[mhwo]

I know this type of post has been done before, but here is my info. People do not realize how much it costs to run any vehicle they own. I happen to be anal about keeping records and I thought there may be a few interested.

2004 Nissan Titan LE with ALL available options at the time. Galaxy black. PLEASE NOTE that at time of purchase, the Nissan dealer offered tires for LIFE. I have put on 5 sets so far (Yokohama) and the only thing I pay is $90 for alignment each time which is included in the maintenance price below. I may have missed some minor items, but here goes:

Mileage: 212,883
Age: 13 years old this past August 31, 2017
Total cost including purchase and maintenance to date (not gas): $50,228.17
Purchase price (tax and tags): $33,756 ($4000 trade in) $37,756.00
Maintenance (oil, parts etc): $16,472.17
Tax expense: $421.49
Gas cost to date: $31,309.00 ($200/month average)
Gallons used: 12,555
Average mileage over the years: 16.96
Average cost per month maintenance: $105.99

Mods and/or fixes:
JBA headers with B-pipes
Cajun software
New rear at 175,000 miles
Changed all lights to LEDs

 

[LaxDfns15]

Tires are a big part of cost. About 1k for decent tires that last about 50-60k depending on terrain.

Did you also include registration? I know that can vary a lot state to state. Here in TN it's basically $100 a year, but 15 miles south in MS it's based on the vehicle value. Co-worker with a new Tacoma paid like $750 his first year.

That's a decent fix list for a truck with a lot of miles, other than normal wear and tear (assumed under maintenance costs).

 

[danman]

That is a detailed tally of total expenses, assuming registration, insurance, inspection etc., was not included.

Gives you perspective of reasonable costs associated with owning one of these engineering marvels! I wish I had scored a tire deal like what you did, especially if you plan on keeping a vehicle long term, it would definitely pay off. You have to admit tho, the list of parts/mods done is very minor, considering you bought a first year model and considering its age. Thanks for sharing!

 

[LUBECAKES]

Welcome back Mandan!

 

[danman]

Thanks man

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[LaxDfns15]

You have to admit tho, the list of parts/mods done is very minor, considering you bought a first year model and considering its age. Thanks for sharing!

Agreed. For over 200k miles I can't really see a complaint for only having those be the major fixes.

mhwo have you had to repaint (hood or roof) at all? My Galaxy Black paint scratches if you even breathe on it wrong and I'm getting the itch to have it redone since even if I wash it it just looks scratched all the time.

 

[LUBECAKES]

Agreed. For over 200k miles I can't really see a complaint for only having those be the major fixes.

mhwo have you had to repaint (hood or roof) at all? My Galaxy Black paint scratches if you even breathe on it wrong and I'm getting the itch to have it redone since even if I wash it it just looks scratched all the time.

A good buff will fix that.

 

[GoWest]

Very helpful information - thank you for compiling the data over many years, and for this post. I hope I average 17 mpg over the lifetime of my new SV crew cab. Based on the first 900 miles (averaging 15.5 mpg), it's going to be a challenge.

 

[jdmartin]

Damn, tires for life is a hell of a deal - for you that's been worth 4-5 grand alone!

 

[mhwo]

Tires for life has been fantastic. It was an incentive to buy a first year vehicle. The dealer stopped doing it after the first year, but as long as I own the truck they are committed to do it. I have had 5 sets put on so far at a savings of about $5000.00. Wife said that even if I get a new Titan I should keep this one and make them put tires on it for the rest of my life! Dealer says I am the only person left on that deal that still has a vehicle they have to put tires on.

Prices I listed includes tax and tags. We do not have emissions checks here on the eastern shore. In Maryland, tax is paid on the actual price of the truck before the trade in is counted. Seems unfair because I paid tax on the trade in when I purchased that one.

My paint has been fine. The only problem I had was rust through on the storage door. First time it happened the dealer fixed it free (repair). It only lasted 5 years and then got really bad. Dealer refused to fix it again, so I purchased a new door, had it painted and installed it myself.

Roughly, the truck cost 26 cents a mile to purchase and run so far. Insurance was not included in the price I listed. If I get a new one, the cost per mile will jump because the newer Titans ordered the way I want it, is twice the cost of my '04.

Tax expense I listed as a separate item was tax paid on purchase of parts, oil etc. Not the vehicle state tax.

 

[LUBECAKES]

I'm sorry, but a set of tires shouldn't cost a grand. I would figure about 3000-3500 for 5 sets......which is still huge.

 

[danman]

I'm sorry, but a set of tires shouldn't cost a grand. I would figure about 3000-3500 for 5 sets......which is still huge.

Some tires aren't cheap!

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[LUBECAKES]

Some tires aren't cheap!

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I know, but the Titan calls for P rated tires, which are less expensive. Goodyears, for example, I know are closer to 800 a set....but I'm just smiling about my new 265/70/17 Wild Peaks. They were 450 and look great. :big_grin:

 

[danman]

I know, but the Titan calls for P rated tires, which are less expensive. Goodyears, for example, I know are closer to 800 a set....but I'm just smiling about my new 265/70/17 Wild Peaks. They were 450 and look great. :big_grin:

I thought you were talking 450 a piece! Have you run them before?

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[LUBECAKES]

Really dude?!Banned again LOL

My friend who owns a shop has been selling them like hotcakes.

 

[jdmartin]

I'm sorry, but a set of tires shouldn't cost a grand. I would figure about 3000-3500 for 5 sets......which is still huge.

The last three sets of tires I've bought for my Titan (on my second bought set on this one, and one set on my previous) all cost more than $800 mounted and balanced. For 5 sets that's $4k. I think tires are crazy overpriced, but what are you going to do? There's not too many choices for our 18" tires. At least it's better than when I had to get my first set back in 06 or so, at that time the only choices were the Goodyears or the Continentals if you wanted to stay factory size.

 

[LUBECAKES]

Yeah you guys are right. I've forgotten what it's like to pay for mounting and balancing, along with any other labor besides body work (which I've also done for a living) and yearly inspections. Add the dealer cost of this stuff and then here we are at 1000 a set.....Lol