How To Avoid Auto Repair and Service Scams

Copyright 2006 David Maillie

There’s a reason why auto service stations have one of the largest numbers of complaints with state attorney generals in every state. Some uphold good business practices and ethics, but most, unfortunately are all about profit and don’t care if they have to lie and cheat to get it. To prove this all one has to do is go to several dealers with the same problem or question. You will get many different answers, price ranges and estimates all for the same problem(s) and almost all recommending unnecessary and unneeded services or repairs.

Just ask the dealer the question of routine maintenance and what is recommended at each service. If you open your owners manual it will tell you what is recommended for normal driving habits and some may give you recommendations for harsh conditions. Regardless of your climate and weather most service advisors will tell you that the area of your country qualifies for harsh and extreme weather – they are trained to do this as it requires more services and makes them more money. Its not whether your car needs it – most people will qualify as normal conditions and require a lot less servicing per the National Highway Traffic Safety Association and AAA. The manufacturer made those owners manuals after millions of dollars were spent on design, research, and testing – I think I would listen to the manual.

On calling several dealers as to recommended mileage intervals between oil changes we got a range of 3,000 – 3,500. It didn’t matter what area of the country we called. The answer was the same. Upon reading the owners manual of several cars it says 4,000 – 5,000 for normal driving habits. We then called asking about the correct mileage to change a timing belt 60,000 to 70,000 was the answer range we got. The owners manuals gave a range of 90,000 -100,000. This is proof positive that profit hungry dealers are pushing up more expensive services, requiring additional and unnecessary services, and basically scamming and ripping off customers. We could not find an honest new car dealer in the bunch, but we did find one service and repair shop that did not require anything over the manufactures recommendations.

Our recommendations:

1) Read your owners manual and take it with you for servicing. Let the service advisor try and argue with you over when an actual service is really recommended. Don’t pay attention to his fancy charts and recommendations.

2) Check and see if your warranty covers the item and if it is really necessary.

3) Oil changes are only $14.95 at Walmart – why pay more at your dealer (dealer average is $26). The oil is the same and you can get synthetic, the best, for the price the dealer charges for regular. As an added bonus, Walmart won’t push unnecessary repairs or services on you. Walmart is also much cheaper for tires – so is BJ’s, and Discount Tire.

4) Do minor items your self. Windshield wipers cost only $4 for a set of two of the same original equipment quality. Just guess what dealers charge. We only asked a few as we could quickly see, just like with oil changes, that the dealer wants to make a lot of money - $54 including installation for the same $4 wipers. Buy then at most Auto parts stores and they will install them for free.

5) If you must use a dealer for repair, always call around. Don’t just take their word for it. Before you go to the dealer, check them out with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Find out what their customers are saying.

The most important thing to remember here is to not get scammed. Some services are needed, just check it out and make sure the dealer isn’t just trying to get a high priced and unnecessary service out of you. Get your owners manual and read the section on required services – it will save you money nest time you visit your dealer. Remember their service advisors are constantly trained just like car salespeople to get you to buy regardless of whether you may need it.

Deeper Down Deeper in Debt - Funerals

The last goodbye at a funeral leaves you reminiscing about the good times, also leaving a trail of fond memories of the dearly departed. But after a funeral you find that it can also leave a huge debt hanging over your head. The cost to bury a loved one can run into the thousands for a decent burial? What is a decent burial? What is the difference between decent and not so decent? The mind boggles. For that extra few bob does the coffin of the decent funeral have a more highly polished finish. Does the deceased have more words said at the service? Well let me tell you a little secret. Blurred vision/bloodshot eyes hamper the sight of the congregation, with all the crying it is hard to focus on any casket. Words spoken at the mass are rarely heard. Too many other thoughts overpower the emotional sentiments, and one is worry on how the bill is going to be paid. This is not the day for extravagance; imagine going to the theatre to watch a show but the curtains never open, so what is the point for all that expense. Decent and the not so decent goodbye Mourners are there to share in your sorrow not to pass judgment on how many brass handles surround the coffin or what hymns are sung. With not knowing the mechanics behind a funeral, many families find themselves in a financial situation where they are faced with the heartache of trying to make ends meet. In their time of grief, the best of everything is chosen for their dearly departed which comes at a price that seems affordable at the time, till reality sets in where the departed was the breadwinner. Life insurance is a necessity while in the land of the living; it can help lighten the load for those left behind after a bereavement Unfortunately we have all experienced a loss at some time in our lives but should you be unfortunate enough at this present time be going through the experience of losing someone you love, why not call a friend or member of the family to act on your behalf in arranging the funeral? This will be less of a burden for you to cope with, while you adapt yourself in coming to terms with the death Consider cutting funeral costs by Less brass/save cash Have the service shortened. Funeral cars settle for 1, the hearse. A family get together at the house, no big wake. A small posy says farewell just the same as any wreath. It is how you say goodbye that matters, silent thoughts and memories can give the dearly departed the best send off ever.