Thursday, September 6, 2007
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 harch 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.
David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in automotive safety products and information. He holds numerous patents and awards for his patented headlight cleaner and restorer. For more information please visit: http://www.mdwholesale.com
How To Negotiate Car Repairs
Everything is negotiable, it just comes down to if you want to put forth the effort to negotiate. In my life I have owned no less than 15 cars , that means car repairs. When your car is in the shop for repairs it's a unique situation, you have no control or true knowledge of what REALLY is needed and what isn't. There have been several "special reports" on news programs with undercover cameras showing mechanics damaging or lying to customers about repairs that are needed. The fact that it is even possible creates a situation that should also be taken advantage of by the consumer. Chances are pretty good that your mechanic is over charging you for something, if you take a good look at your invoice after you have had a major repair it has to be somewhat of a surprise that the gizmo that controls your anti lock brakes is $1700.00. There has to be a huge mark-up on the price of an item that is a must have, and you can only get it from the dealer.
Car repairs can be negotiated just like anything else, more so even. Your mechanic or service manager at the dealer, knows for a fact that you are being over charged, that means that all you have to do is ask for a discount. If your mechanic is worth his salt he calls you before he does any work on your car, that is when the negotiation should start. When your mechanic tells you that you need a new "flex capacitor" and it cost around $800, your first reaction should be "Can you give me a better price?"
Or better yet "Can you do it for $700" . You need to make it clear from the very beginning that you want a discount. A ten percent discount is always a good starting point, you are only trying to get a small discount, which is better than nothing. The biggest mistake you can make is to wait until your car repair is finished. At that point he basically is holding your car hostage until you pay him, so that means he is in full control of the negotiation. The very little control we do have is before any work is done, because we still have the ability to say no thanks I'll take it somewhere else.
Most people want a discount, but most people don't like negotiating. Let's face it, it's not for everybody. The reason car repair is set up for negotiation is because your mechanic or service manager knows that he can give you a discount but he certainly is not going to offer it. You'll be surprised to see how easy they will give you 10% just for asking. The next time your you need a car repair follow these steps to get a 10% discount::
1. Make sure you tell the service manager or mechanic to call you BEFORE he does any work to your car.
2. Always ask for an estimate when he tells you what repairs you need.
3 What ever amount he says, ask for at least for a 10% discount. It's much better saying a specific price instead of 10%, so make sure you have your math ready.
That's it. No one said it was complicated, you just have to be willing to ask. Your'e going to be surprised how easy it is, and wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Now take your 10% and do something for yourself,.... you earned it.
http://www.ClickForInfo.net
Audi Presents Changes For 2007
For 2007, Audi of America, Inc. has already announced all the changes that its range of 2007 model year vehicles would be receiving and sporting off. Most changes would be boasting of sportier features and appeal. The Audi vehicles would be proud of new levels in performance and these would include the Audi Q7 SUV, RS 4 sedan, A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, S6 sedan and S8 sedan.
For the Audi A3 vehicles, the highlights of changes and new features would include a 2.0 T Technology Package that holds light and rain sensors, an Audi Phone Preparation with Bluetooth, an auto dimming interior mirror, and a couple of bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting system. There also is a 3.2 Technology Package in store with upgrades like an Audi Phone Preparation with Bluetooth and some bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting system.
New and aggressive looking DTM exterior bumpers, a redesigned Symphony radio with the ability to play MP3s, and an integrated 6-disc changer are a couple of highlights of changes for the A4 and S4 line of Audi vehicles.
As per the Audi A4 2.0 T Sedan and Avant line of vehicles, these would be sporting off new options for owners like its two new packages which are the Premium Package and the Convenience Package. The wheel collection has just welcomed a new designed added in.
A sunroof would be made standard for the Audi A4 3.2 Sedan and Avant vehicles. There would be also new 17 inch wheels as standard as well as a three spoke steering wheel made up of leather. Shift paddles on steering wheels would also be made standard on all models with automatic transmission systems.
Having a vast array of well crafted Audi parts and Audi body parts, Auto Parts Information is one of the major sources of Audi parts. It is also available 24 hours a day so you can order for your chosen parts any time you choose to.
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