Subject: Can't Always Go By That Though... Author: manta69 : member since June, 2006 : 764 posts Posted on: 2007-02-17 21:56:13

Everyone's life has different expenses. Some guys almost go broke just by keeping their toolboxes equipped with the most current tools and equipment in order to do their job effectively. Some guys might have a large family to support, they may even be the sole source of income for their families if the wife doesn't work, others might not get adequately compensated by their employer... while still others are saving every penny they can to go off on their own and open up the shop of their dreams.

Me, until about 18 months ago I drove a 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 2 door, before that a 1983 AMC Eagle SX/4, before that a 1974 Opel Manta! The ONLY reason why I could acquire my E32 was because I bought it from family for much less than it's worth. Still, she's a 15 year old car... in exceptional shape, but still no spring chicken. I drop about $500-$700 a month in tools, diagnostic equipment, software updates (I pay $1200 annually to update my scan tool) for said equipment, replacing tools which are borrowed by a shopmate and lost (no one EVER 'fesses up to it either), OCCASIONALLY I'll lose a tool here and there which I'll have to replace. And then there's my personal life... I have a five year old son that I must support, student loans to pay and a modest lifestyle to maintain. And I do all of this as well as keep my car happy on a meager $900 a week take-home pay. In addition, I live in one of the most expensive states in the US, my rent alone is $1100 a month for a 750 square foot two bedroom apartment, and that's for a rent-controlled complex which doesn't include electricity nor cooking gas... heat, waste and hot/cold water only.

The guy I wound up replacing at my current job two years ago is one of the most skilled technicians I've ever met, and he drove a 1989 Toyota Corolla with a ton of miles on it. It ran well despite an annoying rear main seal leak, but was still about as low rent a vehicle as you can get... no A/C, power steering and brakes only with a three speed automatic. He was married with two kids, his wife stayed home to take care of the little ones who weren't even in school yet, he worked on the side at night in his garage for extra money to buy his own shop.

You can't judge a book by it's cover folks... people will surprise you in good ways and bad all the time. :-D


12/1991 1992 735i
Last 8 of VIN: NDB70117
173,100 Miles and Counting... :-D

Master Diagnostic and Repair Specialist

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