FixingAuto.com
FixingAuto.com
Table of Contents
Getting A Great Deal On A New Car 7
Getting the Best Automotive Service 10
Helping Your Car Run the Extra Mile 13
How to Choose the Right Body Shop 18
Lowering Your Auto Insurance Costs 20
Nine Secrets to Maintaining Your Car 25
Your Quick and Easy Guide to Car Maintenance 29
18 Simple Ways to Save Money on Your Car 34
Seven Sounds of Serious Car Talk 37
Some Winter Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly 39
Buying a Used Car - the Wise Way! 45
When Your Car Doesn’t Feel Right 48
The cost of a new car nowadays equals about what my parents paid for their first home. It's not a purchase to be taken lightly. You want to do everything possible to ensure you get a great deal.
Never rush your decision. If you are completely without transportation, rent a vehicle until you find the right car. When you rush a purchase, you usually end up on the losing end of the deal.
Thanks to the Internet, you can uncover the typical retail cost of a specific make and model. With a little digging, you can find out the wholesale cost as well. This information makes you a powerful negotiator.
You want a win-win situation with the car dealership. They need to make some profit, and you need to feel you paid a fair price. It's fair to negotiate to a price that's $500 above dealer cost or about 20% off the sticker price. So take along your calculator when you shop.
If the only cars on the lot have expensive options you don't care for, you might want to order a car to your specifications. You might wait a bit, but will save money on options you don't need.
Check with the dealership to see if you can return the car if you don't like it. I did this once. The car I purchased ended up less comfortable than my old car, so the next morning I took it back for my check and my trade-in. Many dealerships now offer this option.
You may have heard the advice to shop the last day of the month for better deals. It's true that you might get a better deal from a salesman then.
As far as trade-ins go, do your research here, too. Knowing the value of your old car makes it easier to negotiate a better price for it. Try not to talk about a trade-in possibility until you get a purchase price.
I researched the value of my little red Corolla and found that it was $3500. One dealership offered me $1200 because "they'd have to repaint it". Another dealership offered me $3500 and complimented me on taking such good care of the engine. Stick to your guns when it comes to getting the value of your trade-in, especially if you’ve had your car serviced regularly.
You may want to advertise your older car and sell it privately. Typically you can get a better price this way, but it may take a little time.
A service contract will likely be brought into the negotiation. The consumer information I've read discourages buying an extra contract on a new car, as it's not likely a problem will occur during the first months of use.
Whatever you do, always read the fine print of any contract before signing it. Ask a bazillion questions about what certain phrases mean if you don’t understand something.
Simply because the car just rolled off the factory line doesn’t mean you should buy it without asking questions. Keep on your toes during the negotiation process. There’s nothing like the thrill of getting a new car AND creating a winwin situation for you and the dealer.
The more you notice about your vehicle, the more likely you'll be able to head off repair problems. Yep- even if you're mechanically challenged. You can detect many common vehicle problems by using your eyes and nose.
“See No Evil”
Is there a little stain or a drop of fluid under your vehicle? It may mean absolutely nothing. But you do want to check the wet spots immediately - just to make sure.
What color is the fluid under your car? Yellowish green, pretty blue or neon orange colors indicate an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator. Not good. I remember the yellowish green ooze from my Chevette as the tow truck took it away to its final resting place. Get to a repair shop while you still can!
A dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking oil. A bad seal or gasket could cause the leak. This is how my first car met its demise.
A red oily looking spot indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak. Also, not good.
A puddle of clear water usually isn't a cause for concern. It may be normal condensation from your vehicle's air conditioner. Whew!
“Smell no Evil”
Take a whiff, and you may detect your vehicle's problem.
Do you smell burned toast? This odor often signals an electrical short and burning insulation. Have someone come look at your car. Don't drive it anywhere until the problem is diagnosed.
How about the smell of rotten eggs? This usually indicates a problem in the catalytic converter. Get to a repair shop! Pheee-yew!
A thick sharp odor usually means burning oil. Look for the sign of a leak. This problem needs to be addressed immediately if having transportation is important to you. You may also notice a bluish smoke coming from your vehicle. Ask me how I know. Ahh… memories.
The smell of gas after a failed start may mean the engine is flooded. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the odor continues, there may be a leak in the fuel system - a potentially dangerous problem that needs immediate attention.
A chemical odor may mean overheated brakes or clutch. Check the parking brake. Stop and let the brakes cool after repeated hard braking. Light smoke coming from a wheel indicates a stuck brake. Call a tow truck.
Do you notice a sweet odor? This may indicate a coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge and warning light and drive to a repair shop. Now, if you see steam from under the hood, stop and pull over. If you keep driving an overheated vehicle, your engine will be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck.
The basic rule of smell is that if you do notice an unusual odor - get to a mechanic or get one to come to you. Pretty simple!
A little extra attention to what’s coming out of your car or truck could save you the cost of a new vehicle payment! Keep those eyes and that nose on the job!