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
1. Be Prepared
The best way to avoid an emergency is to be prepared for an emergency. If you can set aside a little bit of money each month in case of any emergency (be it medical, automotive, or accident), then you will be able to manage any unexpected situations. However, if the time has come and you haven't planned ahead, there are still some ways that you can get money.
2. Stay Calm
One of the most common mistakes that is made during emergencies is to lose your cool. If you lose your cool, you might forget to use common sense. Use your common sense to shop around. Even if you need a tow right now, consider calling a few places for quotes before having them send someone over. The ten minutes that it takes you to make some comparisons might save you twenty dollars or more. That makes the use of time well worth your money. Remember, you will be late anyway, so take your time in getting there.
When the tow truck driver arrives, be sure that you know where you want to have your car towed. You should also do some comparison shopping for this. You can even call a friend and have them make some of your phone calls for you. If you don't know what is wrong with your car, have it taken to a mechanic or dealership that you trust. They will tell you what's wrong, and you then be able to decide how much (it might be all) of the work you want to have done.
3. Review your Options
When you buy a car, you often get a warranty. You might be signed up for AAA or CAA. Your insurance company might cover some of the repairs needed for your car. Before you go about paying for all of the repairs out of pocket, find out what repairs are covered. Then get approval from the institution that will help you pay. It is easier to get them to pay upfront than to get them to reimburse you.
Consider keeping a membership for CAA or AAA. This means that you will have free towing if you are ever in an accident or if you ever have a breakdown. There is an annual fee, so you would have to weigh the pros and cons of membership. I, personally, find that I have gotten a lot back from my membership, including a peace of mind knowing that I am covered while I travel.
4. What NOT to do
If you need to pay for your emergency repairs, do not get a pay day loan. Pay day loans have exorbitant interest rates and will make it hard for you to get back on top of your debt.
5. Get the best interest
Find out where you will be able to get the best interest rates for the money that you will have to spend. If you take out a loan, then you will be able to pay it back in small pieces throughout the year, rather than taking an upfront loss. This also works if you cannot pay for your car.
If you put the car repairs on your credit card, remember that you will probably be paying a higher interest rate than if you got a car repair loan, or if you went to a bank or credit union. Check the interest rates that varying places offer, including at the dealership if you are having your car repaired there.
6. In the meantime
While your car is in the shop, be smart about how you get around. Don't take taxis everywhere if you can't afford them! Ask friends for lifts; they will understand if you are in need because of unexpected car repairs for a few days. Take the bus for a few days. Walk or bike, if possible. Set up a temporary carpool with a co-worker (this could even work for you when you get your car back!). Don't let the expense of car repairs get larger because you don't have your car.
Both Todd C. Robinson & Andrew Dillan are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Todd C. Robinson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Email Marketing, Golf Guide and Cars. Todd C. Robinson is webmaster for www.ClickForInfo.net. Todd C. Robinson's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.
Andrew Dillan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Concerns, Home Security and Recreation and Sports. To find out how to get the best loan to repay your emergency car repairs, visit , a site devoted to providing accurate consu. Andrew Dillan's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.