A car is a big expense -- but here's some advice to help trim the cost.
First, there are a lot of great deals on new cars right now -- but think twice before you trade in your old one.
Consumer Reports has found that drivers can save more than $30,000 by keeping a car for 15 years instead of buying a new car every five years. So if you like your car - the trick is to maintain it.
"It's really key for consumers to do the scheduled maintenance on their vehicle and rally pay attention to it don't let things slide," advises Jonathan Linkov of Consumer Reports.
For example - don't let that oil change that's supposed to be done every 8,000 kilometers slide to 16,000 kilometers.
And you need to have a regular mechanic you trust. They know the vehicle and its history -and have an interest in keeping you coming back. If you don't have a regular mechanic, here are some tips for finding one.
If you're starting from scratch, look for a mechanic certified by the CAA or other member organization. Follow your owner's manual and question the mechanic if they want to do more than the manual says. They may be right -- parts can wear out early -- but they may want to do unnecessary work.
"Have them show you what's worn out and explain to you why, and show you the parts and ask to keep the parts at the end and make sure you have a written invoice stating the cost, taxes included," recommends BCAA's Dave Weloy.
Since the economic down turn auto mechanics report being inundated with old cars customers are trying to keep running.
Some cars are just going to be too far gone and will have to be scrapped.
American lawmakers have proposed a Cash for Clunkers bill; here in BC we have the Scrap It program. Under it you can get $2000 if you turn in a vehicle built before1995. It's a program aimed at improving air quality in the province.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
