Wear and tear

maggieddd · 06-22-2006, 06:52 PM

How would you calculate wear and tear on a Prius?
Here is some background info. Currently I commute 50 miles one way to work. I was just offered a new job 5 minutes from my house. The job I am currently in pays more by about $2,000, has excellent benefits (the health coverage only costs me $64/month for family plan, I got 4 weeks paid vacations which I can carry over forever so at the moment I have 2.5 months vacation, 4 personal days, 2 weeks sick time, 13 holidays, my employer chips in 9% for to my 401K regardless of what I put in, I get free classes at state colleges and universities, I will get longevity pay in 1.5 years and many other benefits). The new job offers only 3 weeks vacation, 2 personal days, 10 sick days, the same amount of holidays, health coverage is $400/month plus $30/month dental, the employer chips in 5% to my retirement, I can take classes up to $2000/semester for work related courses. So the difference in pay is about $5,000.
Of course I am trying to decide whether I should take the job or not, but my question is about wear and tear on my Prius. A friend of mine is telling me that I should realistically calculate $0.41/mile for gas and wear and tear (BTW, he doesn't know I drive a Prius). In his opinion, I am better off taking a new job because at that cost I am spending almost $10,000 more driving to the old job. What do you think about his wear and tear cost and should I take a new job?

Brian K · 06-22-2006, 07:02 PM

Do you like who you work with and for?

Sure, $ is important, but I'd much rather be happy in my job if the income was remotely similar.

maggieddd · 06-22-2006, 07:16 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Brian K @ Jun 22 2006, 07:02 PM) [snapback]275508[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Do you like who you work with and for?

Sure, $ is important, but I'd much rather be happy in my job if the income was remotely similar.
[/b]

The people I work for and with are OK. I don't have any problems with them.

So what do you think about the wear and tear figure on my Prus?

Three60guy · 06-22-2006, 07:16 PM

I find it interesting you didn't consider wear and tear on yourself but only on your Prius. After experiencing commuting to work over 60 miles round trip for over 10 years I would only ask you to think about this variable as well.

In the end, however, only you can answer this question. To only evaluate the dollars tells me you need to expand your sphere of questions to ask yourself. I must agree with Brian K on his points. I am merely expanding on his views.

Good luck.

maggieddd · 06-22-2006, 07:18 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Three60guy @ Jun 22 2006, 07:16 PM) [snapback]275515[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I find it interesting you didn't consider wear and tear on yourself but only on your Prius. After experiencing commuting to work over 60 miles round trip for over 10 years I would only ask you to think about this variable as well.

In the end, however, only you can answer this question. To only evaluate the dollars tells me you need to expand your sphere of questions to ask yourself. I must agree with Brian K on his points. I am merely expanding on his views.

Good luck.
[/b]

No wear and tear on me, I love driving my Prius I think I will miss it, driving it only for 10 minutes to and from work

galaxee · 06-22-2006, 08:13 PM

did the new place give you details on their health benefits? i think with all other things considered equal, that is the most important thing a job can offer. i say this because in less than a week we just lost over a month's income (yes, combined) for health insurance copays/high deductibles/dental deductibles/copays/services not covered/services over annual payout limit, plus lost work income, etc.

security (of health and finances) is much more important than wear and tear on something like a car.

my 2 cents (or was it a rant?) on that anyway. sorry it was OT.

maggieddd · 06-22-2006, 08:26 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Jun 22 2006, 08:13 PM) [snapback]275538[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

did the new place give you details on their health benefits? i think with all other things considered equal, that is the most important thing a job can offer. i say this because in less than a week we just lost over a month's income (yes, combined) for health insurance copays/high deductibles/dental deductibles/copays/services not covered/services over annual payout limit, plus lost work income, etc.

security (of health and finances) is much more important than wear and tear on something like a car.

my 2 cents (or was it a rant?) on that anyway. sorry it was OT.
[/b]

Galaxee,

they only told me the cost of the health insurance and it is like 7 times more expensive. I am pretty sure the coverage is pretty good but the one I have is very good also.

So, let's say I stay at my current job, which is probably what I will do.

What would the wear and tear cost of my car be?
Anyone want to give this a shot?

IsrAmeriPrius · 06-22-2006, 10:48 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(maggieddd @ Jun 22 2006, 03:52 PM) [snapback]275500[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

What do you think about his wear and tear cost and should I take a new job?

[/b]

How much are two to two and a half hours less driving a day, which should translate to free time, worth to you? That would be my major concern, quality of life as opposed to the cost of operating my car.

Salsawonder · 06-22-2006, 11:03 PM

I don't know what numbers to put in but I would take the cost of tires/expected life span, oil/tire rotation. Depreciation based on mileage is important as well but still unknown with these cars. Brakes are fairly unknown. Filters and such incidental items may need more frequent changing based on your mileage and type of roads you are on.

All that thrown in probably is not going to make up for the huge difference in Health Care costs and as long as you have no other options for decreasing that and you don't mind the drive I would say your old job is still more worthwhile.

tochatihu · 06-23-2006, 12:05 AM

Based on detailed calculations the total cost of ownership (TCO) of my 2001 Prius is less than 23 cents per mile. I would be surprised if many Prius exceed 30 cents/mile.

TCO includes purchase price, financing, insurance, registration, and all the rest of it. Your wear and tear might not be so inclusive?

06-22-2006, 08:13 PM	#6
galaxee running WOT until out of fuel Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: central NC/ western WI Posts: 9,030 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 5 Times in 3 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 20	did the new place give you details on their health benefits? i think with all other things considered equal, that is the most important thing a job can offer. i say this because in less than a week we just lost over a month's income (yes, combined) for health insurance copays/high deductibles/dental deductibles/copays/services not covered/services over annual payout limit, plus lost work income, etc. security (of health and finances) is much more important than wear and tear on something like a car. my 2 cents (or was it a rant?) on that anyway. sorry it was OT. __________________ black 2005 prius, tweaked just the way i like it my diagnostic guy on electronics: "lack of troubleshooting ability is due to a high common sense rejection ratio."

06-22-2006, 11:03 PM	#9
Salsawonder Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: La Mesa California Posts: 1,296 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I don't know what numbers to put in but I would take the cost of tires/expected life span, oil/tire rotation. Depreciation based on mileage is important as well but still unknown with these cars. Brakes are fairly unknown. Filters and such incidental items may need more frequent changing based on your mileage and type of roads you are on. All that thrown in probably is not going to make up for the huge difference in Health Care costs and as long as you have no other options for decreasing that and you don't mind the drive I would say your old job is still more worthwhile. __________________ Deb and The Cranberry Salsa 2005, more Fun Per Gallon!!! Cibo, Vino e Famiglia!! For a better view of the avatar check out: http://magnusonillustration.blogspot.com/

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06-22-2006, 06:52 PM	#1
maggieddd Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 2,081 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	How would you calculate wear and tear on a Prius? Here is some background info. Currently I commute 50 miles one way to work. I was just offered a new job 5 minutes from my house. The job I am currently in pays more by about $2,000, has excellent benefits (the health coverage only costs me $64/month for family plan, I got 4 weeks paid vacations which I can carry over forever so at the moment I have 2.5 months vacation, 4 personal days, 2 weeks sick time, 13 holidays, my employer chips in 9% for to my 401K regardless of what I put in, I get free classes at state colleges and universities, I will get longevity pay in 1.5 years and many other benefits). The new job offers only 3 weeks vacation, 2 personal days, 10 sick days, the same amount of holidays, health coverage is $400/month plus $30/month dental, the employer chips in 5% to my retirement, I can take classes up to $2000/semester for work related courses. So the difference in pay is about $5,000. Of course I am trying to decide whether I should take the job or not, but my question is about wear and tear on my Prius. A friend of mine is telling me that I should realistically calculate $0.41/mile for gas and wear and tear (BTW, he doesn't know I drive a Prius). In his opinion, I am better off taking a new job because at that cost I am spending almost $10,000 more driving to the old job. What do you think about his wear and tear cost and should I take a new job?

06-22-2006, 07:02 PM	#2
Brian K Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 152 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Do you like who you work with and for? Sure, $ is important, but I'd much rather be happy in my job if the income was remotely similar.

06-22-2006, 07:16 PM	#4
Three60guy Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Racine, Wisconsin Posts: 765 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #8 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 1	I find it interesting you didn't consider wear and tear on yourself but only on your Prius. After experiencing commuting to work over 60 miles round trip for over 10 years I would only ask you to think about this variable as well. In the end, however, only you can answer this question. To only evaluate the dollars tells me you need to expand your sphere of questions to ask yourself. I must agree with Brian K on his points. I am merely expanding on his views. Good luck.

06-23-2006, 12:05 AM	#10
tochatihu Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kunming Yunnan China Posts: 1,798 My Car: 2001 Prius Package: Pioneer #1 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 6	Based on detailed calculations the total cost of ownership (TCO) of my 2001 Prius is less than 23 cents per mile. I would be surprised if many Prius exceed 30 cents/mile. TCO includes purchase price, financing, insurance, registration, and all the rest of it. Your wear and tear might not be so inclusive?