Consumer Guides
Consumer guides contain information rating cars on performance, accommodations, workmanship, and value. These guides can be found in the 'Automotive" book section at local bookstores. Also in these guides is the dealer invoice and suggested retail pricing. This valuable information can help identify when in fact a "good buy" is present.
The Kelley Blue Book also found in the same section of the bookstore, is a guide that is accepted by dealerships and banks to place a value on a used car. Armed with the value, it would be difficult to overpay on a purchase.
Some dealerships have changed their selling techniques to a "hassle free' approach. Potential customers are given a set price and simply shown the car with all questions answered. However the old" attack the customer approach is still being used. This approach is what we call a "hard sell". Statistics say that if a vehicle is not sold at the time of the very first inquiry, there is less than a 20% chance of a sale - no wonder...
Insurance
Always, always, check with your current carrier on the cost of insurance before you buy. Insurance should be budgeted into your monthly car payment expense.
Should you walk off the lot with dealer provided insurance or "binder" insurance, ask what it will cover. Usually this type of insurance protects the dealer and his car. You are ultimately liable for accidents.
Financing
When buying a vehicle, price is one issue, but financing is a totally separate issue. Through research in our local area it can be clearly seen that auto manufactures have entered into the financing field. The best interest rates are found through credit unions, but you must be a member. Call your local credit union to find out the specifics. CBC Credit Union is presently offering new car rates on used cars - rates on new cars are usually lower. The low advertised dealer finance rates are great but are usually model specific and short term (2-3 years). Next in line for financing are banks. Dealerships also use banks. Do your homework and find out what is available in the market place before you shop for a car. State Farm now also offers financing; check with your agent to find out how easy processing that loan really is. State Farm can offer 100% financing. Don't be afraid to call financial institutions to ask questions.
Warranties:
Concerning Repairs
A summary of the vehicle warranty an be found in the Consumer Guide. Ask about the warranty, find out what it covers and what you need to do to comply. Regularly scheduled maintenance is a must to honor a warranty and can be done by an independent garage. Have a receipt "pouch" in your car's glove box and keep all oil change records as well as mechanical maintenance trips. If you change the oil yourself, the same rule applies.
If you have a car with a problem that is covered under warranty, by all means have the dealership repair the problem at no charge to you - It is the car manufacturer who picks up the tab. Repairs not covered under warranty may be done at a dealership or an independent garage because ultimately you will pay for the repair. The same concept applies to collision damaged vehicles. Having your new car repaired at an independent body shop does not void the new car warranty whatsoever. It is ultimately the body shop's warranty that applies to the repairs. Whether you have your car repaired at the dealer or at an independent garage, the warranty is only as good as the shop, i.e., how you will be treated and how quickly the problem can be resolved!
Extended warranties can be good. Through speaking to independent mechanics, we have learned that this added protection can more than pay for itself if something should go wrong.
Why should you refer your family and friends to Tony's Body Shop?
What we offer with every repair job:
- Guaranteed color match
- Accurate panel to panel alignment
- Repairing the vehicle to a safe condition
Your 100% satisfaction is our goal.
At Tony's Body Shop you can still find service, a smile, and a sincere thank you if you allow us to service your auto body needs.
Please feel free to call us if we can be of help or guide you in any way.
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