Dynamic Pricing

National Public Radio did a nice piece recently about how airlines and other industries are strategically and dynamically adjusting their pricing constantly.   What I have found recently is that the world of auto repair combined with recessionary pressures is creating challenges for the consumer to really understand what the cost of repair will be.  Parts pricing from manufacturers and suppliers alike are quite dynamic, and quality disparate. For some shops, labor pricing can by dynamic as well.
Please remember that there are moving parts in the total out-the-door cost to auto repair, and there is no substitute for trust and relationship when it comes to paying for competent labor.  1.  Diagnosis is a requirement to be accurate and leaving this element out leads to cost coverage in other areas or incorrect repairs in the first place.  2.  A competent inspection in attempt to identify other areas of service need can prevent surprises during the course of repair.  3.  A thorough explanation of suggested service that can prevent more expensive repairs or breakdowns later. 4.  Taxes, fluids, shop supplies, and hazardous waste fees are also part of the common repair and are not always quoted by all shops over the phone. 

Finally, make sure that when you are comparing prices that all the above elements are taken in to consideration so you are not mistakenly thinking that a lower price actually won't end up as a higher price.

Respectfully,

Keith Lewis

Certified Technician & Heavy Recovery Specialist
ASE Master, L1, AES, AAM, TRAW HD, TRAA Level 1,2 & 3
keith@motorplex.com
www.motorplex.com
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Should I repair my vehicle or trade it in?

   Many times this question is more personal in nature than mechanical.  All things mechanical can be repaired, and are most often less expensive than replacing a vehicle.   The decision not to repair on a practical (not personal) level should be made upon an overall vehicle condition evaluation and not necessarily the current repair need.  Combine the overall condition report and financial estimates with the length of time you would like to keep the vehicle.  Then, this can be combined with other likely repair possibilities during your length of ownership.  Finally, you will be better able to assess likely costs of ownership of the current vehicle versus the costs of purchasing a new vehicle.  http://www.motorplex.com/  and http://www.pro-tow.com/  425.310.1100 service and 253.245.5454 towing