August 11, 2009
How to Cut Costs on Auto Repair
Save money on auto repairs by not paying for things that are considered covered repairs. This may sound easy, but the warranty supplied by car makers has evolved through the years. It is wise for the owner to find out about the warranty and exactly what is covered.
It is also the drivers responsibility to keep up on vehicle maintenance So that this car warranty can be enforced. As an example if the owner does not stick to the maintenance schedule some repairs may not be covered. If the engine has an internal failure the car owner may be asked to supply proof that the maintenance schedule was followed.
Just to let you know most dealership service departments will not ask for proof unless they see lack of maintenance. If the engines major internal failure is due to lack of lubrication and the oil pan is filled with sludge. This would be a sign of poor maintenace. When this happens the dealers repair center will notify the manufacturer. The negotiation for the repair costs will begin from this point.
Save money on car repairs
This is particularly important when buying a new car that will now have the 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Since the possibility for covered repairs exists for such a long period of time. Being pro active with maintenance is more inportant. If you perform Diy car repairs make sure you save your auto parts reciepts just in case.
Also the manufacture warranty will not cover accident damage, flood damage, misuse, modifications or problems associated with bad gas. If your electronic fuel injector rusts from water in the fuel then this might not be a covered repair.
Many times I see people making performance modifications to their vehicles without some forward thinking. Example if you remove the factory air cleaner assembly and replace it with a high performance, cold air intake like a K&N unit, you must save the vehicle’s original parts for possible warranty service.
With car loans lasting for seven years and warranty coverage for 10 years and one hundred thousand miles people are keeping their cars longer. Learning the details about your warranty and not paying for things that are covered have the opportunity to save a lot of money during the vehicles 10 to 15 year life span.
Your automobile owner manuals will provide the warranty information. When ever you have a question about what the warranty covers. Carefully read this section in your owner’s manual. Also make sure you use the one 800-number in your owner’s guide if you have any questions.
The customer care line operating expenses are included in the price of your vehicle. Use what you paid for and drill the help line for information about your car. And what auto repairs may be covered.
Filed under BMW Cars by on Aug 11th, 2009. Comment.
Comments on How to Cut Costs on Auto Repair »
Ask me why, not to buy from Zimbrick!
Would you buy a vehicle from a company you could not trust?
Before I purchased my vehicle, I asked several employees, had this vehicle been in an accident?
I was assured that the vehicle I was about to purchase had never been in an accident.
I was told the vehicle was in excellent condition and certified as in like new condition.
I bought a certified vehicle and was told it was in like new condition, never in an accident, paid top dollar for the vehicle; and only by a fluke; talked with the previous leaser, then found out the vehicle was in multiple; including at least one serious; accidents, repaired, and for all intents and purposes, the entire vehicle was repainted. And once alerted I found, painted rather poorly.
I was told that Zimbrick did not know the vehicle had been damaged.
A certified vehicle checked over top to bottom by Zimbrick. I know, you know, Zimbrick knew!
Zimbrick employees told me, the vehicle is now my problem, as I purchased the vehicle.
BUYER BEWARE!
Zimbrick certified my vehicle as like new. I based my decision to buy on the Kelly Blue Book price, as purchased from a retailer, for the exact vehicle I purchased, as Zimbrick, a company I trusted, represented it to me, and stated to me to be in flawless condition. I later found out by reading Kelly Blue Book that my vehicle, as purchased, is not in excellent condition, in fact it is not in good condition, it is at best, by Kelly Blue Book standards, in fair condition.
If a friend told you that Zimbrick sold them a vehicle that had thousands of dollars in repairs and your friend stated that after the purchase he or she found out that Zimbrick sold them the vehicle without disclosing the damage and repairs, and because of that failure to disclose, the vehicle was worth thousands of dollars less than the purchased price; would you be able to trust Zimbrick employees as they tell you that the vehicle you are about to purchase has no problems, has never been in an accident or been repaired?
Now ask yourself:
Would you pay top-dollar for a vehicle that you know has been in a serious accident?
Do you have money to waste, money to throw away?
What if you did not know the vehicle was extensively damaged; because it had been repaired?
Would it matter?
Are you sure that your vehicle is not salvaged, has not had flood damage or dropped off the shipping truck, then repaired and is now awaiting a purchase agreement to be signed by you?
Knowing this, do you think it is possible that Zimbrick employees will not tell you the truth?
Do you care?