New Car Purchase Price - A new car costs more than just the sticker price. Add on the sales tax, higher insurance costs, finance charges and the high first- year depreciation. (Once you drive it off the lot, it becomes a used car and its value drops significantly.)

Reliability - Over all, has the car been a reliable one for you or are you constantly having problems? Repairs generally go in cycles because of mileage and age of the car.

Structural Integrity - is the body or structure rusting badly? European cars are not "throwaway" vehicles. One of the strong points of a european car is the engine. We have a full line of new and used parts to keep older cars running good, driving safe and looking great.

Lifetime Repair Costs - How much money have you spent on repairs since you got your car? Also, average out how many months the vehicle must be driven before the cost of the current repairs are covered. Our computer can calculate your repair cost-per-mile over a specific time.

Look-Ahead - How many more miles/years will your car remain serviceable? If your european car is properly maintained it will not be unusual for it to last 150,000 miles or more. (We have a few customers that have made it past 400,000). Just like the Energizer bunny, "they keep going, and going, and going."

Repair Cost Trauma - Most folks experience "sticker shock" when faced with a large repair bill. Here is a way to avoid the "Sticker Shock" syndrome. Anyone that has ever financed a vehicle has learned to budget his or her car payment into their monthly bills. Once you have paid off your car, don't assume that your car payments are finished. Most likely, just as you finish paying off your car, that is when the vehicle will begin needing maintenance repairs performed. Just keep budgeting $50.00 to $100.00 each month towards vehicle maintenance and next time you need a big repair done, it may not seem so bad, and if for some reason you find your vehicle is not worth fixing, you may have enough saved for a down payment on your new vehicle.

Emotion - Is this car your baby, or just a way to get from point A to point B? Many owners of German cars become so emotionally attached to their vehicles that even significant repair costs are acceptable. But if your car is just basic transportation, remember that european cars hold their resale value very well. In the long run, it might make better economic sense to make the repair and keep your car in good shape instead of losing your investment.

Springtime always seems to sharpen the desire for a new car. Winter (if you live in Michigan like us) likely has taken its toll on your current vehicle. If you are looking at repair costs that seem a little steep (or just feel the need for a change), go over the above guidelines. Make a list - repair costs on one side, new car costs on the other. It may be that a little R and R is all your car needs to feel like new.