klaw81
New Member
I agree with your conclusions about the slightly higher running costs, they really aren't that much higher. But I have to disagree with a bit of what you said above...the REAL cost in running a V8 is not in the fuel costs, it's in things like higher insurance premiums, more expensive and more frequent tyre changes, more frequent servicing, higher potential vehicle depreciation with higher fuel costs expected in the future, higher costs if something major goes wrong in the mechanical department and add to that perhaps an extra speeding fine or two.
1. Insurance and rego are more expensive - no argument there. About $500/year more for me, although this will vary from state to state and from driver to driver.
2. Higher potential depreciation - I don't think so! Not if you bought the car 2nd hand anyway. V8's retain their value better than the cooking models (although I can see your point about potential for value loss if petrol prices skyrocket)
3. Higher cost of mechanical repairs - perhaps, but again I think this is unlikely, a lot of the components are shared with basic models so it's really only engine and some driveline parts that could be more expensive, and really they don't break any more than the equivalent 6's.
4. More frequent tyre changes and potential for speeding fines - not for me! I leave the traction control on 95% of the time and I have cruise control - end of story. It's not as if the 6's can't spin the wheels or exceed the speed limit. If you're a hoon, you'll drive like a hoon regardless of what motor your car has.
So after purchase, it costs me an extra $25 a week to have a V8 - I can enjoy the performance and tow a heavy boat without any dramas. Everyone needs a hobby or 2, and the car and boat do that for me.