HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-06-04, Page 7THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4,1997 PAGE 7.
Is replacing your old car worth the hassle?
Is your old car squeezing you
for everything you're worth? Are
you fighting the urge, with every
last ounce of determination, to
head for the dealer's showroom or
used car lot? Well, whether it's the
once-trusty old family sedan, the
once-shiny sports car or the pick
up that was once the envy of
truckers from across the country,
your once-prized vehicle probably
repre-sented a sizeable
investment.
Thinking about investing
perhaps no more than the amount
of a down-payment to fix it up
may just make the soundest
financial sense. A little money
can go a long way toward
upgrading a car.
Here’s how to consider this
option objectively:
1. Visit a mechanic and let him
inspect your car. After compiling
a list of mechanical needs, he can
approximate the cost to put it
back in good shape. If the car is
paid for, you’ll probably save
money by giving it a new lease on
life. Further, by having it
repaired, you can make your car
serviceable for another two to
three years while saving toward
its replacement. After all, you'll
even have more value to bargain
with when you're ready to trade!
2. Diagnosing mechanical
problems is one consideration, but
how about a manicure? Car
owners should look to buffing out
the paint job, fixing denied
fenders or
replacing
missing trim.
Some touch-up
work or
perhaps a new
paint job may
be needed.
How about pin
stripes or
adding rims to
dress up the
tires a bit?
3. Next, look al the interior.
Does the fabric need to be cleaned
and/or repaired? Would a sun roof
make "Old Faithful" snazzier?
To estimate the costs of a
cosmetic upgrading, you'll need
the help of a body and
paint shop plus an
upholstery and trim
professional.
If you decide to
revamp the car you
already own, de
pending upon the
extent of the project,
you may need a little
help from your bank.
Most banks will be
eager to finance a loan
for repairs on an older car — the
sum will be less and therefore a
reduced risk. The customer's
payments will be smaller and on a
shorter term.
So the options beckon:
• a new car that may strain the
budget and depreciate greatly
once you drive off the lot;
• a used car that's an unknown;
and
• the once-beloved car you
already own.
Remember, regardless of the
work your car requires, it won't
likely be as costly as the first two
options! Pul the pencil to it and
arrive at a conclusive figure. Treat
your car to a makeover or an
upgrade and, in return, it will give
you extended years of driving
enjoyment.
Programs to help you shop smarter
Aside from choosing a make and model, one of the most
important decisions facing the car buyer is who to buy from.
Motor-vehicle experts at Ontario's consumer ministry want
car buyers to know about two programs that can help them
make a well-informed choice.
The buyer of a car less than four years old may be protected
by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (OMVAP) and
a vehicle of any age is covered under the Motor Vehicle
Dealers Compensation Fund (MVDCF), provided it was
bought from a provincially registered dealer.
OMVAP is an arbitration program to settle disputes between
consumers and auto producers when cars driven for personal
or family use - not commercial vehicles - show signs of
manufacturing defects.
"Whether you bought a Lamborghini or a Land Rover, if it's
a lemon you may be awarded compensation for repairs or
even replacement of the vehicle under this plan," says Bob
Pierce, the ministry's registrar of motor vehicles. "OMVAP
provides an alternative to court action with no cost to the
consumer."
Because the plan is funded by manufacturers and importers
of cars in Ontario, only residents of the province may apply
for arbitration.
When applications are made to OMVAP's central office, the
files are handled by one of six branches of the Better Business
Bureau across the province or the Arbitration and Mediation
Institute of Ontario. One of the offices will contact the
applicant and ask for any documents needed for the case. A
neutral third party will then be assigned to arbitrate.
Most people who call OMVAP to inquire about
the program don’t file a claim. However, the
majority of those who do file receive an award.
As well as the protection against mechanical defects offered
by OMVAP, car buyers are protected by another safety net
when they buy from a dealer - the Motor Vehicle Dealers
Compensation Fund.
This fund is sponsored by dealers and applies to any vehicle
sold by a car dealer registered in Ontario. If the dealership
goes bankrupt or doesn't deliver a car you have paid for, you
can apply for compensation of up to $10,000.
For more information on buying a car, including private
sales, write or call for a free copy of a brochure. They are
available from the Consumer Information Centre, 1st Floor,
555 Yonge St., Toronto, or call 326-8555.
Protect from summer heat
Summertime temperatures and
heat from your car's engine can
cause motor oil to lose viscosity or
become thinner, resulting in an
overheated automobile.
Engineers suggest checking the
owner's manual to select the correct
motor oil viscosity grade. A SAE
10W30 or 10W40 motor oil is
recommended for year-round use
where there is a seasonal temperature
change. The majority of late model
cars suggest a SAE 5W3O or 10W30
motor oil. For areas with consistently
warm climates, experts recommend
using a thicker oil such as SAE
20W40 or 20W50 motor oil. It is a
good rule of thumb to change the oil
every 5,000 kms (3,000 miles).
They also emphasize the
importance of closely monitoring
engine oil levels and changing the
oil and oil filter. With an increased
emphasis being placed on self
service, it is important to check your
oil often and not to let the level get
down below one quart. Engines on
the new cars often hold less oil than
in years past, magnifying the
problem of running low on oil. The
^1 simply has to work harder, and it
is prudent to use a high quality oil.
Here are six easy steps for
changing your own oil and saving
money, too. You will need: an oil
filter wrench, the amount and type of
motor oil recommended for your
car's engine, an oil filter, a wrench to
remove the drain plug, and a low,
wide pan to catch the used oil.
• Step 1: Position car in a safe
spot. Run engine up to operating
temperature, then turn off. Set the
parking brake.
• Step 2: Place drain pan under the
car beneath the oil drain plug. Use
the wrench to loosen the drain plug.
The oil will be hot, so watch your
hands.
• Step 3: Next, remove the oil
filter with the filter wrench by
turning counter-clockwise. Be
careful not to turn the oil filter
upside down because it will be filled
with oil.
• Step 4: After allowing enough
time to drain the oil fully, replace
and tighten the oil drain plug, and
install the new oil filter. Use your
finger to put a light film of oil on the
filter gasket and tighten the new
filler by hand to ensure a tight seal.
• Step 5: Check the owner's
manual for the oil fill location and
add new oil. Use the proper weight
for your car and climate.
• Step 6: Dispose of the used oil in
an environmentally safe and legally
recognized manner.
SHARP DEALS
Jeff Cook
Licenced Class 'A* Mechanic
Box 608, Clinton, ON
JC AUTO REPAIR
ON QUALITY - CLEAN
READY-TO-GO
USED CARS
Great Savings on
These Used Cars &
Trucks. Some One
Owner Low Mileage.
1995 Tauras GL - loaded,
4 door
1994 Ford Tempo GL -
4 door with air
1993 GMC Half ton pickup
with fiberglass top
1992 Grand Caravan LE,
loaded
1991 Grand Marquis -
4 door, loaded
1989 Olds Custom Cruiser
Station Wagon - air and
other options
1988 Chev Caprice
Brougham - 4 door, loaded
1987 GMC Pickup - V8, with
topper, good condition
238 Albert St. (Hwy. #4 N.) CLINTON
(519) 482-1143
~ Repairs to all makes of cars and trucks. ~
HAMM’S
BLYTH
PHONE 523-4342
CARTER’S WEST END GARAGE
AND BODY SHOP
EXHAUST AND BRAKE COMPLETE COLLISION REPAIR
SPECIALISTS AND PAINTING
WHEEL ALIGNMENT & BALANCING
TOWING
OWNER-OPERATOR
HARVEY CARTER
215 HURON ST., BOX 728 PH: (519) 482-9363
CLINTON, ONT. N0M 1L0 FAX (519) 482-3534
DAN'S AUTO REPAIR
- COMPLETE MECHANICAL SERVICE -
COMPUTERIZED TUNE-UPS - TIRES - BRAKES
MUFFLERS - VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION
Owned and Operated by
Dan & Heather Snell
RR 3, Blyth, Ont. NOM 1HO
(on the Westfield Rd.)
DAN SNELL, Automotive Technician
523-4356
i r
r WING HAM V
y
Certified Used Cars & Repairs to
all makes and models
Box 874 North St. W.
Wingham, Ont. NOG 2W0