I’m a Mechanic: 4 Common Money-Related Questions People Always Ask Me
Chris Pyle works as a full-time virtual mechanic on JustAnswer Cars, where he answers car-related questions online. He previously worked at Ford.
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During his decade-plus experience as an expert for JustAnswer, Pyle has fielded his fair share of money-related auto questions. These are the ones he gets the most.
Also here are a few common lies you are likely to be told by a mechanic.
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What ‘Extras’ Are Worth the Money?
Not every car upgrade is worth it, but Pyle said that these extras are worth the cost.
Tinted Windows
Tinted windows are not just an aesthetic upgrade — they are also functional.
“They keep you cooler and help prevent sun damage to your interior,” Pyle said.
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Undercarriage Seal
If you live in an area where they salt the roads, this treatment can be worth the cost.
“Use a quality wax paint treatment that lasts a long while and helps protect your paint from hard water, the sun and environmental things,” Pyle said.
High-Quality Floormats
“Better floormats catch rocks and mud so the carpet is not ruined or damaged,” Pyle said.
How Much Should I Expect To Pay for My Repair?
Many car owners asked Pyle how much they should expect to pay for a specific car repair to ensure they are getting a fair price.
“There is not an easy way to answer that because there are a gazillion different failures a car can have,” Pyle said. “Also, you have to factor in using original equipment manufacturer parts or cheaper aftermarket ones.
“And you also have to factor in doing the repair yourself, paying an independent shop or paying a dealership,” he added. “The labor rates can range from $90 to $160 an hour.”
Although prices can vary, Pyle said that these are the average costs for some of the most common car repairs:
Battery replacement (parts and labor): $240
Brake pad replacement: $180 to $240 per axle
Transmission issues (diagnose, remove, rebuild, reinstall): $1,200 to $4,000
Diagnosing why a warning light is on: $90 to $300
What Advice Do You Have for Buying a Car on a Budget?
If you’re buying a car on a budget, Pyle said it’s important to pay attention to the potential repair costs in addition to the sticker price.
“No one likes paying for car repairs — but they are needed, so you need to be ready and expect it,” Pyle said. “Buy a car that you can afford the repairs on.”
The cost to repair a car can vary dramatically based on the model. For example, to replace the transmission of a 2013 Mini Cooper, you can expect to pay around $8,100; it will cost around $2,300 for the same repair for a 2013 Kia Sorento, he said.
“Do your research to see what the worst-case scenario is once the car is out of warranty,” he said. “Buy a car that is worth fixing, repairs are cheap and parts are easily available.”
What Car Models Do You Recommend for Buyers on a Budget?
Even if you can afford it, Pyle doesn’t recommend splurging on an expensive vehicle.
“New or used, I would not recommend any vehicle over $50,000,” he said. “No car is worth driving a house payment — you will not be able to afford to maintain it or repair it.”
Pyle said there are many new cars in the $20,000 to $40,000 range that “will do all you need.”
“Although I am a Ford man, those 10-year, 100,000-mile warranties from Kia and Hyundai are pretty nice,” he said. “I own a 2013 Sorento that never used the warranty and it has needed basically no repairs at 130,000 miles now.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Mechanic: 4 Common Money-Related Questions People Always Ask Me