Thursday, April 19, 2007

Auto Repair Average Costs

Every now and again we get a few upset mechanics or shop owners complaining that it is not possible for RepairTrust to provide accurate car repair estimates. They go on to say that we don’t know what we’re talking about…that we’re idiots…and many other colorful words.

Following is one such discussion on car repair costs. It’s highlighted here to illustrate the resistance and defiance of the auto repair industry to anyone suggesting a fair car repair price - even an average - other than the repair facility itself.

This particular shop owner writes via email:

I would like you to inform me on "what" I should charge for a given repair without you knowing anything about my business, about my warranty, my benefits for employees, my services or overhead. Please explain with clarity how you can predetermine the cost of doing business from one location to another.

I would really be surprised if anyone replied to this request. Advise at a cost?? Come-on boys... lets come up with intelligent response here...Click Auto Repair Average Costs for the full and enlightening story...

-Ted Olson
RepairTrust
Making Sense of Car Repair Costs

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Friday, April 06, 2007

Car Maintenance Costs - The Real Story...

If you walked into your local car dealer and requested a 30,000-mile maintenance service, is it safe to assume that the dealer will follow manufacturer guidelines when servicing your car? Should the dealer “only” follow manufacturer guidelines? Can they bend the guidelines…?

Here’s a recent and very common scenario that occurred at a local Toyota dealership….

A service customer called the dealer to schedule the manufacturer’s recommended 30,000-mile service for his 2005 4-Cylinder Camry. However, the dealer added several services NOT included in the guidelines.

The additional services included a coolant flush (drain and refill), automatic transmission service (drain and refill), and a power steering fluid change.

According to the manufacturer, the coolant does not need to be replaced until 100,000 miles. The automatic transmission fluid can last until 120,000 miles. And there is no specific maintenance interval for the power steering fluid.

Now, before we throw the dealer under the bus, which, don’t get me wrong, is always a blast to do, is there any legitimacy in recommending these extra services? Are there any circumstances where one may want to consider performing a coolant or transmission service 70,000 to 90,000 miles sooner than recommended by the manufacturer of the car? Click car maintenance costs to view the entire article

RepairTrust
Making Sense of Car Repair Prices

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