The power of the second opinion

If you have a medical condition and need a diagnosis, the chances are you’ll get a second or event third opinion before making any decisions.

The same should apply to our vehicles, said Les Mc Master, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA).

“In the event of a major repair, as correctly diagnosed or, in some cases, incorrectly, consumers often feel backed into a corner and feel like their only options are to trade-in, upgrade or downgrade the vehicle through starting a new finance agreement. But this is not always the best decision,” he said.

While trading-in or writing-off the vehicle may be suggested to you as the only option, this may not always be the case.

“Some consumers are duped into believing that loading the outstanding finance of the trade-in onto the new debt is the best option, but this makes poor commercial sense – especially in a tough economic climate.

”The only beneficiaries here are the finance houses and the dealership. The consumer ends up with a lesser-value car and a vehicle finance burden over a longer period.”

And, while writing-off the vehicle may make financial sense for an insurer, it may not be the best option for the vehicle owner.

Especially when it comes to older vehicles, the pay-out may amount to so little that it’s impossible to buy another vehicle.

This may be because the value of the replacement part is disproportionate to the value of the car at the time of the accident.

“Go to an independent workshop. Get another quote or even two. In doing so, it may come as a surprise that the initial diagnosis was incorrect or, if it was correct, that the initial repair quote is exorbitant,” he added.

There is no longer a massive divide between what a dealership can offer and what an independent workshop can.

The scales are balancing and consumers are finding that independents are versatile in repairs to all kinds of makes and models of cars, their technicians have a wealth of experience and knowledge and the repairs cost less.

“There is also merit in finding out about reconditioned parts and whether this is an option for the type of repair needed,” said Mc Master.

He noted that often vehicle owners who are out of warranty keep returning to a dealership for vehicle servicing and repairs out of habit.

“The reality is that, more often than not, an independent workshop can service your car at a much more affordable rate than a dealer can. The key is to use an accredited workshop.

“Take your time, do the maths and call on experts to assist you. Vehicles are a big expense so it’s important that you get the best service, at the most affordable rate, from a trustworthy service provider,” he said.