The Expensive Nightmare of Automobiles

Raise your hands if you hate money sucking cars!

Recently, my husband and I had really bad luck with our cars. While helping our friends pick up a changing table close by, we were greeted by a huge piece of metal in our Jeep's tire. Poor Sally.

Annihilated Tire

This is what I do while my husband changes the tire.

Up close to the wound.

Long story short, Geico would only tow us 5 miles before charging us. This was at 11 PM on a Saturday night. We were not excited. Luckily, we had pulled off in a fairly quiet part of town 20 miles from home, so we were safe to leave our poor three legged car overnight! We left a note in the windshield just in case. To be safe, I called the local police department to make sure we were okay to park there and that we wouldn't be ticketed. The lovely dispatch had NO idea and couldn't tell me anything. Thankfully, though, we were not punished :)

The next morning, we were able to purchase a new tire close by for only $40! This included the new tire and installation. We were pleased.

So technically, my real reason for this post is to show you:

"How to Not Pay an Arm and a Leg 

(and Possibly Your First Child) on Cars" 

post!

That was a bit too long to be a real title, but there it is! :)


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Here is what I suggest you start doing NOW!

1. Research! Know what your car insurance will and will not do. AAA is really nice for roadside assistance.

2. Know the area you are in! If traveling, research the route and your point B for all mechanics and shops. Google, Yelp, and Yellow Pages are really good resources.

3. Ask friends! This is my favorite resource! Grill anyone and everyone you know about the experiences they've had with local shops.

4. Call around. We have saved hundreds, literally, because we called around to check pricing. Most shops will do what you *think* is wrong, but won't tell you all of the problems until the end. Make sure they explain everything before they change anything! (We thought our brakes were out on the scooter, but it turns out they only needed to be tightened! It ended up being $10 instead of $100! Phew!)

5. Get a crash course on cars. Ask a friend or neighbor to show you the ropes, even if it's basic, such as:

• Changing tires
• Keeping a spare tire in the trunk
• Tire pressure
• Jumping a car
• Checking oil and fluid levels
• Listening for odd noises
• Being aware of your car's warning signs (check engine light)
• Keeping your car's owner manual in the glove box
• Keeping jumper cables in your car

6.  Make sure you get your oil changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles! This is HUGE! I drive a '95 Toyota. I can tell you now that I get awesome MPG because I change my oil often!

7. Stay calm! Don't rush and waste money at the first place you see or remember. I know it's much easier just to pay rather than worry, but that's why we stay prepared!

8. Keep an eye out for coupons and promotions! Newspapers, back of receipts, mailers, etc. This is how we found out favorite mechanic! He is so honest and the least expensive we've ever seen!

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On the way back from changing my husband's tire, we discovered my brakes had completely gone out. The cylinder was also shot (can you tell I have no idea what that means? Haha!). I was not a happy camper. I ended up crying like a little girl. My husband just held me and made me a spinach and strawberry smoothie. What a stud.

My car was a little more pricey; about $300. We went to our trusted mechanic down the street. (He snagged us a few months ago with his super cheap oil changes ad!) Even though it was expensive, I was happy knowing it was good ole' Caesar fixing my car!

For my local readers, this was Provo Car Medic! They are located at: 

660 E 300 S St  Provo, UT 84606

(801) 370-3333

I would honestly travel miles and miles to go to them!

Throughout this whole ordeal, my husband and I were able to pay for everything in cash. We have a few different savings habits, such as a cash stockpile, a money jar, and bank savings. Unfortunately, we had to spend our "play money", but it was nice not to have to put it on credit or pull it from our checking accounts!

Are there any other tips or tricks that have worked for you? Please share with us!