You don’t want to fool around when choosing a mechanic for your car. Keep an ear open for recommendations and warnings when your friends and family have car troubles. If you know beforehand of a body shop you feel comfortable with, you won’t need to make a rushed or incomplete decision when you need one.
Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. I stay in touch with homeschooling families. They’re often part of a larger group that can share recommendations for mechanics they’ve felt were honest and reputable.
Check with your local Better Business Bureau regarding the reputation of a particular body shop. Ask about the number of complaints, if there were any, and how the complaints were resolved. Don’t be too anxious if there were some complaints. No one pleases everybody, and there are some people you can’t satisfy no matter what. But if you see a pattern of the same kinds of problems, beware.
Next, pay a visit to the shop and ask if they handle your vehicle make and model. Check to see how long they’ve been in business. What kind of feel do you get about the place? Are you treated with courtesy? Does the staff behave professionally?
You don’t need to “white glove test” the place, but it should be neat, and organized. Also, times are a’changin’, and modern equipment is an absolute must.
Sometimes, vehicle manufacturers recommend specific repair procedures and tools for the repair of their vehicles. Ask if the shop is trained in these procedures and has the necessary equipment.
Are there any civic and community service awards hanging on the walls? It’s a nice touch. Do you see diplomas or certificates of competence? You want a technically competent staff.
Look around the place. What kinds of vehicles seem to be in the repair stage? Does everything look like it’s being handled professionally? Don’t be shy about talking to folks in the waiting room to see they’ve tried the shop before and how pleased they are with the service they’ve received in the past.
My number one suggestion is to ask around and see where others have had satisfactory car repair work done. Even if you’re feeling stressed and in a hurry, ask at least 15 people. That way, you’re likely to get the same place mentioned more than once. A little time spent on the basics can save you a load of trouble in the long run. And once you find mechanic you trust, your car’s future looks a lot brighter.
Vehicle insurance - a cost we all must bear if we want to drive. But you might be surprised at how varied the rates for car insurance can be in your area. Definitely shop around for your car insurance. Don’t just go with the first agent you speak with.
Now, thanks to the internet, you can shop around right from the comfort of home. Go ahead and get at least three price quotes from different kinds of insurance companies.
If you’re in the market for a new car, call to see how much it will cost to insure in the first place. Having a car alarm and other anti-theft devices can help lower your costs.
Always ask about discounts. Don’t be shy. Companies expect this!
What’s my cost if I have a $500 deductible? (Increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by as much as 30 percent.)
How about a $1,000 deductible? Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. (Now if you don’t keep at least this much in the bank, don’t choose this option!)
If your car is worth less than 10 times the annual insurance premium, purchasing extra coverage may not be cost effective. That’s one great thing about owning an old car!
My credit rating is excellent. I always pay my bills on time.
What if we insure more than 1 car with your company?
I haven’t had an accident in more than three years…
I haven’t had a traffic ticket in three years…
I’ve taken a driver’s training course.
My car has an anti-theft device.
I don’t put a lot of mileage on my car in a year’s time.
I carpool.
My car has air bags.
My car is quipped with anti-lock brakes.
I have daytime running lights.
I’m a student driver with good grades.
Since I have both auto and home coverage with you, do I qualify for a discount?
I’m a college student away from home…
I’ve been a long time customer…
My mom and dad use your company…
Do you offer any other discounts? Some companies offer reduced rates to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers and other professional groups. It can’t hurt to ask.
Not every company will offer the same discounts. Compare the final prices the various companies offer you. It pays to shop around for your car insurance!
Thinking of leasing a car? It’s pretty awesome to always have a new looking car sitting in your driveway! But, you may want to take a few things into consideration before jumping in to a lease head first.
When you lease a vehicle, you’re given the right to use it for a specific number of months and miles. Yes, the monthly payments are lower than if you bought the car outright. And that’s pretty attractive! A low monthly offer definitely captures your attention during car commercials. But at the end of a lease, you’re empty-handed. The lease might allow you to buy the car under certain terms – make sure those terms are stated, if that’s something you think you’re going to be interested in.
It depends on your needs. You may not want to keep a vehicle very long, in which case, leasing could be a valuable option.
Either way, check the beginning, middle, and end of lease costs. Are there mileage limits? Most likely. What upkeep is required? You usually have to abide by manufacturer’s recommendations on servicing the vehicle (changing oil, rotating tires, etc.).
Usually if you end a lease early, you end up having to pay a pretty hefty termination charge. Check out all the fine print so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Many times you have to agree on a specific number of miles you’d drive a year. (normally 12,000 to 15,000 annually). If you go above that, there’d be additional charges. Take that into consideration of you’re planning a family vacation by car.
Damage, excess wear to the vehicle, and any missing parts incur additional charges, as would be expected.
Naturally, the leasing company requires you to have car insurance.
There might be extra upfront costs, like a down payment, a security deposit, taxes and other fees. So your initial payment might be higher than you first thought. Check it all out before signing on the dotted line.
I have several friends who would only lease, and would never consider buying a car. If you’re the type of person who wants to trade your car in every two years or so, and you take good care of your vehicles, leasing may be for you. On the other hand, if you’re the type to drive a car into the dust and hold onto it forever, leasing would be a more expensive option than an outright purchase.