Our Van, a cost assessment

Almost 5 years ago we bought our van, a 1998 Chevy Venture.  It had 55,000 miles on it, and we only paid $5,500 for it.  It served us well enough for several cross country ventures (tee hee), and generally we didn't have complaints about its performance.  I wanted to list off the problems we've had with it.  Maybe it will bring clarity to me on if it was a good purchase or not.

- In the middle of winter the driver's side window (which was automatic) rolled down and wouldn't roll back up.  In an effort to be helpful, 2 friends assisted Rob in breaking a $600 part.  The actual problem?  A $120 part.  Total cost to us:  Just over $800.

- The AC started making a funny sound, but it was still working fine.  The problem was the AC compressor, and we shopped around to find the best deal.  We found Mechanic, who gave us an astounding deal on a rebuilt compressor.  He saved us hundreds of dollars.  At the same time we also tuned up the van to get it ready to drive to Yellowstone and back.  Total cost:  About $800.

- AC stops blowing cold air.  It has completely run out of coolant.  Mechanic can't find the problem, but re-fills the coolant for free.  Total cost:  $0.

- 2 months later AC stops blowing cold air again.  Mechanic still can't find the problem, but swears that the AC compressor isn't the problem, like Rob and I think it is.  Re-fills the coolant.  Total cost:  $100.

- 2 months later AC stops blowing cold air again.  (Get used to this line.)  Mechanic finds a leaky hose.  Replaces it and re-fills the coolant for free.  Total cost:  $300.

- 3 months later AC stops blowing cold air again.  Mechanic can't find the problem, but re-fills the coolant for free.  Total cost:  $0.

- 2 weeks later AC stops blowing cold air again.  By now Rob and I are convinced it's the AC compressor's fault.  Our AC was working fine before that original "fix".  Mechanic finds the problem, but can't purchase a replacement part.  We find the part on our own and bring it to him.  He puts it on.  Total cost:  About $100.

- At the same time, we'd noticed that our transmission was really loud.  We gave the van a tune-up, including a transmission flush.  Total cost:  $400.

And then we went to Key West, where the transmission and AC died in a moment, and that's the end of this version of the story.  (I'm missing a few tire purchases and oil changes and such, but we would have done that with any car, so I'm not sure it counts.)

So I guess, including the original purchase price, we've spent almost $8,000 on the van over 5 years (including that $600 self-inflicted wound.  Am I still bitter?  Yes, I am).  That's like having a car payment of $133 a month.  ...  Not a bad "car payment", actually.  ...  I'm satisfied.

Oh.  And what died on the AC when we were in Key West?  Yep, the compressor.  And it was only out of warranty by a matter of months.  Guess who's fired?  Mechanic.