Autosavings

Should You Buy An Automotive Extended Service Contract?

The decision to purchase an extended service contract or mechanical break down policy as they are sometimes called is a decision that has many variables. Depending on the age of the vehicle, the usage, how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle for are just a few questions that need to be considered.

If you look online, some of these so called gurus who write scam pieces will tell youDont Buyits a scam. I whole heartily disagree with their opinions, I question if they have real world knowledge and experience to begin with. If they did, then I firmly believe their opinion would be other wise.

The scam comes when you are charged outrageous and inflated prices for an extended service contract, they are not cheap to begin with, but those who exasperate the cost are the ones who are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Or perhaps even requiring you to purchase as a condition of buying the vehicle, you should never be forced to buy under any circumstances.

With automotive repair labor rates ranging easily up to 100.00 per hour or more, it doesnt take a huge repair to cost you major bucks, and with the electronics and technologies of todays automobiles, parts prices are equally as expensive.

During my 26 years in the automotive service industry, I can recall countless and numerous times where customers wished that they had purchased, and those that did were glad they made such a sound financial decision.

Consider the following examples of repair cost:

Air Conditioner Repairs can easily cost 1500.00 for compressor replacements.
Transmission Overhaul or Replacements–3000.00
Water Pump replacements–600.00
Power Steering Pumps and Steering Gears–600-2000.00

However, dont be mislead into believing a mechanical break down policy covers every nut and bolt on the vehicle, there are variables and different kinds of policies as well. Some cover seals and gaskets, wear and tear items, consequential damages etc and others dont. Be aware of what it does and does not cover before buying, this will save you a lot of grief in the event you have a mechanical failure.

It is a major decision, and one that requires weighing the advantages and disadvantages.
My personal and professional opinion is that if you are going to use the vehicle on a daily basis, you plan on keeping for 2 years or more after the original factory warranty has expired, then you should purchase the extra protection.

It is after all, like an insurance policy, you hope that you dont have to use it, but it will give you some peace of mind in the event that you have to have an expensive repair.

The first hybrid gas electric car did not come out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Power was built by the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago. Because the gas engine was so rough, but supplied more power and electric cars were smoother, but had limited range, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company wanted to supply a car that gave you the best of both worlds.

The best part is, it was a full hybrid (listen up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that included a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive system in addition to the electric drive train. The electric engine could propel the car up to 20 mph. Together with the gas engine, the dual wood power could get up to 35 mph.

The gas engine and electric engine were connected using a magnetic clutch. The gas engine became magnetized when activated (by a lever controlled by the driver). The copper disk was pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric motor to the gas engine.

Only the electric motor could be used while going in reverse. Why? Because the engine had no clutch and so the gas engine had no gears!

The car battery designed for this car was about half the size of the batteries in other electric cars of the time. Once the car got up to 20 mph, the gas engine could be engaged, allowing the electric motor and gas motor to work together. The battery could be recharged or discharged by another lever. Recharging was done by the gas motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or by braking on level ground or when coasting down hills. A conventional brake pedal was only used at speeds of less than 6 mph.

Available for only $2650 (remember this was 1917). Wire wheels were a luxury, costing an extra $25. Or you could ‘pimp’ your vehicle out for another $100 (paint and trim).

Ultimately, the first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was built only in 1917 and 1918. It was too expensive, too slow, and too difficult to service to be a commercial success.