You spent hours of time and effort researching the perfect foreign-made car; you saved your hard-earned money and negotiated a fair price for your pride and joy. You feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment when you get behind the wheel. So it makes sense that you would want to protect your investment from things like theft, fire, etc. with just the right insurance policy.
But what about protecting your car from unknowledgeable mechanics? You may think that routine processes like oil changes are similar to every make and model, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, working on a foreign model vehicle like a BMW is quite different than working on a Ford or Chrysler.
Quality Engineering
Have you ever wondered why BMW’s, Mercedes and even Honda’s cost more than domestic vehicles like Ford’s or General Motors? It’s not just because they are made overseas; it’s because they are engineered with a higher level of quality and engineering. Everything from the engine to the design of the seat belts is pored over in the greatest detail. No detail is too minor, no feature too insignificant.
That’s why it’s imperative that you choose the right professionals to work on your foreign-made vehicle; preferably ones who specialize in the make and model of your car. If you own a BMW, for example, and need transmission work, you’ll want to take it to a BMW transmission repair in Utah, or your local area shop. The same goes for oil changes, brake repairs, and other major repairs to your vehicle.
Choosing the right mechanic
Just as you wouldn’t call a plumber for an electrical issue in your home, you shouldn’t go to general mechanics who work on a variety of makes and models. Why? Because they won’t have the specialized training necessary to keep your car running as efficiently as it should. General auto mechanics are trained to work on ‘average’ vehicles, and that typically means domestic models.
Ultimately you want to choose a mechanic shop that specializes in repairing and maintaining the model of your vehicle. Typically, these shops will be dealerships; that is, they will also sell new and used cars for your specific model.
Keep in mind that you will likely pay a bit more for this type of specialized service, as opposed to going to a general mechanic. The benefit, of course, is that your car will be serviced by a knowledgeable professional. They will keep your car running smoothly, and let you know of early signs of problems that you can deal with right away.
Also keep in mind that you may have to take your car to the dealership you bought it from to be serviced, in order not to void any warranty that’s on it. The laws on this vary from state to state, so do your research before purchasing any vehicle.
Resale value
There is something else to consider when buying a foreign vehicle: the resale value will typically be higher than domestic models. Why? Again, it all comes down to superior engineering and quality. All domestic brands, such as Ford, GM, and Chrysler have had thousands of recalls over the years and that has damaged their reputations immensely. When you buy any vehicle, you want to be assured that you are getting what you paid for – and sometimes that is not the case, particularly with domestic vehicles. While Ford is still the number one brand for U.S. car buyers, more and more are choosing foreign models like BMW and Toyota.