If your car is in need of pricey repairs, seriously consider the repairs, rather than visiting a car lot. About.com helps us with some tips on how to keep our cars going and going.
- Buy a good car to begin with. Japanese cars are generally the most reliable, don't dismiss American made. The quality is improving and they are often less expensive to repair. Talk to car owners about their experiences.
- Follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. Check it out because some parts need to be replaced based on timing rather than mileage.
- Keep a repair fund if possible. There's nothing like a $1,500 repair bill to scare you into considering a new car. But remember your car would have to generate at least $5,000 worth of bills for four years in a row in order to equal a new car payment!
- Do your homework. There are websites out for almost every car made. Research what parts go bad, and which cars are prone to certain problems.
- Ask a friend to drive your car. Sometimes we are so used to the little noises or problems that appear gradually, we dismiss them. Someone new driving the car will usually notice them pretty quickly. It will also give you a chance to sit in the passenger's seat, and listen for noises.
- Fight rust. If you live where it snows, be sure to wash the car regularly, but only if the temperature is above freezing. Don't park in a heated garage, melting snow allows embedded salt to attack. Make sure the car wash you use does not recycle their water. You will just be getting other people's salt on your car!
They also say be sure to get a problem fixed immediately so a $200 repair doesn't turn into a $500 repair because it wasn't taken care of quickly.
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