DON`T BUY SOMEONE ELSE`S CAR PROBLEMS!
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DON`T BUY SOMEONE ELSE`S CAR PROBLEMS!

The last 12 months I have had to deal with a increasing large number of angry & stressed out customers who have bought cars in` good faith’ only to their horror have had to deal with expensive repair issues which should not have passed a safety certificate examination in the first place.

The Real Situation and Problem

Unfortunately, there is a large percentage of the population who do not keep their vehicle properly maintained, in the other words they just “Drive the vehicle into the ground!” due to their lack of discipline or financial outgoings they then either trade the car in for a newer vehicle, give the vehicle to Auction companies or try to sell the car- HERE IS THE REAL PROBLEM- to sell a car you have two options

  • De-register the car & sell the car unregistered
  • Sell the car with a Safety Certificate

The safety certificate is the critical piece of the process, THE PROBLEM IS SAFETY CERTIFICATES ARE NOT CARRIED OUT PROPERLY, let me repeat that just in case you missed that SAFETY CERTIFICATES ARE NOT CARRIED OUT PROPERLY.

Why are safety certificates not carried out properly?

Answer- Lazy Mobile safety certificate businesses, lazy mechanics & pressure from ruthless car yard operators who press the buttons on gutless safety certificate examiners to pass cars on inspections.

Dealing with stressed angry bitter potential customers who have bought a under qualified car that requires repair is A psychosis art of Self- discipline because on many occasions the new owner has to pay for repairs that should have been paid by the previous owner.

Preparation & Planning

Buying a car can be stressful or fun depending on how much knowledge & research you have conducted.

 1st step is to know exactly which car you want – this the most important step.to know this you must examine your lifestyle & whittle your choices no more than 3makes/models

2nd step, your budget- how much can you afford?

3rd step get the vehicle inspected by a mechanic of your own choice. Someone who is up to date with technology & has a feel for the market value- this person can give you valuable insights & negotiating power.

  • When buying a car- ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS, never ever get attached to a car without thorough examination first- there is always another car.
  • Be cautious of buying cars off friends or family.
  • Always pay for a Revs check to see if the car has been written off, stolen or finance still outstanding
  • Never ever go for a test drive in the rain- the water can muffle noises & annoying squeaks.
  • Check for logbooks-if no logbooks then go for the lowest price when negotiating.
  • Never buy a car with a engine light on any fault lights -walk away immediately. A warning light violates safety certificate standards, THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER CAR.
  • Immediately look who has done the safety certificate at what day, time & where- question the seller who he got to do the inspection & make the seller accountable.
  • Look at the person who is selling the car are they edgy, shifty, stressed do you feel they are hiding something. this is the most important point- look at the seller straight in the eye!
  • Do your research on the model car you are buying what is the market value.
  • Check for recalls or air bag recalls
  • Buy the right car for your needs- example do not buy a turbo diesel if you mainly drive to the city.
  • Go for a good test drive for at least ¾ -1 hour do a complete drive cycle- drive the vehicle constantly @ 70 then 80 to 100kmph for 15-20 minute intervals, check for suspension knocks, steering or brake shudder also a good drive will activate a faulty catalytic converter- this alone can cost you thousands undiagnosed.
  • If a car is cheap or going at a bargain price-you must ask the question “WHY?”
  • Bring your car to Manny`s mechanical repairs for a thorough inspection, we check electricals & emissions.

Summary

In ending this blog let me say this-

The biggest mistakes I see people make when buying a car is

No preparation or research in the car they want, INABILITY TO CONTROL EMOTIONS OR IMPULSE BUY WITHOUT A PROPER PLAN but mostly they do not get the VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY INSPECTED BEFORE THE PURCHASE IS MADE!.

Buying a car can be your 1st,2ndor 3rd biggest investment in your life.

In this blog I have given you a process- to identify potential problems with a car before you buy.

Do your research, be prepared & do not be afraid to take on the seller if they know there is a problem with the car they are trying to sell-

Make sure the seller has to deal & PAY FOR THE PROBLEM TO BE FIXED- NOT YOU!

& most importantly never ever trust a safety certificate inspection done by some one you do not know.

If you have any queries please call me,

I`m on your side,

 Manny – 0411496621

I hope this has helped.

At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs you are in good hands, our main services include, Safety Certificates, Logbook Service, Free Pickup & Delivery, and Car Cooling System Repairs.

We have the latest diagnostic equipment and my work van is fitted out with an industrial air compressor. This enables me to perform heavy duty work and give you – the customer – the best service at any place and at any time.

For Bookings and enquiries, please contact us on 0411 496 621, email us at agrade@mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au or visit our site www.mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au.

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Continual Improvement

Recently I was called by a concerned parent from New South Wales who had sold a car to her Son. The car was brought to Brisbane and had to have a safety certificate. The inspection was done at a competitor’s workshop and a failure was issued. The vehicle required $1,200 worth of repairs. The concerned parent was confused because their local mechanic had always serviced all their cars and HE SAID – THE CAR WAS OK… they trusted him… so who was telling the truth?

The vehicle was brought to my workshop and an inspection was performed and ‘YES!’ all faults were verified. My competitor did his job right and his quote was reasonable.

So where is the problem? The problem is with the old dinosaur/fart of a mechanic, THE GOOD BLOKE MECHANIC OR THE FRIEND OF THE FAMILY MECHANIC who has won over generations of family dynasties with his great bloke she will be right mate mannerisms – THESE MECHANICS SHOULD BE OUTLAWED and why? – simply one word… HUBRIS.

We live in a fast and complex world. Your car is more vital today than ever and your car is becoming more complex so reliability must be a high priority. No public transport, taxi or uber can take the place of a car when it comes to children and vital appointments which require to be met with in a set time.

A good technician/mechanic continually invests time in study and working to a system with a organized checklist. A good technician has the guts to invest money in the best diagnostic equipment $5,000- $40,000 a year whether he can afford it or not. A good technician analyses every car and ensures that it is up to safety certificate standard or gives a detailed report and quote what requires to be done. A good technician/mechanic FOCUSES ON SOLVING THE INITIAL CUSTOMER COMPLAINT and does not go for the easy upsells (easy money). Simply a good technician wants to be and is better every day, but most of all good technicians are committed and disciplined.

Just because a Dinosaur Mechanic says that he or she has 35 years of experience means absolutely nothing… what… 35 years of doing oil changes? Please retire.

Workshops that offer gimmicks, cheap heavily discounted services or have some other enticements are totally useless. The smooth talking service advisor who has not touched a spanner in 5 years is there only to sell and generally gives you a headache because they talk so much rubbish. These big mouths got out of the game because they are pretty boys that could not handle the hard work and discipline required to be good in their field.

The truth is nothing beats up to date hard earned skills, disciplines a systemised attitude of continual improvement and a genuine passion to be better educated for what they do and perform. Good technicians/mechanics are never satisfied because there is always a better way.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs you are in good hands, our main services include, Safety Certificates, Logbook Service, Free Pickup & Delivery, and Car Cooling System Repairs.

We have the latest diagnostic equipment and my work van is fitted out with an industrial air compressor. This enables me to perform heavy duty work and give you – the customer – the best service at any place and at any time.

For Bookings and enquiries, please contact us on 0411 496 621, email us at agrade@mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au or visit our site www.mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au.

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Petrol or Turbo Diesel – Which Engine is Better or Do I Buy?

In recent years engine management technology (engine computers) have made incredible performance development in both turbo diesel and petrol engines. “So what’s the difference or which one do I buy?” you might ask. 

Petrol and diesel fuels have different molecular density. Petrol and diesel produce power through different applications of combustion process. Torque is turning force, horse power is the speed of the turning force. 

Turbo Diesel Advantages 

Excellent fuel economy; excellent low down torque; robust; excellent carrying or towing trailers, boats and caravans; great for long trips; 4WD up sand dunes; great fro going through creeks.  

Petrol Advantages

Smoother operation; less emission and far better emission control; better for small trips; cheaper servicing cost; engine can reach higher revolutions quicker hence more horse power; more responsive. 

When thinking of buying your next car or 4WD write down what type of usage you need from your vehicle. If it’s small trips, occasional trip to the coast, or mainly to pick up the kids from school, then petrol is the go. If you do a lot of heavy duty work or towing, go up big sand dunes or up the Toowoomba range, then turbo diesel is the way to go. 

Manny’s Mechanical Repairs services both petrol and turbo diesel engines. We provide a full detail safety report and give the customer a full comprehension and understanding in the condition of their vehicles. 

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs you are in good hands, our main services include, Safety Certificates, Logbook Service, Free Pickup & Delivery, and Car Cooling System Repairs.

We have the latest diagnostic equipment and my work van is fitted out with an industrial air compressor. This enables me to perform heavy duty work and give you – the customer – the best service at any place and at any time.

For Bookings and enquiries, please contact us on 0411 496 621, email us at agrade@mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au or visit our site www.mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au.

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Pre Purchase Inspections – Secondhand Car

Purchasing a secondhand car can be stressful. Also it can possibly be one of the biggest purchases apart from a home or business.

  • A poor choice of vehicle can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs!
  • If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it.

Due diligence is required with a set of measures and checks especially with the car log book servicing recordings. A car log book should be with the car and have a history of all service recorded. Things like timing belts and gearbox oil replacements can be the difference of thousands of dollars when purchasing a car… so how do you get the knowledge?

The first step is do your own homework on the type of car you want to buy – how much is the same model selling for – you can find this out on Car Sales and Gumtree, to name a few.

The second step is to find a good mechanic.

Here is a list of steps that should be done:

  • Walk around the vehicle, note any panel damage or window/windscreen cracks or damage.
  • Test drive (with radio off)
  • Check steering while driving (does it drive straight?), test brakes under light and heavy conditions, test handbrake – report any defects or noises.
  • Scan computer-check for any faults with lights or warning lights, test battery and alternator.
  • Check interior of car, check seatbelts.
  • Check under bonnet.
  • Check fluid, brake coolant, check cooling system and note condition.
  • Check brake and clutch master cylinders for leaks. Check for engine oil leaks.
  • Lift vehicle – check tyres, suspension, steering components, note any defects.
  • Check brakes – report condition.
  • Life vehicle – check engine, gearbox and differential mountings.
  • Check shock absorbers for leakage and damage.
  • Check condition and security of exhaust system – check for leakages.
  • Check chassis and sub frame for any damage.

Make a complete list of all relevant faults or pending faults. Also be wary of cars that have been over-serviced but under repaired – meaning the car is miles ahead in their service times by getting their services done prematurely but resist on getting the big repairs like timing belts and in-tank fuel filters replaced… all show no go!

The goal when buying a secondhand car should be, when you finish a busy week you should be able to jump in your car and drive to one of our beautiful beaches and enjoy yourself and the car, without problems and pending costs.

At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs we use not only the above systematic checks and measures but we wish to continue servicing and looking after your vehicle even after the purchase to ensure peace of mind motoring.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs you are in good hands, our main services include, Safety Certificates, Logbook Service, Free Pickup & Delivery, and Car Cooling System Repairs.

We have the latest diagnostic equipment and my work van is fitted out with an industrial air compressor. This enables me to perform heavy duty work and give you – the customer – the best service at any place and at any time.

For Bookings and enquiries, please contact us on 0411 496 621, email us at agrade@mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au or visit our site www.mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au.

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Buying or Selling a Car – The Correct Procedure

The process of buying and selling a car can be a very stressful time, especially when you do not have a clue. But there are correct procedures and steps to take when you know how.

Step 1. When selling a car your first step is to get a safety certificate/roadworthy. And this is where 80% of problems occur.

A safety certificate inspection is a focussed inspection at a set time and place by a qualified examiner at a qualified examiner site.

“Never, ever, ever assume!!” a car service is an inspection or that a safety inspection is a mere formality, or just a write out, or a mere 5 minute wait. The vehicle is professionally inspected in accordance to the Queensland Department of Transport standards and car braking efficiency is recorded.

Step 2. After obtaining the safety certificate, a blue sheet will also be given. This has the details of the examination and pass and is to be attached to the rear window of the car with the for sale sign.

Signs like “Interested?” are illegal.

A car can only be sold two ways. a) With a safety certificate b) Unregistered.

A registered vehicle cannot change hands/owners even as a gift unless a current safety certificate is issued with the vehicle.

Step 3. After the vehicle has been sold, an immediate bill of sale is to be drawn up. The time and date of the sale is to be written down with all details of the actual sale from both parties – buyer and seller (bill of sale forms can be downloaded).

Step 4. The next form to be filled is the transfer of registration form (this too can be downloaded from the Queensland Transport website) where identification is produced, generally driver’s licence. This too is to be filled by both the buyer and the seller, accompanied with the safety certificate and bill of sale… and that’s it.

Where the process gets complicated is when these steps are not followed – especially when a sale has somehow been made and the roadworthy inspection is done a the last moment, only to fail, requiring repair and cost that has not been budgeted for.

This comes down to not following a process or poor advice.

I hope this has helped.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs you are in good hands, our main services include, Safety Certificates, Logbook Service, Free Pickup & Delivery, and Car Cooling System Repairs.

We have the latest diagnostic equipment and my work van is fitted out with an industrial air compressor. This enables me to perform heavy duty work and give you – the customer – the best service at any place and at any time.

For Bookings and enquiries, please contact us on 0411 496 621, email us at agrade@mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au or visit our site www.mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au.