Sticker shock can go beyond purchase
Maintenance can prove to be a wallet-killer
Every day, consumers are surprised at the costs of keeping their rides on the road and in good condition. Some of these expenses are expected, such as routine oil changes and tire replacements, but others can come right out of the blue, such as MercedesBenz requiring brake fluids be changed every 24 months in its products.
One of the biggest categories of wallet hits comes when consumers step up to a different brand of vehicle, specifically luxury vehicles or less- popular models with relatively unique equipment and features.
As any car buyer will tell you, it’s easy to become vehicle-poor with high monthly finance payments, insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs eating greedily into budgets.
Another ingredient in this recipe for financial stress is the ultra- competitiveness of traditionally higher-end automakers lowering the costs of initial acquisition in attempts to get buyers to deflect from their less- expensive mainstream models to their luxury products.
So, when you’re tempted to move on up to the good times, here are a few questions to ask the right people, and tips to consider in your decision-making process.
Synthetic engine oil: Many vehicles now require full synthetic engine oil and some blends are only available through dealerships. This step up can easily triple or quadruple the cost of a routine service that, depending on your distance travelled, may need to be done several times a year. While you’re waiting for your salesperson’s “manager” to “approve” your deal, ask the retailer’s service department consultant. Also inquire if its synthetic oil brand is needed to keep the engine warranty in effect, or if other brands will do.
Tires: When the wheel size grows and the side walls shrink, the price skyrockets. Wheel rim sizes seem to grow every year. While 14-, 15- and 16- inch wheels were the norm a few decades back, now even smaller vehicles are running on 17- inch and larger sizes. To get these oversized wheels to fit, carmakers have resorted to lower- profile tires. If you’re kicking tires on a dealer’s lot, take a moment to check their sizes. If the profile size is below 60 ( the two middle digits of the size, such as P235/ 60R18) the price will soar the same way it does when the wheel size ( the last two digits) hits 18 or higher.
Brakes: This shock isn’t as common as tires and oil prices, but replacing the brakes is an inevitable part of owning a vehicle. When you get into the realm of performance brakes, prices f or a standard re- l i ning job can equal or exceed a monthly car payment. If you frequent an independent or non- dealership repair facility for most of your needs, this is the best place to ask your maintenance and repair questions for unbiased answers that may provide you with less- expensive alternatives.