Everyone has a different idea about car repair. The simplest most time consuming approach is to fix it yourself. Usually this is the cheapest. It requires tools and a place to work. Moving along to what most people do in today's world.
If, You buy a new car take it to an authorized dealer for all repairs as long as it's under warranty. If it is an American made car buy the extended warranty. This will cover almost everything for 5+ years. If it is Toyota go with the standard warranty. Buy tires as needed from somewhere else, discount tire is good if you take someone along who knows tires. If you don't know the tire business You will pay 300 to $700 more than you need to. The salesman at any tire place can smell blood in the water. It doesn't matter how reputable they are they will upsell you on tires. On a big SUV it could be $1500+. Even discount tire sees their next vacation money when a girl comes in the door. But for everything else go to the dealer. I think most warranties cover oil changes. Do all of them. Do tire rotations every 7000 miles. Do a tire alignment every year and right away If you hit a big pothole. These rules are not meant to be broken.
For a car not under warranty, do NOT go to the dealer. The rules change dramatically. They charge 50-100% more than necessary. And they may not do as well! A good local shop knows tricks and after market fixes that the dealer is not allowed to do. The problem here is finding the right local repair shop. They will know all the best specialty shops if needed. Ask around. Try several if necessary.
No comments:
Post a Comment