Benefits of Using an Independent Repair Shop Over a Dealership
By Ron Haugen
You just barely bought your car and it's already time to think about whether to be loyal to the dealership for your ongoing maintenance and care, or to find a reputable independent repair shop to provide all of your automotive repair and maintenance needs. There are many advantages and disadvantages of either option. However, your local repair shop may just win your heart, and your business.
For starters, they have a depth of knowledge surrounding all types of vehicles and vehicle maintenance or repair situations, not just the particular makes and models currently being sold and serviced by your dealer. When you call and say your car is making a funny noise that sounds sort of like a 'whirring and clicking' sound, typically an established independent repair shop can hone in quickly on the potential suspect; possibly saving you money on both diagnostic and long-term repair bills.
It's a hard truth that many dealership garages are staffed by younger, less experienced mechanics. That's not meant to be a knock against them. They do have the leverage of the dealership behind them. But typically an independent repair shop owner has years of auto mechanic repairs under their belt; and to boot they frequently started out at a dealership to get their certifications and experience before branching out on their own to have the American dream and become their own boss.
Your local repair shop probably has the corner on providing its clients with personal, individualized service. They know your spouse's name, your children's names and where they go to school, what your dream car is, how long you've had your current car, what your last car was, why you sold it, what other cars you own and what your favorite snack is out of the vending machine! Now none of that is necessarily solely a good enough reason to give your business to the local guy, but in today's fast-paced world there is a slowly simmering trend towards moving back to personalized service with an extra touch.
When you need a little leeway, like the shop staying open a little later so you can get there in time to pick up or drop off your vehicle, your independent shop is more likely to care, and they are also easier to get a hold of a live person. Don't get me wrong, I'm a technology geek. I love to point and click and buy or research all day long. But when I need to talk to a person, my biggest pet-peeve is getting routed through the dreaded phone menu tree.
When it comes right down to it, whether you take your car to the dealership or to a local independent repair shop for your ongoing maintenance and repair needs is entirely a personal decision. However, one key factor that we haven't touched on yet is that typically an independent guy is going to cost you less than the dealer. There's also the added benefit of possibly being able to barter for services, and it's hard to put a cap on that price savings during the entire life of your car. Look around in your area and see if there are any independent repair shops in the neighborhood. If there are, ask around, look online for reviews, go down there and introduce yourself. You may just find that you and your car are right where you belong.
If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-of-Using-an-Independent-Repair-Shop-Over-a-Dealership&id=7473065
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
5 Reasons to Consider Purchasing a Diesel Vehicle
By Ron Haugen
When purchasing your next car, you may want to consider a diesel vehicle. There are many arguments both for and against diesel cars. However, many of the arguments are outdated and point to concerns or issues with diesel engines that no longer exist in today's refined technology. When diesel engines were popular in the 70's, there were many environmental concerns regarding their emissions. Those concerns have all but been vanquished. Here are 5 reasons to consider diesel when purchasing your next vehicle.
1. Long-term: performance and resale value
Today, just like in the heyday of the 70's when diesels first grew to popularity, diesel cars can be relied on to last for years. Many diesel vehicle owners expect to still be driving their car 10 or more years from now. In fact, diesel engines frequently reach over 200,000 miles while still performing well. In this world of disposable everything, purchasing a car that will pass the test of time and be a reliable investment, is a smart bet. Additionally, diesel vehicles have much higher resale values than their gas counterparts. So even if you still live in a disposable world and change your car frequently, you can rest easy knowing that when you're ready to trade in your car for a newer model, your investment will have held its value and your wallet will thank you.
2. Fuel economy
Speaking of your pocketbook; diesel engines are more fuel efficient than gas engines. Studies show that diesel engines are between 30 and 35% more efficient than gas engines, which means fewer stops at the pump and more miles per tank.
3. Savings on gas prices
With the fuel economy mentioned above, one might still wonder if the higher diesel prices really amount to much savings. Historically, diesel prices have never been more than 30% higher than gas prices, so just doing simple math proves that you will save plenty of dough on your monthly gas bill. And as gas prices continue to rise, any opportunity to put a cap on that expenditure is a welcome one.
4. Environmental benefits
What? Diesel engines are better for the environment than gas engines? It's very important to point out that the diesel engines of today are nothing like the ones from the '70s. Today's diesel engines are cleaner and produce less environmental waste than gas engines. Yes, that's right. Diesel engines in today's vehicles are more friendly on the environment than today's gas vehicles are. It's also a proven scientific fact that the less often you open that gas cap to refill, the better it is on the environment. Each time you fill up, harmful gas emissions are released.
5. Power
Diesel engines are known to have more power than gas engines. While that means you and your lead foot might be on the lower end of the estimated miles per gallon quote, it means you will have a sweet ride with quite a bit of power under the hood.
These are just a few of the many reasons to consider buying a diesel vehicle when making your next car purchase. So when you're doing your shopping and head to the dealer, be sure to check out their diesel options as well.
If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Reasons-to-Consider-Purchasing-a-Diesel-Vehicle&id=7473068
When purchasing your next car, you may want to consider a diesel vehicle. There are many arguments both for and against diesel cars. However, many of the arguments are outdated and point to concerns or issues with diesel engines that no longer exist in today's refined technology. When diesel engines were popular in the 70's, there were many environmental concerns regarding their emissions. Those concerns have all but been vanquished. Here are 5 reasons to consider diesel when purchasing your next vehicle.
1. Long-term: performance and resale value
Today, just like in the heyday of the 70's when diesels first grew to popularity, diesel cars can be relied on to last for years. Many diesel vehicle owners expect to still be driving their car 10 or more years from now. In fact, diesel engines frequently reach over 200,000 miles while still performing well. In this world of disposable everything, purchasing a car that will pass the test of time and be a reliable investment, is a smart bet. Additionally, diesel vehicles have much higher resale values than their gas counterparts. So even if you still live in a disposable world and change your car frequently, you can rest easy knowing that when you're ready to trade in your car for a newer model, your investment will have held its value and your wallet will thank you.
2. Fuel economy
Speaking of your pocketbook; diesel engines are more fuel efficient than gas engines. Studies show that diesel engines are between 30 and 35% more efficient than gas engines, which means fewer stops at the pump and more miles per tank.
3. Savings on gas prices
With the fuel economy mentioned above, one might still wonder if the higher diesel prices really amount to much savings. Historically, diesel prices have never been more than 30% higher than gas prices, so just doing simple math proves that you will save plenty of dough on your monthly gas bill. And as gas prices continue to rise, any opportunity to put a cap on that expenditure is a welcome one.
4. Environmental benefits
What? Diesel engines are better for the environment than gas engines? It's very important to point out that the diesel engines of today are nothing like the ones from the '70s. Today's diesel engines are cleaner and produce less environmental waste than gas engines. Yes, that's right. Diesel engines in today's vehicles are more friendly on the environment than today's gas vehicles are. It's also a proven scientific fact that the less often you open that gas cap to refill, the better it is on the environment. Each time you fill up, harmful gas emissions are released.
5. Power
Diesel engines are known to have more power than gas engines. While that means you and your lead foot might be on the lower end of the estimated miles per gallon quote, it means you will have a sweet ride with quite a bit of power under the hood.
These are just a few of the many reasons to consider buying a diesel vehicle when making your next car purchase. So when you're doing your shopping and head to the dealer, be sure to check out their diesel options as well.
If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Reasons-to-Consider-Purchasing-a-Diesel-Vehicle&id=7473068
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