Why Is $100 The Unit Of Measure?
Seems these days, when getting your car fixed, that nothing is under $100. It’s like $100 has become the unit of measure for automobiles. And it really makes me angry. For example, I took the Lumina to Dobbs Tire & Auto to get the battery changed out.
Let me go on a tangent about this Chevy Lumina. Now it’s a beautiful car, don’t get me wrong, but the maintenance is a bear. First, it has ‘special’ wheels. They’re a thinner tire…I think it’s like a fifteen-inch wheel instead of fourteen like every other Lumina, so when the tires need replacing, go ahead and add three ‘car mechanic units’ or $300. When the battery has to be replaced, they have to move a bar and remove the washer fluid reservoir, so that’s an extra ‘car mechanic unit’. You can see where this is adding up. I hate that car.
Anyway, so I went to Dobbs and got the battery changed. The best part: they were out of the silver battery and all they had was the $10 more-expensive gold battery. Nearly two ‘car mechanic units’ lighter in the wallet, thank you very much. That’s like the cost of a couple golf bags or something. It’s ridiculous.
How many ‘car mechanic units’ did your last repair cost? Share it in the comments and we’ll have good rant together.
August 19th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Ugh. The only reason I don’t have to shell out very many “car mechanic units” is because I know a couple of mechanics who do a good job cheap, and since they know my mom, they even cut me deals on top of it.
The one time I didn’t go to them I ended up shelling out $600 for a tune up and oil change. o.O
Joanas last blog post…This Really Isn’t Fair
August 19th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Finding a good, local mechanic is the way to go. Len’s Auto Repair in Overland, MO is where I take my vehicle. Of course, he might not be close to you, but finding one that is is the way to drastically reduce your maintenance costs. Also, doing simple car repairs yourself (changing the battery, wiper blades, headlights, tail lights, etc.) can also save you a ton of “car mechanic units.”
August 20th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
The Yuppie Wagon (read: Volvo) is a bear on yearly maintenance. I keep up with oil changes, etc as much as I can (read: husband), but sometimes the car just insists on going to the Dealer. I don’t think I’ve ever walked out of there under $1200. Really happy that car is paid for though!