boo!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > BarryDanger 04/02/2019 at 20:11

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You car looks rad, especially on those wheels!

Owning any classic car is completely silly. But if it makes you happy than why not throw your money at it? What else are you going to do let your money sit in a bank account? That sounds boring.

I spent nearly 5k on my Galant VR-4 in the 2.5 years I had it. And it was a constant headache. But when it was good, oooooh boy was it good. I put more miles sideways on dirt, or snow in that car than any other. I tackled logging roads, and fire lanes fearlessly, I took my kid along and showed him how much fun pretending to be a rally driver could be. I also spent countless hours working on the car, but that was kind of the point. Only thin I took it to a professional For was the clutch replacement. I miss that car. As much as my e90 spoils me with its comfort, and reliability, I can’t thrash on it like the Galant, I miss the raw anger of a 2.0 turbo, and the nimbleness of a small car.

Anyway my point is. Your car is cool, and you shouldn’t feel bad for spending money on it.

phenotyp > BarryDanger 04/02/2019 at 20:15

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Looks great on those wheels.

Hell, looks great, full stop. 

SiennaMan > BarryDanger 04/02/2019 at 20:26

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To the extent that it doesn’t cause household budget issues, I wouldn’t keep a record of the costs. First, it’ll make it harder to enjoy a truely rad ride and second, if you ever try to sell it (don’t sell it, you’ll regret it), those numbers will make you think it’s worth far more than it really is.

AdverseMartyr > BarryDanger 04/02/2019 at 20:57

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Do you have the time, experience, space, and tools necessary to do that work yourself? If so, then perhaps it is foolish to pay someone else to do the work.

But if you can afford to have someone else do it while you do something you enjoy doing (or can have someone do it while you do something you don’t enjoy so that you can enjoy driving it when you have the time instead of repairing it during that time), then  n o it’s not foolish.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > BarryDanger 04/02/2019 at 21:01

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I say worth it. That two tone and off center hood scoop. 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > BarryDanger 04/03/2019 at 07:18

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I do/don’t keep track of what I spend on the vehicles.

I do by way of keeping all my receipts so I have warranty info/records of what’s been done.

I don’t because I love my vehicles and it doesn’t matter, either spend it on things I love, or spend it on a new car I’d never be totally happy with.

If you love it, that’s all that matters. Keep up the good work, she’s a gorgeous car.  

BarryDanger > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 04/03/2019 at 14:26

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Those Galants are sweet, I used to have a 93 Legacy SS that I imagine had a similar feel. It just loved around blasting dirt roads in Colorado.

I am always tempted by the manual e90 M3 as a a 1 car solution but I know I’d pay even more for maintenance! 

BarryDanger > AdverseMartyr 04/03/2019 at 14:34

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I definitely could have done changed a fuel filter and a few hoses myself over the weekend. I suppose that’s part of the reason I was beating myself up about it yesterday.

Fortunately I can afford to pay for the repairs but I’ve only recently had that ability.

BarryDanger > phenotyp 04/03/2019 at 14:35

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Thanks! 

BarryDanger > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/03/2019 at 14:38

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Oh fortunately I have a folder full of all receipts/records of the work done. I agree not many new cars excite me like the Z. Also c ar payments suck.

BarryDanger > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 04/03/2019 at 14:42

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I recommended another AE to the shop I use and it was there at the same time. Photoshoot win!

Nauraushaun > BarryDanger 04/04/2019 at 18:08

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Very cool. Very very cool. Digi dash? Bitchin Betty?

Garrett Davis > BarryDanger 04/24/2019 at 19:59

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Dude this thing is awesome. Never see these around in this condition even the damn near ideal conditions we have here in SoCal. Good find!

BarryDanger > Garrett Davis 04/25/2019 at 00:09

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Thanks man! Yeah this is in great shape and has had everything done so it drives as great as it looks - even at 140k. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > BarryDanger 06/25/2019 at 13:30

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Cool 300zx, I feel like those are the forgotten generation. Not ama zing cars, not terrible, certainly way better than the 28 0zx they replaced. I don’t track repair costs either. It would be depressing. If I need something I just look at the bank account and see if I can afford it.

I probably didn’t need to replace the floor mats and kick plates right now but it sure makes the car look better.

BarryDanger > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 06/25/2019 at 13:34

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They’ve definitely disappeared considering the production/ sales volume and relatively long model run.

Beautiful Z - My next one will hopefully be like yours.