Tag Archives: Tips

Tips on Getting Your Car Repaired

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Unfortunately the more you know about automobiles the better off you will find yourself when it is time to have your car repaired. It is very easy to be charged more than a job is worth if the auto mechanic suspects you know nothing about his business or about cars in general. This is especially a problem for women.

Here are some tips for getting your car repaired without having your wallet cleaned out.

Make sure the car repair business is legitimate. Make sure that the Better Business Bureau in your area recommends the shop, and that it has a good reputation. Often bad reviews of a business will be printed online. Look for shops that have the Better Business certification displayed in their window.

Get a written estimate. Do not let anyone at the car repair shop work on your car until they have diagnosed the problem with the car and given you a written estimate. You must give your okay for the work to begin before anyone starts repairing the vehicle. If your car needs a specialist to repair it, make sure this expert is in place as well. Make sure that the shop has phone numbers you can be reached at so they can consult with you about what needs to be done.

Do not let a mechanic rush you. Take all the time you need to ask all the questions that you need. Don’t be embarrassed if you need to ask the mechanic for explanations. No question is a stupid question. This is especially true if you are a woman. If you are humiliated for asking a question about car repairs because you are female or not familiar with cars then find another auto repair shop to do business with.

Check your warranty. If your vehicle is under warranty you could void it by taking it to an unauthorized dealership. Do not let a savvy talker sell you repairs despite the fact that their business is not covered by a warranty.

Finally, get everything in writing. When you pick up a car get an explanation of everything that was done for the car and be sure to get all guarantees in writing. Make sure that your repair bill is itemized so that you can prove that an item is covered by the guarantee should there be an issue with the car after you drive it away from the shop.

Tips on Buying a Car

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Whether buying a car, new or used, there are a few things to keep in mind before you are shown around the shiny showroom floor. Here are some tips –

Know what you want before you go shopping. If you do not know what make, model or price you are prepared to pay then a salesperson is going to tell you what you want and you will end up paying a lot more for a new or used vehicle then you ever thought! Be very aware that car salesmen are well trained in seeing an unprepared customer coming!

Refuse to be intimidated by flashy salesmen. All automobile salespeople are trained in the fine art of persuasion and they know how to keep talking in a way that you feel you cannot interrupt. However, it is crucial for you to have the confidence to say to the fast-talking salesman that you need him to slow down or even, not say anything at all and let you browse. This is especially true if you are a woman.

Connect with just one salesman and commit to dealing with him or her only. Tell the salesman that if he will stand off for a bit that you will get back to him as you realize that he making a connection. Try not to get caught in a war between two salesmen unless you see that they are both competing with each other to offer you a lower price for the car. In that case, let them put on a show and compete for your selection. However, be aware that a car place that allows this may not be the most ethical place to purchase a vehicle. Most well-run car sales places do not showcase arguments between employees.

Never accept the quoted price. This is usually a really inflated price that you have been told is the non-negotiable lowest deal available. Sometimes it is three thousand or more over the average listing price. Always do your homework and check out the price a car before you go shopping. In car salesman talk this is called “ripping the head off.”

Finally, ask about leasing a car. This can be a lot less expensive than buying a new or used car. However do not fall for something that car salesmen call the “full pop lease.” This is where you are sold or leased a car with the highest interest rates and fees possible even though you had perfect credit when you walked onto the car lot or into the showroom.