FAQ's
Q.
I have a brand new car, will my warranty be voided if I use a mechanic other than the main dealer for my routine services?
A.
No, definitely not. You are free to use any mechanic that you chose. There are certain brands of product that have to be used to maintain the warranty, but any mechanic can carry out the service. Ensure that they stamp & date your log book at each service. It will often save you large sums by having your car serviced at a workshop other than the main dealership. Smaller workshops have lower overheads & do not need to charge as much.
Q.
I bought a second hand car from a dealer, it had a road worthy certificate, but the vehicle has problems & I am not sure that it is in a road worthy condition, what should I do?
A.
Unfortunately, there are still a few unscrupulous dealers around who will supply a vehicle with a dodgy road worthy certificate. They are not legally liable if the certificate is within date at the time of purchase. The person who has signed the certificate is liable. Have the car rechecked by a reliable mechanic. If the vehicle is not road worthy Dept of Transport & Dept Fair Trading.
Q.
How can using your fair price system help save me money?
A.
We have seen repair & maintenance jobs over quoted by huge amounts. By knowing exactly what you should be paying, you can be sure you are getting a fair deal.
Q.
How much can I expect to save?
A.
The amount may vary. When we had our workshop, we often had customers who had used well known chain businesses in the past & had been vastly overcharged, sometimes by a few hundred dollars.
Q.
Does my location affect the fair quote that you provide for me?
A.
All fair quotes provided take into account the area (postcode) provided by member’s at registration. They are accurate for that area.
Q.
Why are the big business chains a problem?
A.
They may advertise certain specials such as services at knock down prices, but then once they have your vehicle, they may tell you that the brakes need changing, or the suspension, or some other problem that in fact does NOT need attention & will persuade you to pay extra to get it fixed. They buy parts in bulk & they work on weekly targets. They mostly work on bonus schemes for the staff, the more work they pump through, the more they get paid.
Q.
I am wanting to buy a used car, can I get it checked out before I buy?
A.
Most mechanics will check a car over for you & only charge you an hour labour. An RAC report will give you a detailed list including all minor paint chips etc. A mechanic will just list the flaws that may affect the road worthy. A mechanic does not have to be a listed road worthy station to offer this service. If the individual or dealer selling the car does not want you to take the car to be checked then it is worth reconsidering the deal, he may be trying to hide something. The report could be the best money you spend & could save you a fortune in the long run. Remember most salesmen are NOT mechanics, they just want to sell you a car, they may not be aware of all it’s faults.
Q.
Are extended warranties for used vehicles worth the expense?
A.
Read the small print…ALL of it!! There are a lot of problems that may occur that will be excluded under the warranty. Certain makes & models are prone to certain problems. Discuss it with a mechanic who can give you specific advice for the make & model you are buying.