Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

[Silver350]

Mike, see my edited post. I didn't track fuel cost because I can't do much about it as opposed to being able to do quite a bit about my driving habits. I think it was close to $4.

[carringb]

I try to do 7500 mile oil changes on my V10, but it usually turns into 9-11,000 before I finally get it. I run 5w30 full synthetic, but I did run 5w20 up until about 180,000 but it did start consuming the light stuff a bit, so that's why I went heavier. About 90% of my miles are towing with a combined weight over 18,000 pounds. About 1/2 that is over 22,000.

It costs ~$35 for 5 litres + 1 quart of full synthetic, + ~$8 for a filter. Takes me 10 minutes in the driveway to change, and I only need a wrench for the plug.

I do my fuel filter ~every 40,000 for $7 a pop.

I do spark plugs every 65,000 for $40. They are supposed to last 95,000 under the severe service schedule but the Predator shortens their life considerably. I tried Irridium plus last time and I think they already need changing at 45,000. Probably should have gone with a cooler heat rating. Might go back to platinum.

I clean and oil the air filter every 15,000.

I used to service the trans about every 50,000 but now do it every 100,000 for ~$70

I changed the coolant for the 1st time at 150,000: ~$12

I average about 13.5 MPG solo, and about 7.5 when I'm towing (can get up to 10.... if I drive the speed limit). It has 313,000 miles. I don't even want to think about total fuel cost.

It has needed repairs:
-Starter relay every 150,000 (~$15). Fender mount. Easy to change.
-Needed forward O2 sensors at 150,000 but may have been contaminated when the Banks Powerpack was put on.
-Radiator exploded about 265,000 but I think the cap actually failed caused over-pressurization. ~$215 for the new radiator, about 1 hour to install. Did the 2nd coolant flush at the same time (well, kinda flushed out all the old stuff on its own).
-Camshaft Position sensor went out last week. ~$40 but only took 2 minutes to change. Did not cause stalling, only ran less smooth.

Only the 1st starter relay required a tow, and only because I didn't know I even had one. Now I know, and its easy to jumper when it goes. When the radiator burst, I drove 220 miles home. I didn't even start cutting cylinders (which it will do when the heads get too hot, and pump air instead to keep cool).

Also needed typical brakes/set of ball joints/ suspension bushings but those are the same as on the diesel. I did have a problem with cracked rotors until I put on the '09 front brakes.

[flyfisher]

Ok, let's assume the other guy is driving a BMW X5. He has to pay for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a Super 8 every night. And the goofy low profile tires on his 22" rims won't even come close to getting him to where we can go.

Tom

[Skywagon]

If he's driving a BMW X5, his wife isn't going to be letting him stay at any Super 8 !!!! More likely the Biltmore or San Ysedro Ranch.
Bill

[rockbender]

Is the X5 gas or diesel?!





I don't have enough data to really participate yet as I probably only have 3000 miles on our new to us van. However, I might as well make my space useful rather than just make a whimsical quip about the X5:
1984 E350, 6.9L IDI diesel 4x4
MPG - AVG about 12.5, high = 16, low = 10.5
Repairs - glow plugs, about $90 and a couple bloody knuckles.