Seems a hot topic these days, the real cost of the car. Some still use the Rule of 20: add what you pay, plus repairs and refurbishment, it will come to $20,000. So if you pay $12,000, it will cost $8,000 on top of that. If you pay $15,000, it will cost $5,000 on top of that. Based on everyone I know, have talked to, my personal experience with two cars, and reading this and other online discussions, I'd like to throw on the table that the rule of 20 no longer applies. Actually, any "rule" should really be two rules, one for those who have the skills and capability to do the work themselves, and one for those without those skills and have to get it worked on at a shop. Two entirely different cost structures. There can't be only "one" rule. My view is it should be the "Rule of 22/27". While your heart may want to stick to the Rule of 20, hard economics must be recognized. And it seems the downside (unexpected higher costs) really outweigh the upside (coming in under budget). To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/