I consider scheduled service and oil changes necessary cost of maintenance. They account for $350.

I also consider the replacement of shot shocks, rusted out wheels and bald tires a necessary cost of maintenance of the vehicle. They account for $2000.

I consider the new muffler/exhaust, intake, interceptor, offroading wheels and hitch frivolous expenses. Nevertheless, they are an expense. They account for about $1150.

I consider accident repair a cost of ownership. While not "necessary" or "frivolous" the accidents that I've had are a direct result of the poor visibility of the VX, and I've never backed up into anything else in my prior 14 years of driving experience before owning the VX. I don't think this is a coincidence. I realize that the problem was that I was relying on the crappy backup sensors that failed to accurately identify the distance to the object behind me both times. So therefore I consider damage caused by a defect in the vehicle design an expense of ownership of that vehicle, since it would likely not happen with other vehicles.