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Saving Money on Car Repairs

May 15, 2009

Man Working on Repairing a CarSave money on your car repairs by researching the price of the parts, and perhaps buying the part on your own. Many automotive shops charge up the price of the part and pass it on to the consumer. As one of the mechanics told me today (as my car is in the shop), this is one of the ways they made money. Well, I can appreciate their need to make money, while I have a need to SAVE it!

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This became clear as I was quoted around $600.00 to replace my distributor. The part was supposedly going to cost $450.00. I panicked a little. After doing research online, I found the correct new OEM part for $154.00! A savings of $300.00.

Good repair shops will agree to install a part that you provide to them, although they will not likely warranty the part. But, the manufacturer or retailer selling the part typically does provide such a warranty for the part, so who cares?

Find out what part your car may need, then do a google search, check E-Bay, etc. I've done this several times on cars I have owned and saved hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Even if you have to pay to have a professional install it, so what? You can at least save money on the part itself!

By JARED DELLINGER from Blacklick, OH

 
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12 More Solutions

This page contains the following solutions.

May 11, 2007

I notice that I have fewer major problems than many of my friends and acquaintances. I think it's because I always get my oil changed when it's due and do a maintenance check-up once or twice a year.

Saving Money on Car Repairs (and Maintenance)

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Diamond Post Medal for All Time! 1,298 Posts
July 6, 2017

Being a woman (even a man) you can feel that you're being taken advantage of when it comes to maintaining your vehicle if you have no car experience.

Mark Tires To Verify Correct Rotation

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Bronze Tip Medal for All Time! 75 Tips
April 24, 2014

Automobile manufacturers offer free repairs called "recalls" for many problems which affect their cars. These repairs are generally available from the nearest dealer whether a car has had one or many owners.

Check Your Car for Recalls


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 519 Posts
May 16, 2007

Remember there is always the A number one way of doing things and then, on the other hand, the way that will probably work most of the time.

 
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November 14, 2006

Get on Estimate for Car Repairs. Always get an estimate in writing before having repair work done on your car. Once the repairs are done, only pay for the repairs that you authorized.

 
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November 7, 2006

If you are having a major car repair done and your car won't be available to you for days, or even weeks, ask the garage doing the repair to give you a loaner car to use while you wait. They may have loaner cars available for this purpose or they may arrange to get you a car from a rental agency.

 
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February 7, 2001

The best time to locate and check out a repair shop is when you don't need one! Don't wait until you have a serious problem and are in a panic, that can make you a prime candidate for making a costly mistake.

 
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Questions

Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

May 23, 2011

The mechanic says my ac compressor is seeping and the hose took a dump and that it's about $700 to fix. Does anyone know how to find a little bit cheaper mechanic or if that price is correct? Please help. I have 2 kids and can't have them in the hot car for the summer like that.


By mandy Abeyta

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Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 290 Feedbacks
May 23, 20110 found this helpful

Check out the following website for estimates.
repairpal.com/

 

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 846 Posts
May 25, 20111 found this helpful

Besides MCW's suggested link call around to all of your local auto repair places and ask what they would charge for a seeping compressor with a bad hose by phone. That should give you a better idea of what the fair going rate is in your area without an additional inspection charge.

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This might sound mean, and it's sincerely not meant to be, but when I was an infant/child there was no air conditioning in our cars and I survived just fine even in stop and go traffic when the temps were even 90 and 100 so if you can't afford the repair simply use common sense when it comes to your children's heat safety.

 
May 29, 20110 found this helpful

Check with your local high school/trade school/college as to their car repair classes. They will do the work for free or only a very minimal charge, for the experience. You will probably have to buy the parts.

 
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January 3, 2015

My Mazda needs a new battery. Where is the best pace to buy my battery?

By christina chan

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Silver Post Medal for All Time! 255 Posts
December 4, 20170 found this helpful

Most walmart stores carry them and their prices are good.

 
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November 21, 2014

I have put 2 new hubs and bearings on my front wheels. Now my 4-wheel drive won't work. Anyone know the answer? It is a 98 Ford Ranger. Thank you.

By Ernie

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May 7, 2010

I have a 1998 Audi A6 coupe. Can anyone tell me where the relay for the A/C clutch is located? Thanks

By joeroo from Holiday, FL

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June 18, 2013

This page is about keeping track of your car's maintenance requirements. Keeping good records of your auto maintenance will help you keep your car running well.

Photo of a someone checking their oil.

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