Have you ever headed to the supermarket to stock up on 49-cent Kraft Dinner, only to end up purchasing $25 worth of other items you didn't really need? If so, you're familiar with the siren song of loss leaders, those irresistible deals that can often wind up costing you more money than you save.
The concept of loss leaders isn't lost on the auto repair industry. Garage owners know consumers love a bargain and deep-discount prices can drive in new business. The trouble is, these special deals don't always turn out to be such a bargain for motorists. It takes a bit of shopping skill and common sense to take advantage of specials without having a garage take advantage of you. Here's a guide to the hidden traps you may encounter when chasing discount auto repairs:
The pitfall The shop inspection may simply be a fishing expedition for quick expensive work that may or may not be required. Many years ago, I opted for such a deal when I took my car to a shop for an oil change. To my astonishment, the mechanic recommended $1,200 worth of repairs even though the car was working fine when I took it in. I declined the repairs and continued to drive the car for five more years. None of the problems that I'd been warned about ever surfaced.The bottom line, notes Kirk Robinson, owner of Robinson Automotive in Mississauga, Ont., is that any time you see a cheap price, expect pressure to buy more items. "The shop isn't doing it out of the kindness of its heart. There's no free lunch."
Maryanna Lewyckyj is consumer advocate for the Toronto Sun. She conducts car care seminars for women through her company, Autophobics Anonymous.
Some pointers to avoid being penny-wise and pound foolish with your repair budget:
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