If continued, President Trump’s tariff policy will increase the cost of buying a new car, increase car repair costs or increase the cost of maintaining an old car. Despite the President delaying most tariffs for 90 days, the 25 percent tariff on vehicle imports and auto parts and the 145 percent tariff on goods imported from China remain in effect. This means the auto industry was not given the same relief as many other industries. The auto industry is heavily integrated into international supply chains, heavily relying on Mexico, Canada, and China to supply parts. Increased costs mean repairing your new car is a more expensive proposition and requires Arizona car owners to be smart customers who take care of their current vehicle and find the best deals when they need to make a repair. When costs go up, you must be a smart car owner. Here are a few tips to help Arizonans navigate increased car repair costs.
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Know the car repair market
Knowing how to find a good deal means understanding the current car repair market. The market we knew even a month ago is different; tariffs are changing everything. Many quotes are only good for 30 days, and these shorter-term quotes are going up in price. There are many delays in parts because suppliers must constantly adjust their pricing. If you are quoted for any repair, good luck keeping it if you put off repairs. Auto shops and parts suppliers are more reactive to tariff news and are raising their prices immediately. Don’t be surprised to see anywhere between a 15 and 40 percent increase in the cost of repairing your car if tariffs remain in effect.
A deal is more than the cheapest price
Costs are going up, which means now is the time to be smart with your money when it comes to your car. When looking for a mechanic, you are not looking for the cheapest price. You are looking for the best value. This means you are looking for a deal that meets three standards. You are getting quality work, at a fair price, and with a good shop warranty. Those three things equate to value. When you are quote shopping, the goal should not be to pit mechanic A against mechanic B on pricing. You can play that game if you want, but you will work with mechanics who cut corners to get to that low price. Good mechanics know their price and back up their work with a strong warranty. Shop around, learn the market, and get a competitive quote, but avoid running to the cheapest auto shop. Good mechanics know the market, so their pricing should be similar. This means you need to check customer reviews and see how long they have been in business to gauge which option works for you.
If you do your research, you can ask yourself, “Does the repair and the price make sense?” Listen to your gut. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t hire a mechanic because they will give you 10 percent off. Be prudent and look at the long-term effects of your repair. A 10 percent discount is not worth it if it means you are repaying for the same major repair shortly down the road.
Avoid the car repair money pit
The cost to buy a new car is too high right now, so it is often more economical to maintain and repair your current vehicle. However, if you are fixing an older car, it is essential to be prudent and know the value of your vehicle. Don’t look at the car from an emotional standpoint. You should always ask, “Does spending x amount repairing my car make financial sense?” It does not make sense to pay $3,000 for repairs on a $2,500 car. However, a six-year-old Toyota Tacoma or a similar vehicle that holds its value well will be more than worth that $3,000 price tag.
At some point, an older car will not be worth the repair cost, and it will be more economical to buy a new one or shop around for a used one in good condition. Know your car’s value so you can avoid pumping a lot of money into a clunker.
Conduct routine maintenance and keep a record
A car is like a human being. As we both get older, the likelihood of things breaking increases. Preventive care is essential for humans and vehicles, and you don’t want to wait for something bad to happen before you go to the doctor or mechanic. Conduct routine maintenance on your car; It will keep your vehicle running, prevent breakdowns, and ultimately save you money. This also means keeping an emergency fund on hand, so you have the money to make repairs when needed. Any good mechanic can help you project the operating cost of maintaining your vehicle at your current mileage. This excludes significant repairs due to an accident or parts wear and tear.
Record every single piece of maintenance you do to your vehicle. Keeping records shows potential buyers you take care of your car and increases its value when it is time to sell. Your car is a valuable piece of equipment. Treat it like one.
Tariffs on the auto industry will increase consumer prices. This means Arizona car owners need to be educated consumers and find value in a more expensive market. Know the market, know the value of your car, and maintain the vehicle you own. Doing these things will help you save money on increasingly costly car repairs.
Author: Gary Hindenes is the Owner of Gary’s Automotive Repair, an auto repair shop in Chandler, Arizona.
