To replace the four tyres on the Audi Q7 4.2TDi I was driving would cost a little less than half of what the insurance paid out for my stolen Honda.
That's about R5500 each for four 21-inchers. And if you trash a rim, how about R13 700 for each fancy five-spoked hoop?
More than the average South African family food budget for a month, but hey, if you've got the cash, why not ?
It's listed at R738 500 but with all the extras on the one I was driving, it weighed in at a hefty R822 400.
Would I? No, because it's too much car for me and mine - but for those on government salaries with backhanders pouring in left, right and centre, it's probably a drop in the ocean.
There's not much to moan about here; it's a formidable vehicle, as perfectly finished as only an Audi can be and equipped with everything but the kitchen sink. The giant 240kW, twin-turbo, V8 diesel is awesome, the handling on tar superb and the comfort levels beyond comparison.
Stick it in D for drive and sail on; the auto gear changes are smooth and slick and despite its size and bulk (nearly two and a half tons on your bathroom scale!) it's incredibly quick off the mark.
It passes wannabe boy racers in their souped-up jammies as if they're standing still, much to my delight and their dismay. And I loved the double sized brake pedal, which will accommodate even the largest boot quite happily.
The kids, needless to say, adored the Audi. There was room for all, and the remotely operated tail door was a dream - and then you simply pushed a button on the door itself and it closed automatically as well.
Luggage space was cavernous, of course; there was also an extra row of seats back there if needed for small people (an optional extra costing only R10 400).
They also discovered the hidden storage space beneath the floor of the load bay, which was great for muddy boots and jodhpurs after wet mornings at the stables.
Options fitted to the Q7 I was sailing included a cellphone with Bluetooth (R6500), the incredible DVD-based navigation integrated into the multi-media interface control on the centre console (a snip at R22 000), Verano leather upholstery with sports front seats (R15 400), an electrically folding towbar (so nifty, and only R10 400) and metallic paint for an extra R3100 - among other things.
It truly is a magnificent vehicle: the tank holds 100 litres and you get a quite remarkably frugal 11.1 litres/100km on a combined cycle.
But would you bundu-bash it through the rough stuff? Probably not. Not at that price. Besides, I imagine it was designed more as a town car.
If you want to take on Sani or Jockstrap Pass, look at something cheaper and more rugged. But for the 'burbs, the lift club and the odd foray to the country club for a round of golf, it's just dandy.