AutoMD: Consumers save by going to independent mechanic
 Sometimes called an "extended warranty", a service contract is a promise to perform (or pay for) certain repairs or services. Although technically not a “warranty” as defined by federal law, service contracts may be arranged at any time and always costs extra. Warranties, on the other hand, ONLY come with a new car and are included in the original price. Vehicle service contracts are popularly referred to as "extended auto warranties" or "extended warranties". Use of the term "extended warranty" or "warranty" on this site is intended to refer to vehicle service contracts and not manufacturer's warranties.
A recent report by AutoMD, an auto repair website, says that consumers can save 25 percent, or $300 a year, by getting repairs done at an independent mechanic rather than a dealer. Drivers can save even more money by purchasing an auto warranty for their car.
The dealer frequently marks up the cost of a repair by charging more for labor, said AutoMD. A driver who goes to a fully-equipped and trusted repair shop can save a great deal over the dealer.
The report also debunks some myths about independent repair shops. The aftermarket parts that an independent shop will use, for example, are often made to a higher standard than the original parts that the dealer will use- frequently for a lower cost.
If you have a dealer-standard powertrain warranty, it makes sense to go to the dealer for problems related to the powertrain. But many car parts aren't covered by a dealer warranty. Only a bumper-to-bumper warranty will cover every part, and a consumer will get the benefits of going to whatever repair shop they feel most comfortable with.
Even if a driver can save at a repair shop over a dealer, the cost of car repairs are still sky-high. It's cheaper to purchase an extended warranty and never have to worry about who will fix your car, and for how much.
5/17/2010 9:47:13 PM
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