 | Mike Sparkman is the owner/operator of Mastertech Transmission. He runs the company with the help of his wife Cheryl and their certified staff of experts. Their goal is to help people with the car problems, do it honestly, with quality, at a fair price. Mike and his team of experts have over 60 years combined experience in the transmission industry. They hold ATRA certification, and Mastertech is listed as a AAA approved service facility. You can contact Mike @ (316) 269-9590. |
Automotive Service & Repair
2010-10-01 10:11:00
Repair or replace?
Question: When one has an older car and it’s needing some repairs, is it more economical to repair it or replace it?
Answer: If you think replacing your ailing car will be more economical than fixing it, you may be heading up a blind alley. These days, an average car costs at least $20,000 to $25,000. When you figure in your monthly payment, taxes, fees and additional insurance costs, a new car can easily cost more than $2,400 to $3,000 in just the first six months! Compare that with a major repair, such as a transmission rebuild; even if the repair cost is $2,000, you’ll actually begin to save money within four to six months. Some other myths…have you ever heard that your old car will nickel-and-dime you to death. Not necessarily. There are many variables that affect how components wear and fail. These include maintenance, abuse and temperature. The best way to make sure that your car is worth fixing is to have it checked thoroughly by a qualified technician. Another myth is that newer cars are cheaper to operate. Don’t count on it. Sure, you’ll probably save a few bucks each week in gas and some of the familiar maintenance requirements, but those maintenance items have been replaced with other services. For example, to keep that fuel mileage high, plan on servicing the fuel and induction system about once a year. Also, emissions inspections are a lot tougher for newer cars, so there’s a good chance you’ll have to spend more to keep your car legal. A smarter way to save on your repair bill is to find a qualified repair shop, one that’ll make sure you’re paying an honest price and only for the work you need.
