DeTomaso Mailing List: February 99, Message #130

Russ,

I'm a numbers kind of guy, and I did some budgeting before I bought my
car.  When I compared a "daily driver car" ('67 Firebird, 94 minivan, etc)
to my Pantera budget, the Pantera (after one year) cost less monthly.
(Not per mile) I was amazed.  But I did not count "upgrades" or my accident.

I bought a moderate Pantera that I felt I could drive for a couple of years 
before it  needed anything major "repaired"...the engine had life left,
tires, etc...

When I ran the cost on a per mile basis, it was between the minivan ($$$) 
and the Firebird ($).  A Firebird Alt cost $26...that helps, but it sucks
more 
gas per mile than even the Pantera.  This did not include "Capital
Depreciation" 
either. The Pantera and Firebird may be flat, the minivan down on "value"
over 
the long term.

As for Pantera upgrades...the sky is the limit...like the one where the
owner 
spent $250,000 over the years....My budget for upgrades is very modest, and 
I was running under until I bought the new wheels this month.   You can
spend 
less than $100 a month and still upgrade.  I found it is not the money that
limits, 
but the time.  I have parts I have not had time yet to install, so in
management terms 
I've over spent per the schedule.  I like to do all my own work, or most
anyway, and 
the PCNC Tech Sessions only happen 3-4 times a year.

Many parts are less expensive than I expected, but I still get surprised but
some, 
like these ball joints, or the motor mount insulators (rubber donut) at $60+
Each (4) 
(factory not vendor made)

FWIW

Chuck


> If my memory serves me correctly, The price is 219 for the rears (2) and
> 249
> for the fronts (4).  I was calling around to get prices so I can create a
> budget and schedule for restoring my 74.  This is my first real project
> and
> right now I am a bit nervous, especially seeing prices like those!
> 
> Russ
> 
> 
> 	-----Original Message-----
> 	From:	JDeRyke@aol.com [SMTP:JDeRyke@aol.com]
> 	Sent:	Thursday, February 04, 1999 2:37 PM
> 	To:	Multiple recipients of list
> 	Subject:	Re: removing the upright revisited
> 
> 
> 	In a message dated 2/4/99 12:14:13 PM, jlast@pcocd2.intel.com
> writes:
> 
> 	<< For that much ($160 ea for rear balljoints) I'd expect the rest
> of the
> 	Ferrari to come with it! >>
> 
> 	The fronts are even more expensive.....and so are the tie rod ball
> joints.
> 	Cheers- J DeRyke
>