How much to fix my car?!?

Car repair estimates make you crazy? Me too! Expensive. Inconvenient. Confusing. Frustrating. Ever been tempted to just get rid of the vehicle rather than face the repair. Me too! But before you take the plunge and do something radical, take a minute to consider…

• Is the repair dealing items that normally wear out, such as brakes, ball joints and tires? In other words, a repair that was going to happen sometime. Or is it a problem inherent in the vehicle, or a repetitive failure? If the repair involves replacing the engine or transmission, does the condition of the rest of the vehicle warrant replacement? What is the condition of the rest of the vehicle and its systems? How long is the new engine warranty and will I drive the vehicle that long?

• Do I feel comfortable and confident driving this vehicle? Or do I no longer trust that it will get me back home?

• If I do continue driving it, how long? 12 / 24 / 36 months?? If I take the repair estimate and divide it by the months of continued service, does it make sense?

o Repair Estimate - $1500…..Continue Driving for 24 months

o Cost of repair per month - $62.50

o Compare $62.50 to the amount of a new or used car purchase payment.

o Does it make sense “financially” to repair or move on?

• If I decide to move on, am I willing to take on a payment for a new or a used vehicle? How much? How much will my vehicle be worth to trade or sell?

• If I purchase a used car, how will I know that it is in better condition than what I am giving up? Am I purchasing a vehicle that someone else refused to repair???

• In the end, it may come down to simply what do you WANT to do. Owning any vehicle is an emotional decision

So the next time you get a large repair estimate, it need not make you crazy. With a few questions to your service advisor, you will be able to sort through the possibilities and come to a confident solution.