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Old 09-01-2011, 05:21 PM   #1
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Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

This topic was prompted by another thread.

What does it cost you to operate your van? Just Fuel and routine maintenance.

So, here is my costs for the first 95,073 miles:

- Fuel 5717.52 gallons 16.63mpg ave - $17,604

- 6 Fuel filters @15K miles - $150

- 12 synthetic oil changes @7.5K miles - $1,056

- 12 Motorcraft oil filters - $240

- 2 Air filters @40K miles - $30

- 2 Transmission fluid replacements w/filter change
(Trans rebuilt and complete fluid change @14K)
@30K miles - $464

- Total - $20,600 Or, $0.2166/mile

Obviously, there are more expenses, like tires, insurance, registration that are not included here. And maybe other extras bought for the van (trailer, bumpers, etc.)

This just covers the routine expenses.

Mike

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Old 09-01-2011, 09:46 PM   #2
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Re: Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

Gas alone is .50 a mile in my V10 at $4. I never get 10 mpg. I stopped checking.
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Old 09-02-2011, 09:54 AM   #3
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Re: Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

I would have trouble doing this for a few reasons.
An example is I replaced the fuel filters when I did the alternator because I was in there already even though I had 5,000 miles to go. The oil in the engine was changed with 2000 miles on the old oil because the filter system was backwards and later the same thing because I had the bed plate gasket done. I had the trany fluid replaced at 20,000 miles because I put on a deep pan, where it should have been replace between 30-36K miles....and it goes on.
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Old 09-02-2011, 08:13 PM   #4
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Re: Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb
I would have trouble doing this for a few reasons.
An example is I replaced the fuel filters when I did the alternator because I was in there already even though I had 5,000 miles to go. The oil in the engine was changed with 2000 miles on the old oil because the filter system was backwards and later the same thing because I had the bed plate gasket done. I had the trany fluid replaced at 20,000 miles because I put on a deep pan, where it should have been replace between 30-36K miles....and it goes on.
Well I think that was kind of the point.... The 6.0 may not be cheaper to operate once you factor in repair costs.
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Old 09-03-2011, 12:49 PM   #5
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Re: Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

Other than the bed plate gasket none of those were repair costs and I really didn't have to do the gasket, rather I opted to do it only because it was under warrantee. Now I will admit the oil change is more expensive but that's only because of the amount of oil required. I'll also throw in that after my 7 year warrantee is up, I will probably have more issues with my diesel over a gas version but that's just a guess. I use Amsoil with duel filters but that's my choice. I also can go further with the mileage change because of that oil and equipment but I still change it at 7K...again my choice.
Although not an engine issue, I also replaced my diff fluid in both front and rear after the first 1000 miles...again my choice.
So I guess it's up to each owner how far or how much money they want to spend on routine engine maintenance. I go further, so it's not fair to others who own a 6.0 to factor that in. Just an oil change in my vehicle using the oil I prefer is about 200 bucks every 7.5K miles...way more expensive than a gas engine and more than a 6.0 owner using Ford recommended stuff.


Now if the thread was "list all the problems you've had with your engine"...well that might be a different story
Bed plate leak.
Fuel regulator leak.
EGR fouled (my fault for not using a fuel additive).
Blown injector (again I wasn't using a fuel additive which might have kept it from letting loose).
IPR sensor failed.
But all that is also not recommended routine engine maintenance.

I'm thinking:
Oil
Oil filter
Air Filter
2 fuel Filters.
More??? [edit] rad fluid
I don't know how many fuel filters are on the gas engine or where they are located, but the filter up in the 6.0's engine compartment is difficult to reach and cost a pretty penny to have done. The rest is straight forward.
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Old 09-03-2011, 01:32 PM   #6
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Re: Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

"You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table . . ." because if you did you'd find out just how expensive it is to own a Sportsmobile. I'm afraid if I counted the costs on trips, like you do Mike, I'd never go on another Sportsmobile trip. However I did get an oil change and fuel filter change this morning and it cost $109.02. But who's counting?

BTW: I'm finding reading the posts on the Forum to become more and more scary, particularly posts like daveb's above. And even the posts from your Newfoundland trip Mike. It makes me wonder what major mechanical problem on my Sportsmobile is in my future. I guess I need to establish a special emergency fund for my Sportsmobile expenses. Especially since it's already drained my "fun fund."
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Old 09-03-2011, 01:39 PM   #7
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Re: Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

I hate to think what oil changes would cost me if I didn't do them myself. And, all my filters have been internet bargains compared to what the dealer asks.

Mike
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Old 09-03-2011, 01:49 PM   #8
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Re: Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

Yes, that's the problem with being mechanically inept. That's also why I fear any mechanical break downs. I envy all those on the Forum who are capable of doing things to their rigs themselves. But not enough to get my hands dirty.
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Old 09-03-2011, 02:53 PM   #9
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Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

E350, 5.4L, 2WD with a small lift, on Nitto Terras.

First year of ownership:
12.5 average
15.5 on a California road trip
High of 17
Low of 10.5
Real low of 9.25 pulling a 6500# trailer, not included in the yearly total because it happened after I totaled the numbers.

13309 miles, lots of daily driving in this milage (60% +)
1062 gallons @ $4.00/gal (?)
12.53 MPG $.319/ mile

3 Oil changes, Ford recommends 7500 mile intervals, it bothers my conscience to let it go that long.

1 Motorcraft filter & 6 qt. Motorcraft 5/20: $31.00

$93/ 13309= $.007

Cost per mile: $.326
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Old 09-03-2011, 03:44 PM   #10
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Re: Fuel Economy/ Maintenance & Repair Cost

Silver,

We need some more information about your van.

Since you are running 5W-20, I'm guessing a gasser.

BTW: 7500 miles isn't bad if it is mostly highway. With lots of around town, I'd go with 5000. Alot of newer cars are going 10-15000 miles, including my new Jetta.

Mike
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