Cars - Repairs
tips on buying cars from the united states government
general tips - buying new - buying used - leasing - renting - repair
Whenever you take a vehicle to the shop:
• Choose a reliable repair shop recommended by family, friends or an independent consumer rating organization. Check out the repair shop’s complaint record with your state or local consumer protection office or Better Business Bureau.
• Describe the symptoms. Don’t try to diagnose the problem.
• Get more than one estimate in writing.
• Make it clear that work cannot begin until you have authorized it. Don’t authorize work without a written estimate. If the problem can’t be diagnosed on the spot, insist that the shop contact you for authorization once the trouble has been found.
• Don’t sign a blank repair order. Make sure the order reflects what you want done before you sign it.
• Follow the warranty instructions if a repair is covered under warranty.
• Ask the shop to keep the old parts for you.
• Get all repair warranties in writing.
• Keep copies of all paperwork.
Some states, cities and counties have special laws that deal with auto repairs. For information on the laws in your state, contact your state or local consumer protection office.
Auto Service Warranties and Contracts
Dealers may try to sell you an auto service contract or “extended warranty” when you buy a new or used car. A warranty comes with a new car and is included in the original price of the vehicle. A service contract is sold separately and is a promise to pay for certain repairs or services. Service contracts are usually high-profit add-ons, costing hundreds to more than $1,000. The service contract may duplicate warranty coverage you get from the manufacturer or dealer. Ask these questions:
• Does the dealer, the manufacturer, or an independent company back the service contract?
• What happens to your coverage if the dealer or administrator goes out of business?
• How are claims handled?
• Can you choose among several service dealers or repair centers or do you have to return to one dealer?
• Is your car covered if it breaks down on a trip or if you move out of town?
• Do you need prior authorization for repair work?
• Are there any exclusions or situations when coverage can be denied? Common repairs for parts like brakes and clutches generally are not included in service contracts. Failure to keep up manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance can void the service contract. The contract may also prohibit you from taking your car to an independent station for routine maintenance or performing the work yourself.
Recalls
If your car’s problem is a safety hazard, check whether your vehicle has been recalled by the manufacturer. Click on Recalls at www.nhtsa.dot.gov or call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-800-424-9393. Hazards that aren’t listed should be reported to NHTSA. Use the agency’s toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the agency’s web page for details on other reporting options: the Internet, fax and mail. There is no set number of reports needed before the agency will look into a problem. If a safety-related manufacturing defect exists, the maker must fix it at no cost to you - even if your warranty has expired. The company may also be asked to conduct a product recall. Follow-up by contacting the manufacturer’s zone representative or the dealer’s service department.
general tips - buying new - buying used - leasing - renting - repair
taken from http://www.consumeraction.gov/