How to save hundreds on auto maintenance

Consumers can save hundreds on auto maintenance by comparison shopping and calling several dealerships and independent shops, according to a new analysis in Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto issue.

When budgets get tight, many people are tempted to cut back on their regular car maintenance. But that can lead to serious repair problems and even larger bills down the road. Drivers can save a lot of money on maintenance simply by shopping around.

CR’s experts called dozens of dealers and repair shops throughout the country to get quotes for regular
maintenance service on three popular models. In the case of the 2004 Ford Explorer, they asked for the cost of a 60,000-mile checkup and found prices varied by as much as $252, even among Ford dealers in the same general area.

In addition, they found that dealers often wanted to charge for extra work that the automaker doesn’t
require. CR discovered this when they compared the service items included in quotes with the maintenance lists in the owner’s manuals. They also found that quotes from independent shops that included all the items in the manual were sometimes $150 below the cheapest dealer.

Read the full report on how to save hundreds on auto maintenance.

Comments

[Black Oak Automotive]

Ever seen anyone leave bolts out & say they weren't needed, or leave greasy prints on the carpet, or scratches on the fender? I own a shop....hiring qualified techs is a nightmare. The guys with the smarts to do the work usually aren't interested in getting burnt on hot engines, getting grease up to their elbows, or getting their knuckles skint when a wrench slips. The intelligent-conciencent guys are in demand in most any trade these days. Trades with better working conditions. Food for thought....If everybody wanted the cheapest price, only 1 place would be in business. And did you ever stop to think how the shop with the highest price "stays" in business? Some shops are worth more (or less) than others!

[Carol]

i have a volvo s60 and the dealership said i should bring it in for a 30,500 mi check up , it it necessary and approx. how much will it cost me?

[John the traveler]

Re. CR info on gas octane requirements, I have a 2008 Lexus ES350 that "requires" premium gas. In fact, this engine is EXACTLY the same as in the Toyota Avalon and Camry products. Smae size, stroke, bore, compression ratio, etc., and both of them require "regular".

I just completed a 4,000 mile trip from OH to Yellowstone, WY, and back, and used "regular" all the way. Never had a hint of a problem, and averaged better than 32 mpg. When possible, cruise control was set to speed limit or maybe a klittle higher, and no special measures were taken to stretch gas mileage. Premium is BS, at least in the ES350.