Where Can I Get My Car Fixed? Weighing Repair vs. Replacement in Today’s Market
Deciding whether to repair your car or buy a new one wasn’t much of a choice for me recently, and it might not be for you either, given the current automotive landscape. With new and used car prices soaring, even a significant repair bill on an older vehicle can surprisingly be the most sensible option.
Like many, I opted to keep my current car running instead of diving into the daunting car market this year. This wasn’t a rash decision; it was a calculated move after facing a major engine issue. If you’re wondering, “Where Can I Get My Car Fixed?” you’re likely also grappling with the repair-versus-replace dilemma, just as I was.
Have you checked car prices lately? The affordability of vehicles has become a major concern. The average price for a new car in January hit $48,641, while a used car averaged around $25,565 in December, according to Kelley Blue Book. To put it in perspective, my 2010 Ford Fusion Sport, which I bought for an MSRP of $29,545, seemed expensive then, and honestly, it still is.
For years, I managed to ignore the rising tide of new car costs. When you have a reliable car that’s paid off and requires only routine maintenance, it’s easy to postpone thinking about car shopping. However, reality struck during a holiday trip.
On the journey back from visiting family, my car started overheating. This happened on a Saturday night, and finding immediate service was impossible. We had to wait until Monday to get it checked, delaying our return home for work and school. Fortunately, the local Ford dealership in Pennsylvania was accommodating, even with a reduced technician team due to deer hunting season.
The news wasn’t good. The mechanic informed me that the water pump had failed, causing extensive engine damage, necessitating a complete engine replacement. The initial estimate was around $5,400 for a used engine with approximately 120,000 miles, accompanied by a mere one-month warranty. A second opinion from a mechanic recommended by my father-in-law offered a similar, slightly lower quote.
Faced with these options, I briefly considered renting a truck to tow the car back to Michigan, hoping for cheaper repair options closer to home. However, rental company policies and towing coverage limitations quickly dismissed that idea.
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We left the Fusion behind and rented a car to get home. This bought me time to explore alternatives, possibly purchasing a replacement vehicle. We are fortunate to have a second car, giving me some breathing room. Yet, managing daily life with only one car long-term seemed impractical. To be honest, I wasn’t enthusiastic about car shopping, and my search was half-hearted. The prices were discouraging. I was looking at either hefty new car payments or taking a gamble on a used car with unknown issues and considerable mileage.
Leasing seemed somewhat better, but the significant down payments and recurring monthly fees, along with the looming need to repeat the process in a couple of years, weren’t appealing.
Ultimately, none of the replacement options resonated with me. I asked my father-in-law to have his trusted mechanic provide another estimate. The diagnosis confirmed the Ford dealership’s assessment: the engine was beyond repair. However, this time, the recommendation was different. Instead of a used engine, the mechanic suggested installing a remanufactured engine. While the installation cost would be higher, the engine, sourced from Jasper Engines & Transmissions in Indiana, came with a far more reassuring three-year, 100,000-mile warranty. It was akin to giving my car a new lease on life, at least in terms of the engine.
This remanufactured engine option became my chosen path. The final bill included $1,900 for labor and $5,407 for parts, encompassing the engine, spark plugs, and about ten other components that were prudent to replace concurrently. Adding credit card fees and taxes, the total exceeded $7,900. I’m still working on optimizing that charge before a promotional interest rate expires.
My car isn’t pristine, but it’s in respectable shape, even with over 164,000 miles on the odometer and a few minor blemishes. Crucially, I’ve driven the vast majority of those miles myself, providing a clear history of its usage and care. In its initial years, I was meticulous about car care, regularly washing, waxing, and detailing, which likely contributed to its enduring good looks. While the ride isn’t as plush as it once was, it still handles well, and the familiarity and reliability are comforting.
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When my dad inquired about how the car drove after the repair, I initially said I didn’t notice much difference. However, since then, I’ve become more attuned to the engine’s sound upon starting. It runs smoothly and powerfully. It sounds like it’s ready for another 164,000 miles. For anyone wondering “where can I get my car fixed?”, sometimes the best solution isn’t about where, but about making a sound financial decision that keeps you on the road without breaking the bank in the long run. Repairing my trusted car, in this instance, proved to be the wiser choice compared to facing the inflated costs of the current car market.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: [email protected]. Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.
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