There are a lot of factors than fuel mileage to be considered in the value of a car. Compared to a $20K + new vehicle, you spend nothing on depreciation, for example. Registration costs almost nothing--I just paid $59 in California. And of course you don't have to worry about speeding tickets. In a purely economic and not carbon sense, these cars get better mileage than new Jettas. As new cars become duller and costlier, the market for older cars with character and with a following will expand. Which is a better deal--a new VW for, say, $25K, or a restored 1965 Alfa spider? Hands down, the Alfa, which will never need smog, will appreciate in value, and which probably burns less fuel. If you think they cost a lot in maintenance, try spending $900 on a required 15K service from the dealer...Same could be said about 356s, 911s, MGTD's, 1950's Jags, XKE's, Austin Healy's, and a few other "classic cars." Ultimately they're cheaper to own when you factor in depreciation, dealer services, sales tax, and all the rest. And you get a car with character. Hopefully that will be the case with the Vanagons. They do have character. |
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