Comments on: How To Save Money On Car Repairs

By: Back To Basics: Establish A Personal Finance Emergency Fund | My Super-Charged Life

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:00:33 +0000

[...] is exactly when life happens. It is when it is the least convenient that the kids get sick, the car needs repairs, the water heater goes out, and it all happens at the same [...]

By: Four Pillars

Four Pillars — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:52:37 +0000

Mark – I haven’t been very good at doing the maintenance but I definitely will follow the owner’s manual rather than the dealer schedule.

HIB – Any suggestions are welcome – 74 Monte eh? Sounds like a cool pimp machine!

MGL – I need to learn more about these car thingys!

By: MoneyGrubbingLawyer

MoneyGrubbingLawyer — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:52:10 +0000

I’m very much a DIYer when it comes to auto problems, but for those times when a shop is necessary your tips are right on the money.

Having a basic knowledge of car maintenance and systems is the first step to avoiding being ripped off. If you know what you’re talking about (and if you know when the mechanic is bluffing you), you’re much less likely to be overcharged or dinged for unnecessary work.

I find the hallmark of a trustworthy mechanic is his willingness to return any replaced parts to you. This lets you know that the part was indeed replaced and lets you see what condition it was in. Don’t worry, you don’t have to take the busted sensor home with you, but you can at least have an idea of what was done and if it was actually needed.

By: HIB

HIB — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:32:44 +0000

Nice article. Fortunately, my step-father has been a mechanic and has always helped me with my sweet array of vehicles (74 Monte Carlo – real eye catcher). Fortunately for him, he is no longer a mechanic. I’ll ask him if he has any suggestions for finding a good mechanic.
-HIB

By: Four Pillars

Four Pillars — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:54:02 +0000

Telly – yes, I bought the part from the dealership. It was only $28. I called Cdn Tire but they didn’t have the part.

By: telly

telly — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:50:15 +0000

Mike,

Did the small repair shop allow you to purchase your own part for replacing? Most places won’t allow that and that’s another area where you get screwed. The dealers seriously overcharge for car parts compared to what you can get them for in retail stores (especially in the US…Autozone, etc.).

By: Mr. Cheap

Mr. Cheap — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:13:12 +0000

jim & mike: The ideal would be if someone in your family married a mechanic.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:31:28 +0000

Regarding regular maintenance, sometimes dealers give you a service schedule stating more frequent service than what is in the owner’ s manual. In addition to that, the owner’s manual has “normal” and “severe” conditions. Most Cdns are advised to follow the “severe” schedule but if you live in a warmer part of Canada then “normal” is probably OK. What’s the difference between operating a car in Niagara Falls NY vs Niagara Falls ON?

By: Four Pillars

Four Pillars — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:42:48 +0000

Jim – you are absolutely right! Only problem is how do you find that trusted mechanic? That’s what I’m working on.

Nicolas – yes, a big ripoff! Good point about the warranty – my car isn’t on any warranty anymore.

Mike

By: Nicolas

Nicolas — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:41:10 +0000

135$/h for labour? That is a lot of money.

One thing to keep in mind is that having some work done on a new (recent) car still on warranty, but not at the daelership, may cause issues with the warranty.

Shopping around mechanics for prices remains a good option. Also getting used parts can save a lot of money.