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Car Maintenance & Repair
• Make sure the work ticket lists the symptoms your car is experiencing, not recommended repair. If you have to bring it in again for the same repair, make sure the ticket lists the same symptoms.
• Write "estimate only" on the work ticket, or "I authorize repairs up to (a specific dollar amount)."
• If the estimate is large, take it to another mechanic for a second opinion. If your car is not drive-able, have it towed to another repair shop for a second estimate.
• If your car is towed to a mechanic, don't allow the tow-truck driver to choose the repair shop. He or she may be paid to steer your vehicle to a particular shop.
• Don't rely on a nationally famous name when you go for a car repair. Too often at a franchise location, the parent company fails to accept responsibility for a problem.
• Beware of specialty repair shops, particularly brake and muffler shops. A good reputation goes a long way.
• Having your oil changed at an oil-change shop is fine, but don't authorize any other work.
The cost per mile to drive a new car is more than you think
AAA now estimates that its costs 60 cents per mile to operate a new vehicle. Despite the recent high cost of gas, fuel costs only account for less than a fourth of the expense of operation. So where is all the money going? Depreciation. When you buy a new car, ...
Startups that let you rent your ride for extra cash
Do you have a spare vehicle sitting around collecting dust? Try renting it out. Kiplinger magazine reports there are several new websites that can help you get started as a 1-personal rental agency, with the possibility of generating several hundred dollars in extra income each month. The reality is most ...
Gas prices climb on fears about Iran
CLARKONOMICS: Gas prices are $3.70 a gallon (national average) and climbing. What's that going to mean as you look down the road a few months? Here we are with the highest prices we've ever had at this point in the year, not inflation adjusted. Based on historical patterns of pricing, ...
Consumer Reports rolls out annual auto issue
Every April, Consumer Reports makes a special effort during car buying season to give advice for new and used buyers in their annual auto issue. This year, the overall most reliable brand for new cars is a real sleeper of a brand that has a pretty minor presence in the ...
Most reliable cars after three years of ownership
Cars are the second largest expense that most people face. So you don't want to waste your money in the automotive arena. I've got some help for you on that front. J.D. Power has announced the results of its 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study, which looks at reliability after three years ...
Reliability ratings for 2012 cars
A new Consumer Reports car reliability survey shows that expensive European cars may be fun to own and fun to drive, but you'll probably be driving them to the repair shop more often than you'd like. Consumer Reports does some of the most comprehensive research into car reliability, thanks in ...
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Two Reasons to Keep That Older Car
Historically, Americans like to cycle through cars pretty quickly. Bad idea. Clark explains why older cars are cheaper on at least two counts.
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Report: The Lowest Cost Vehicles to Own
Which vehicles have the lowest true cost to own -- when you consider depreciation, insurance, maintenance and all the rest? Clark names names from a new Edmunds.com report.
More American cars top list of cheapest to own
Once each year, Edmunds.com does an exhaustive study to determine which new cars have the lowest five year cost of ownership. The True Cost To Own tally (that's a trademarked name!) is not what you might expect. Historically, the top cars on the list have been Japanese, Japanese, Japanese, Japanese ...
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The scoop on 15% Ethanol gasoline
A new fuel blend called E15 (with 15% ethanol) could soon be at a gas pump near you. But will it damage your car? Follow Clark's advice to protect your car and your wallet.
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