I dont know what the MX-3 cost from new in the US, but in denmark the price was $47.539.
Considered that I gave around $12.000 for it and the fact that I could sell it for about 8-9.000, that leaves a lot of money for repairs, when you compare it with a new car.
And yes, the curve is roughly an exponential decay, but the decay for the MX3 is simply not as steep as most other cars.. here at least
The part with the equipment is NOT invalid, since new cars with the same options generally cost $1500-2500 more than those without.
(Oh and there's a huge difference in wanting a car that looks good and drive fast and a pimp car.. at least IMO
So we are most likely both right, considered where we live.

