A Federal Government incentive of $4,500 to trade your old clunker on a new vehicle may sound like a good idea, but like most of the other “stimulus” programs, it is a desperate attempt by those Federal “experts” at solving the financial woes of this nation. Throwing money at a problem has never been a solution, so why should you throw your money at a car dealership?

The modern automobile is the culmination of more than 100 years of development. Modern technology coupled with better metallurgy, production methods and design, have combined to provide drivers with sound transportation that will travel hundreds of thousands of miles without major repairs. If your “clunker” has made it this far, a wise investment might be to replace all the worn components and rebuild those that can be refurbished. The alternative is to go into debt for a new vehicle. Much like with the stimulus programs, debt isn’t the answer. A few thousand dollars reinvested in your old car is a lot better than a car note that is bigger than your mortgage payment.

In the forties and fifties, a vehicle with fifty thousand miles on it was ready for a valve-and-ring job, but today there are many vehicles with several hundred thousand miles on them that still don’t leak or consume oil. In fact, most “oil-burning” is from worn seals as opposed to the failure of major engine components.

So what are the major components that fail or that should be serviced and replaced on a regular basis?
o Brakes – The pads wear out and the calipers need servicing.
o Suspension – Shock absorbers, struts, constant velocity joints and control arms should be checked and replaced as necessary. Vehicle alignment is important to handling and tire wear.
o Tires – Should be kept at proper inflation levels, balanced and rotated to maximize their lifespan.
o Engine and lubrication service – Regular oil and filter changes will extend the life of your engine, transmission and differential.

These services performed at proper intervals, will extend the life of your vehicle. Even if you do have a major component failure, the repair costs are still far less than the cost of a new vehicle, even with the $4,500 stimulus and close-to-invoice pricing from desperate dealerships.

Rebuilding or replacing the engine, transmission, differential or other component is still less costly than a new vehicle purchase . . . and you don’t have a car payment to shoulder after paying for the repairs. Japanese car owners have another alternative; pre-owned engines imported from Japan. The Japanese government has mandated that no engine may be operated for more than 100,000 kilometers without being replaced. This is sixty thousand US miles. These slightly worn engines and transmissions are imported by enterprising companies and offered for a fraction of their value to repair shops. Most of them need nothing than minor adjustments or installation labor, to provide many years of service on the US freeways and Interstates.

Before you help the Feds bailout the auto industry, consider having your “clunker” repaired and serviced, as your own form of a stimulus to your pocketbook. An estimate from a competent, trustworthy auto service shop will probably show that the cost of getting your “ride” into top shape is less costly than you imagined . . . and you’ll still have that vehicle that has served you well so far.

Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at SW Engines. He writes about used transmissions, used BMW parts and other industry specific topics.

Author: Ronnie W Tanner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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