Cars are not what they used to be. Cars used to last for 5 to 10 years without major defects or major problems. Nowadays you are lucky if you car lasts during the warranty. Think twice before trading in your old car for a shiny new one.
Last month there were multiple car recalls. Honda recalled approximately 500,000 cars with brake problems for the Odysseys and Acura RLs models from 2005 to 2007. Toyota recalled over 730,000 cards with unsafe brakes for the Avalon models from 2005 to 2006, non-hybrid Highlanders from 2004 through 2006, Lexus RX330, LXGS300, IS250 and IS350 from 2006.
BMV recalled over 150,000 cars because of potential problems with their fuel pumps. The problem affects cars with twin-turbo six cylinder engines with high pressure injection and direct fuel injection systems. The recall affects the 335i models from 2007 to 2010, 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35I sports activity coupes from 2008 to 2010, Z4 roadster sDrive35i models from 2009 to 2010, MY 2008 X5 sports activity cars.
Here are 4 tips to help if your car is recalled.
1. Research. Find out what the process is to get your car fixed and if you will be compensated for the recalled part or for a rental car while your car is being repaired. Check the company's website to see if any information has been posted.
2. Call. Contact the car manufacturer directly to get accurate information on the model being recalled.
3. Status. Check on the status of your car repair frequently and document all phone calls with the car dealer and car manufacturer. Ask for a letter in writing from the car manufacturer stating what model what recalled and the process for addressing the recalled model.
4. Car Fund. Start creating an emergency car fund so if you have to get your car repaired you minimize the chance of going into debt.
Showing posts with label car recalls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car recalls. Show all posts
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Over 10 million cars have been recalled since January 2010. Toyota recalled over 8.5 million cars; Jaguar recalled 5,000 cars; Honda recalled approximately 384,000 cars and General Motors recalled 1.3 million cars.
If your car has been recalled you should be contacted by mail by the manufacturer. However, if you have not, you can find recall information on the internet at sites such as: Carfax, Environmental Protection Agency or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Most cars that are recalled are repaired free of charge by your local dealership. Here are 5 tips if your car is recalled.
1. Don't panic. Some recalls are not safety hazards but you should take you car to the dealership to have the repairs done just to be safe.
2. Verify notification. If you receive a notice that you car has been recalled take your car to any dealership in your area that sells your particular car make and model. Recall notices are valid as long as the car is less than 10 years old.
3. Get a second opinion. Get a second opinion on repair costs before taking it to the dealer in case they suggest additional repairs that they will not cover.
4. Used Cars. If you bought a used car and repairs were made a sticker will be displayed inside the car.
5. Check annually. If you did not receive a notice that you car was recalled, ask other people who own your same type of car to notify you if they hear about recalls. Also, search the internet periodically to see the list of recent car recalls.
If your car has been recalled you should be contacted by mail by the manufacturer. However, if you have not, you can find recall information on the internet at sites such as: Carfax, Environmental Protection Agency or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Most cars that are recalled are repaired free of charge by your local dealership. Here are 5 tips if your car is recalled.
1. Don't panic. Some recalls are not safety hazards but you should take you car to the dealership to have the repairs done just to be safe.
2. Verify notification. If you receive a notice that you car has been recalled take your car to any dealership in your area that sells your particular car make and model. Recall notices are valid as long as the car is less than 10 years old.
3. Get a second opinion. Get a second opinion on repair costs before taking it to the dealer in case they suggest additional repairs that they will not cover.
4. Used Cars. If you bought a used car and repairs were made a sticker will be displayed inside the car.
5. Check annually. If you did not receive a notice that you car was recalled, ask other people who own your same type of car to notify you if they hear about recalls. Also, search the internet periodically to see the list of recent car recalls.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Surviving a Car Recall
Lately we have heard about many products being recalled. There is a consumer protection magazine report called "Consumer Reports" that is sent out every month to inform consumers of products that are recalled and identifies any possible dangers of using the recalled products. Most recently we have heard of the recalls from auto manufacturers. The biggest recall was by Toyota who had to testify before Congress about the cause of the recalls and what the company plans to do to prevent future recalls.
Toyota is currently considering recalling the Toyota Corolla model for complaints of a steering problem. Toyota has recalled 8.5 millions cars in the past four months due to various malfunctions. Here are 5 ways to survive a car recall.
1. Call. Contact the auto manufacturer directly to get accurate information on the model being recalled.
2. Research. Find out what the process is to get your car fixed and if you will be compensated for the recalled part or for the loss of using your car while you car is being repaired.
3. Status. Check on the status of your car repair frequently and document all phone calls with the car dealer and car manufacturer. Ask for a letter in writing from the car manufacturer stating what model what recalled and the process for addressing the recalled model.
4. Car Fund. Credit an emergency car fund so if you have to get your car repaired you are not greatly impacted financially. This also minimizes using your credit card to cover the cost of repairs.
5. Purchase. When purchasing a car do your research and check to see if any of the auto manufacturer's models have been recalled, the date of the recall and what the company did to address the recalled models. Also check the financial stability of the company. Don't purchase cars that may be discontinued because it may be hard to find parts for the car. Make sure you buy a car that has been rated as a good buy.
Toyota is currently considering recalling the Toyota Corolla model for complaints of a steering problem. Toyota has recalled 8.5 millions cars in the past four months due to various malfunctions. Here are 5 ways to survive a car recall.
1. Call. Contact the auto manufacturer directly to get accurate information on the model being recalled.
2. Research. Find out what the process is to get your car fixed and if you will be compensated for the recalled part or for the loss of using your car while you car is being repaired.
3. Status. Check on the status of your car repair frequently and document all phone calls with the car dealer and car manufacturer. Ask for a letter in writing from the car manufacturer stating what model what recalled and the process for addressing the recalled model.
4. Car Fund. Credit an emergency car fund so if you have to get your car repaired you are not greatly impacted financially. This also minimizes using your credit card to cover the cost of repairs.
5. Purchase. When purchasing a car do your research and check to see if any of the auto manufacturer's models have been recalled, the date of the recall and what the company did to address the recalled models. Also check the financial stability of the company. Don't purchase cars that may be discontinued because it may be hard to find parts for the car. Make sure you buy a car that has been rated as a good buy.
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