Unexpected car repairs are among the most common emergency expenses for American households. Since our vehicles are a necessary part of our everyday routine, the thought of being without one or having to fork over a substantial amount of money for repairs is anxiety-inducing.
Adding to that anxiety is the need to make a decision on the spot. Unlike buying a vehicle, you have less time to decide after receiving an estimate from the service department. When a vehicle is on the showfloor, it still belongs to the dealer, but when it’s your car in the shop, it’s a different story. That pressure can be hard to cope with, especially given the higher dollar amount.
Here are six strategies you can use if you are looking at an expensive repair bill. Put these to work before you approve any work being done on your car.
Seek a second opinion
Best way to compare rates and estimates
Getting a second opinion is solid advice for medical procedures and legal proceedings, but it can also work in your favor when budgeting for an expensive car repair. While it’s a good way to compare rates and estimates, a second set of eyes on your vehicle can also confirm which repairs it actually needs.
If you live in a large metropolitan area, the manufacturer of your vehicle may have more than one dealer in the area. Even if you purchased your vehicle from one dealership, you can still visit another to receive a second opinion about upcoming repairs.
You can also try calling a brand-adjacent dealership to see if they can schedule your vehicle. For example, although Buick and GMC dealerships are paired together, those shop technicians receive training from General Motors and can also work on Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles. Likewise, Honda dealers can work on Acuras. Nissan dealers can do the same for Infiniti vehicles, and Toyota dealers can service Lexus.
If you are looking at a potentially expensive repair bill, it might be worth getting a second opinion from another dealership beforehand.
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Consult an independent shop
Lower overhead can mean savings
Many independent service facilities and “mom and pop shops” have lower overhead than large dealerships and can pass those savings onto the consumer. One primary example is labor rates, which can be $20 to $40 per hour lower than at a dealership.
Independent mechanics may also recommend more aftermarket parts to complete the repair on your vehicle, which can help lower the cost. Although there are bad apples, good independent shops and mechanics know which aftermarket parts are high-quality and which are not. In some cases, the same company that makes the aftermarket part also makes the OEM part. However, since it does not have the OEM branding, it’s less expensive.
More direct communication is another reason people cite for choosing an independent repair facility. Unlike talking to a service advisor at a dealership, you are more likely to speak with the mechanic directly at an independent shop. For some, this leads to greater peace of mind, in addition to a potentially lower bill.
Prioritize when there are multiple repairs
Not everything needs to be done right now
When you receive the diagnostic report for your vehicle and a summary of the repairs, you might be able to wait on some of them.
As a good rule of thumb, anything safety-related should come first, including your brakes, tires, suspension, steering, wipers, and headlights and taillights. A close second is anything needed for your vehicle to start each morning, the most notable being the battery.
From there, address items that, if they malfunction, could cause more damage to your engine. For example, if the multi-point inspection revealed cracks in the serpentine belt, that is something to consider replacing as soon as possible. If the belt snaps, it’s like a whip flying around in the engine bay.
After that, you can address items like a slight fluid leak or cosmetic blemishes and scratches.
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Instant approval programs
Consider the fine print
Some dealerships may offer financing, a credit card, or a “buy now, pay later” program in their service department. These options can help if you need your vehicle fixed right away without dipping into your savings or paycheck, but there is fine print to consider.
Ask for clarification when it comes to any promotions or marketing language, such as “no interest” or “instant approval.” It’s possible these programs are working on deferred interest with an elevated APR, meaning if the balance is not paid off before the end of the promotional period, you are responsible for interest on the entire amount of the repair bill.
While an expensive vehicle repair never comes at a good time, you also don’t want to drop yourself further into debt six to eight months from now. It’s okay to use these programs if they make sense for you. Just make sure you abide by all the guidelines when it’s time to make the payments.
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Try to negotiate a lower bill
Ask and you may receive
You can try a few negotiation tactics to bring the bill down. While this might not work in all instances, in my experience as a dealership trainer, if you are courteous and professional, many dealers and shops will work with you.
If you have received a second opinion, you can mention that a competitor offered you a lower estimate. You can also ask if your past loyalty can be rewarded in this situation. In other words, make it clear you did your due diligence, but would rather keep bringing your car to a place where it has its service history.
Ask for clarification on parts and labor if it’s not already provided. Negotiating on the cost of a part or the labor rate is easier individually than if they are grouped together in one estimate. Also, ask for clarification if you notice additional fees or surcharges. Try to get a sense of how (and if) those fees apply to the specific repairs needed for your vehicle.
Cut your losses
It might not be worth fixing your car after all
At some point, a vehicle can start to “nickel and dime” you to no end. If you are debating between fixing it and getting a new one, sometimes it’s best to cut your losses. To help determine the best course of action, look up your vehicle’s current market value or ask the dealership what they will give you on trade-in. Balance that figure against the pending repair bill.
For example, let’s say you have a $2,500 repair bill. Divided by 12, that’s $208 per month. Is that $208 a month justified? If you do all the repairs on your current vehicle, will you keep it long enough in order for that $208 a month to be worth it? Or is that $2,500 better as a down payment on a different car with fewer miles and warranty?
Asking questions like that can help you decide whether to fix your current car or trade it for something different. Generally speaking, if your vehicle is seven to 10 years old and has over 100,000 miles, it might be worth trading for something newer.
Take it one step at a time
Budgeting for an expensive, unexpected vehicle repair can be challenging. By seeking a second opinion, calling around to independent shops, and checking trade-in values, you can make the process a little easier. At the end of the day, you don’t have to be a master mechanic to advocate for your vehicle and your finances. Use the tips above the next time you need to take your car in for service.
