What to do if you can’t afford car repairs

It’s a fact of life that owning a car comes with ongoing expenses. Not only are regular services part of the package, there also may be occasions where repairs are required, which can jack up the costs. 

Whether you’ve been involved in an accident that’s ended in major damage to your vehicle’s body, or your car has broken down and it’s time for a new engine, repairs can be costly. If you find that your quoted service for a car repair in Redcliffe, Perth or surrounds is simply out of your depth, here are some potential pathways to consider. 

Consider a repair versus a replacement

It’s often wise to chat to your mechanic about the extent of the repairs required, and whether it’s worth the time and cost. A reliable and honest provider will be able to advise whether you’re better off saying goodbye to your current set of wheels and investing in a new car. In many cases, the idea of upgrading to a new vehicle makes more sense than simply repairing an old bomb, particularly if it’s only going to continue encountering problems. 

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with your mechanic

Depending on your provider, most mechanics aren’t totally heartless creatures! Hence, it can pay to have an honest chat with them about your circumstanced and find out whether there are ways to save on costs. 

Before launching into a sob story, however, it can be a good idea to prepare some queries you’d like to discuss – for instance, are there any discounts available? Is it feasible to set up a payment plan? Can you opt for used replacement parts over brand new ones? All of these avenues are worth exploring with your mechanic. 

Shop around for quotes

If you’re in a position where you can afford to spend some time carless, it can be worthwhile doing your research on estimated costs. Keep in mind that there are a few different ways mechanics may charge customers – namely, by the hour or by the job.

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend contacting between three and four providers to try suss out best rates. While you’re at it, don’t be afraid to let each provider know that you are indeed shopping around to find a solid deal on your car repairs. 

Look into car repair loans

There are plenty of services offering loans to help you out with the costs of car repairs. However, the abundance of such services can make it hard to find one that best suits you. If you decide to go down this track, it’s a good idea to approach your loan options with a few general features to consider.

Do your research and compare interest rates, familiarise yourself with the extent of fees (including establishment, ongoing and missed payment fees), find out the proposed repayment schedule and consider whether you can realistically meet payment dates, and investigate whether flexible repayments are an option to help you avoid ongoing interest charges.