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by Jack Hillis, A.S.E. Certified Master
Mechanic
When Ben asked me to help out at his first
Smart Car Seminar last year, I was both honored and apprehensive. There are so many things
that we've covered over the years on his radio shows, in his Dallas Morning News column
and on Good Morning Texas on Channel 8...I didn't know where to even start. So I took the
same advice he's given to thousands of people over the years, and I'm going to treat you
just like I would my daughter or one of my sons.
Aside from the obvious advice Ben tells anyone that'll listen ("Don't forget how
much insurance and maintenance is going to cost!"), I will tell you things that I've
learned from over a quarter century of working under the hoods of some terrific cars from
around the world.
I have nothing to gain except the satisfaction of knowing that a few bits of
information learned today could potentially save someone from making a huge financial
mistake in the future. Think of it as your "Automotive Dose of Dover."
3 Things You Need To Watch For When You Buy A New Car 1. How long has the engine been around? Is
it a brand new design? If so, think twice about buying. Why? Because while today's
technology is terrific, there's no substitute for the test track of real life. (Think of
North Dallas' LBJ or Fort Worth's stretch of I-30 through downtown as your test track.)
The software world has "patches" that are supposed to fix bugs in a program,
the automotive world's version is the "TSB" or Technical Service Bulletin...the
"how to fix the problem and shake out the bugs" guide for dealers to handle
those newly designed cars that come back for service problems.
2. How much of the engine is in plain view? The new "cab
over" designs are wonderful for consumers; more room inside the car...esthetically
pleasing, stylish body styles...great stuff. But look under the hood.
If you can't see a whole lot of the engine because it might be hidden by the firewall,
then consider how long you plan on keeping the car. Eventually the engine will need to be
worked on, and the more difficult it is to get to the engine and work on it or its related
components...you got it..the higher the bill's going to be.
3. Size of the interior compartment? It's a big car from the
outside, but have you actually sat in the backseat yourself? Many times the back seating
area is a lot smaller than you realize; and if you've got a growing family, don't even
think about just "eyeballing" the back seating area. Climb in there yourself and
if you've got a baby seat (or think you may be buying one/using one while you own the
car), take the time to strap it in the back seating area. There's never any replacement
fro sitting back there yourself. At least once, anyway!
5 Ways To Save Money
When You Buy That New Car
I'm always asked about the five most common
"add on" items that consumers are offered when they're about to buy a car. My
reasons for the following answers are based on my experience working on cars bought, sold
and operated in Texas, and may not apply to cars in other parts of the nation.
1. Extended warranties: In almost every case, I think
the consumer is better off passing on this option if they have to pay out of pocket (or
have it financed). These extended warranties run anywhere from $700-$900 or more and in
most instances, the warranty doesn't even go into effect until after the standard/factory
warranty expires. But even then, and what many consumers don't understand, is that these
extended warranties usually run for 5 years or 60,000 miles overall, not on top of the
manufacturer's warranty.2. Upholstery sealant: Also known as
"Scotchguard" can cost as much as $150 extra; the seats/upholstery are already
treated at the factory (they want to protect their investment, too!). Consumers can
accomplish the same thing by spending $20-$30 on cans of Scotchguard and treating the
inside of the car themselves upon taking delivery.
3. Undercoating: Supposed to protect from salt/road erosives and can
cost you anywhere from $90-$200. I've never seen a car that's been bought and used in
Texas ever suffer from under-carriage erosion. Besides, the under-aides of today's
cars/trucks/SUVs are already sealed and painted before they ever leave the factory.
4. Outside Paint Sealants: The auto has already been sealed several
times before it ever leaves the factory...the cost for additional sealant runs anywhere
from $150-$225 and up and frankly I believe it's not necessary.
5. Road service: Except for one brand in
particular, the rest sub-contract out this service to third parties. Consumers can do
better (financially) on their own and invariably get better results since it's a premium
service they personally subscribed for.
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