Of course, that assumes that maintenance costs are predictable.  I knew I needed a new battery, and I know I need new tires.  It's the unknown unknowns that bother me.  I suppose some of it could be managed by buying one of those warranties that wholesale for $400 and retail for $800, but those are like dental insurance -- not so much insurance, as a marketing plan for underemployed dentists.  

Or like Medicare Part D.  I can go to Walgreens and Costco and have them tell me which of 20 policies will results in the lower costs for the prescriptions that I know I need.  But what if I am diagnosed with something next month that requires medication with a cost of $1,000 a day.  (I have had more than one client tell me about how that happened.)  

New cars have their maintenance costs, too. It's just called "insurance" and, in many states where it's a personal property tax, "registration."  

It's fun to digress after May 17.