zlacker

>>cwwc+(OP)
and then selling them at auction with 100,000 ... However, their real mileage was sometimes as much as four times the odometer readout

These numbers matter more here. The Cummins/Allison engine/drive-train in these vehicles are otherwise good for 1 million miles before rebuild on average until they are used as delivery trucks. The constant stopping and starting used as delivery trucks cuts that number down to around 480k miles. So they are selling vehicles that will require engine and transmission rebuilds in less than 80k miles. That's very shady. The engine rebuilds are usually around $10k same as a refurbished engine and the transmission rebuild is around $3k. That does not count the cost to install them.

>>LinuxB+M2
There's so much more than just the engine, though. I'm dealing with a bunch of aging issues on a car right now. A lot of this stuff won't even show for a few years down the road.

* Shocks and struts wear out

* Catalytic converters are a semi-wear item

* In winter states that use salt, rust absolutely destroys things. I've had the exhaust system rust through on all of my vehicles (simply happens with age).

* Seat cushions, steering wheel, and other high touch surfaces wear. Likely not an issue _now_, but means a few years down the road, these things will be broken.

* Engine accessories - belts, starters, alternators, pumps, etc. Everything is just a bit closer to it's failure point.

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Most of these issues aren't particularly expensive on their own, but they add up. Further, your expected maintenance is wildly different.

>>SkyPun+V8
Salt (sodium chloride) is pretty rare anymore. It’s more expensive than another option.

Liquid magnesium chloride is the goto in most states now, and you’ll be happy to know it’s even worse!

>>SV_Bub+bk
Real table salt is never to be used as an ice melter on streets. “Salt” here is used in the chemical definition I would think.

>>eatbit+Xm
There is a salt mine up the road from me. The trucks start lining up for miles waiting for loads any time there is a winter storm expected.

The only difference between that salt and table salt is that there is additional processing to the salt done when destined for table salt to ensure purity and shape. So, yes, they don't literally use table salt, but it is the same raw ingredient.

>>random+6u
I know of a company importing salt here in Norway. They get boats filled with salt, and when doing the import customs declaration they have to decide if that batch of salt is going on the dinner table or on the roads, because we have half VAT on food and ingredients.

Same salt, different VAT rate depending on use.