Now and then the dreaded car repair rears its head

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

When I can plan for repairs, I check online sellers for deals. Among the good places my daughter (she's manager at a national auto service chain) and I found are https://www.rockauto.com/

Learning to do your own maintenance is a money saver and many youtube videos can help with that.

If you have minor damage and/or just can't afford the new part try:
http://www.uneedapart.com/

When I needed a new outside rear-view mirror the dealer wanted about $150 but a place I connected with in Nebraska on uneedapart got me one for $40 including shipping.

I have a good long term relationship with my repair guy who's happy to charge for labor only.

[SusanCalvin]

1. Thank you for the info.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

3. You're welcome

[rusty quoin]

2. That's some good planning.

What use to get us were things like "the dreaded transmission", or the AC, in which you just wind down the windows and hope that traffic starts to move.

We had a Mercury sable that lasted us 10 years +. It had a few problems, though nothing big, and we had financial problems. The transmission finally went out, but we are in a much better place. I am thankful for that car.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

4. I'm driving a '92 Lumina that owes me nothing

I'm so grateful to have it.

[shadowrider]

11. I have

a 16 year old pickup that still runs like new. It's been paid for for forever. It's SO nice NOT to have a car/truck payment, especially when scraping by.

Change the oil every 3,000 miles and the repairs, considering its age and mileage, are negligible.

[Melurkyoulongtime]

5. Thanks for the info...

I'm going to need it! I just purchased a new-to-me '97 Jeep Cherokee last month (woohoo!) and just had to replace the battery and starter on Monday/Tuesday this week, rofl. I got a decent deal for my area on that but every little bit helps and I will definitely check it out next time.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

6. You're welcome

Good luck with your Jeep.

[w0nderer]

7. spending a couple of hours scouring internet or used bookstores

or even asking mechanics (some are willing to sell older books)

haynes manuals i think they are called
for every car me and my ex owned, i found one

first (saturn 1994 ) it saved over $2k
second plymouth it saved $1.4k


bet you treat that repair guy nice though and that is key...nice saves money often

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

8. The manuals are a good idea but getting hard to find

I've been with my mechanic for like 15 years. At one point I had an extra Mr Coffee so I gave it to them. Just good will.

[w0nderer]

9. they are getting hard to find, but giving pizza, coffee or anything

[w0nderer]

10. i find the books easy nuff to find in pdf or

in hard copy in used bookstores
for older cars at least