In these tough times the money crunch is felt by everyone. That’s why looking for value in everything you buy is so important. One of your biggest investments is your car, and getting value in servicing, repairing and maintaining it is crucial. Using a reputable repair shop, body shop, or tire store is of the utmost importance. So let me tell you about a couple of ways in which you can find value while servicing or repairing your car. Saving money by going to a shop that gives you the lowest price doesn’t always make it the best value. How are they able to provide you with a lower price? Where are they cutting costs?
When it comes to value, price is not the only thing to take into consideration. Is the person working on your car a certified technician? A technician who has received an ASE Certification has spent the time to learn as much as they can about the different operations of your vehicle. They have passed extremely difficult tests to receive their Certification and proudly wear the ASE patch. The ASE Certified technicians probably get paid more than non-certified mechanics, but their knowledge is priceless. They have the knowledge to properly diagnosis and repair your car the first time. In the automotive business, there are parts changers and technicians. The parts changers throw parts at your car until it’s fixed, the technician diagnosis your problem and fixes it replacing only what is necessary. As far as I’m concerned, that is a better value.
Another place where value comes into play is the quality of the replacement parts the shop is using. Are shops cutting costs by using the cheapest parts available to them? I’ve seen many places where they do that, but they don’t pass the savings onto the customer. You end up paying full list price for inferior parts. But a high quality, honest shop will provide you with the best parts they feel are needed for the job. Some shops even offer different levels of repair, leaving it to you to decide what level you want. You might want to use the best parts and do the most complete job, which is usually the best value. Or you might want to cut costs because of your circumstances at the time. Whatever the case may be, you should have a choice.
When I was much younger, I worked in an auto parts store in Granada Hills. It was owned by a man who was a self made millionaire. He started with one store and built his business up to nine. He sold the group of stores and retired at an early age. But he didn’t like retirement. He opened up a small store and hired me to be his Assistant Manager. I learned a lot from him, it was almost like he was my mentor. I’ll never forget what he used to say, “I’m too poor to purchase something cheap.” This was a millionaire telling me this. It sunk in, and stuck with me ever since. He was teaching me value. If you go for something cheap, chances are it is not going to last and you‘ll have to replace it. But if you buy something of value, that is better made and slightly more expensive, chances are it will last longer and be less expensive than buying the cheap thing twice.
Would you get a plumber, a painter, or a doctor without asking someone for a recommendation? Then why do you take a chance with your car? By using an LA Auto Referral, Inc. Certified Shop, you can rest assured that the shop you are going to has passed our stringent pre-screening and certification process before they are listed on our website, www.LAAutoReferral.com. We do your homework for you. So your best value when it comes to servicing your car is to use a high quality shop that employs ASE Certified technicians, and uses the best quality parts. They should give you with choices on the different levels of repairs available, and let you make up your own mind.
