CAR QUESTIONS

Q: IF MY DEALER GOES OUT OF BUSINESS, WHERE SHOULD I SERVICE MY CAR?
A good independent shop that specializes in your brand should be able to handle routine maintenance and repairs. But you need a dealer for warranty and recall work. If there's no other dealer in your area, call the automaker's customer assistance number in the owner's manual to find out where to take your car. Often, warranty repairs can be performed at other brand dealerships linked to the same automaker. Sometimes an automaker will arrange for dealers of another manufacturer to handle the work.

Q: HOW DO I FIND A GOOD REPAIR SHOP?
Ask people you know for recommendations. Or go to www.cartalk.com and www.repairpal.com which have names and user reviews for local independent garages. Consider a shop that is approved by AAA and is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Its technicians should be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence; go to www.ase.com for more information. Mechanics who specialize in your vehicle's make are more likely to have the proper training, equipment, and information. Try the shop with a small job to see how you like it.

Q: IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO LEASE?
Because of volatile resale values, some automakers have cut back on leasing. Over the long run, leasing typically costs more than buying, though monthly payments are lower. Don't assume the lease payments shown in an ad are locked in; negotiate the car's price as if you were buying before discussing the leasing terms. If you already lease, it might be a good time to negotiate the buy-out price. Many automakers don't want the cars back at the end of the lease.
Source: Consumer Reports