How to afford expensive car repairs when you just don’t have any spare money?

Fixing a broken car isn’t top of our lists when it comes to spending money, but needs must. To be able to keep our cars safely on the roads some repairs are essential. Doesn’t matter where you are you can always find a suitable car garage.

Need to get your car repaired, but can’t afford it? 

Here are a few funding options to consider.

Ways To Afford Expensive Car Repairs

Shop Around For Car Repair Quotes

Not all repair centres will charge the same prices for repairs.

Consider collecting quotes from repair centres in your area and comparing them with others to find the one that is the best suited to you. Companies like Hail Specialists auto body and paint are known for their outstanding work, so try to choose a company of the same calibre. Just try to be wary of repair centres offering low prices to make up for a bad reputation.

Some big name mechanics will charge more per hour for their labour than others. Depending on the type of repair required this can amount up. For more timely work such as a damaged engine cylinder head, you are going to be paying for a lot of hours and costly new parts, so it’s best to ensure you are paying the best rate you can get.

Consider A Loan For Car Repairs

Another option could be to take out a loan.

Borrowing money could allow you to get repairs you need and pay back the costs over a longer period in smaller instalments. If it’s an emergency cost, you may be better off considering this avenue over others.

 You could even use a credit card to pay for some of the repair costs. Maybe pay for it on one of your cards, then balance transfer to an interest free one.

Financing Plans For Car Repairs

Some quality body shop centres can have their own financing plans, which could work out cheaper than a loan.

This could involve paying the cost in instalments over a few weeks or months. Ask repair centres whether they offer this service as some may not suggest it if you don’t enquire.

Source Your Car Parts

You can often lower the cost of repairs by sourcing your own parts. Repair centres will aim to make a profit on any parts they order. By ordering these parts yourself, you could save a lot of money. Double check first that they will fit the parts you have sourced yourself.

There are lots of sites where you can order used parts for cheap. Make sure that you know exactly what type of part you need.

Be careful of buying partially worn parts. Whilst these can be very cheap, you could end up replacing them in a couple of months if they’re already partially damaged, making it a pointless purchase.

Do your own car repairs

If you think you’re savvy enough, you could always consider taking on repairs yourself.

Whilst some jobs are best carried out by a professional (e.g. complex engine parts and electrics), many jobs can be DIYed without too much hassle.

The internet is full of DIY guides on everything from changing a headlight bulb to changing a brake pad.

Check first which tools you need and how much it will cost you to obtain these tools. In many cases, you can hire tools for cheap, however, you don’t want to be buying a specialist tool and paying more than you would were you to visit a professional who already has the tools.

Know when to cut your losses

Not all repairs are worthwhile.

As a general rule, you should never pay for repairs if they come to more than half the value of the vehicle. You’re much better off selling your car or trading it in and buying a new one.

Consider how much you’ve already spent on repairs and whether the vehicle is likely to cost you more in the future.

You may be able to scrap your car for cash regardless of condition using certain companies. Whilst you won’t make a lot of money, it could be better than receiving no money for your vehicle at all.

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