Do-it-yourself repair work can save you time and money – in addition to giving you a lot of satisfaction. But doing it wrong can end up costing you more in time and money than you would have spent farming the work out to a professional mechanic – and sour you on the idea of...
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Is it harder – or easier – to work on “new” cars? Many people have been intimidated into submission – and don’t even check their car’s fluids anymore. This is too bad – because while it’s true new (and recent vintage) cars are more complex than cars have ever been, in some ways, they’re...
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It’s said – and it’s absolutely true – that one can save a great deal of money by avoiding new cars and buying used ones instead. Thirty-plus percent (sometimes more) off MSRP “sticker price” after just two or three years on the road. Much lower property taxes (where applicable). Usually much-reduced insurance costs –...
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Maybe you are thinking about doing some of the upkeep your car needs yourself. It’s a great way to save some money – and can be very satisfying, too. But it’s important to know what you’re doing – and do the job the right way, with proper tools and proper procedures. Hurting yourself –...
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While modern cars are more reliable at first and last longer – for awhile – after about 15 years, when their much more complicated systems begin to reach the end of their useful service life, modern cars become progressively more expensive to keep up and within a few years, uneconomic to keep. If you...
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People are understandably edgy about the Obama Recovery – not – and trying to avoid as many unnecessary expenses as they can. When it comes to your vehicle, there are some things you can cheap out on to save a few bucks – and some other things you shouldn’t neglect, even if it costs...
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Preventive care – and caring for your car yourself – can save you a lot of coin and a lot of hassle.Here are some practical tips to keep your car on the road – and money in your pocket: * Fuel system: All cars built since the late 1980s use some type of electronic...
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A garage full of tools is a beautiful thing, but not everyone has a garage – or the money to spend on a full array of tools. Or even needs them. But having a few basic items on hand can be extra-handy when some minor problem crops up – especially when you’re on the...
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Maybe the biggest single negative about modern cars is this: When they reach a certain tipping point – about 12-15 years after they left the factory – fixing them is either more trouble than it’s worth, too expensive or just can’t be done (because you can’t find parts for it anymore). For example: You...
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If you mess around with cars long enough, you’ll figure out ways of doing things that make the job easier. Here are five tips that have worked well for me over the years: * Hot water can sometimes be good to get into - Occasionally, a new radiator or heater hose will be a mother...
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