You just received devastating news from your mechanic. Your automotive repairs are going to cost an arm and a leg. Should you just go out and buy a new car? Should you get a second opinion? The answer to the second question is yes if you are considering the first question. Mike’s Auto Service & Repair explains why, in some cases, getting a second opinion is the right thing to do.
Extensive Repairs
The time to get a second opinion on automobile repairs is when they are extensive and costly. For example, if you blew a head gasket, broke a timing belt, or cracked an engine block, you’re looking at thousands of dollars to get your car, truck, or SUV back on the road. In this case, a second opinion will not only confirm the necessity of the expensive repairs but also possibly offer a lower estimate to save you at least some money. This doesn’t mean, however, you should go through with the repairs.
Age of Vehicle
If your vehicle is brand new and you still owe money on the contract, you should get the repairs no matter how hard they are to swallow. Hopefully, your vehicle is still under some type of warranty that will help you with the repairs. If your vehicle is old, however, doesn’t have a lot of miles left in it, and paid off, it’s probably time to think about buying a new car unless this vehicle holds emotional value to you, such as it’s your first car or your dream car and you just cannot get bear getting rid of it.
Your Budget
Continuing the above point, when facing an expensive automotive repair, even with the second opinion, will buying a new car make more sense than repairing your old one and how much will each cost? In most cases, even a certified used car will cost more than repairing your old car, but it’s never a wise investment to put thousands of dollars into an old car that will only be back in the shop a few months later. This is where the second opinion can help. If both mechanics are saying, “It’s dead, Jim,” it’s time to replace your vehicle unless, again, it’s beloved for some reason and simply cannot let it go.
We’re located in West Springfield, MA.
