by A1performance123 | Jun 15, 2016 | Auto Mechanic
An entry level car should be known for its reliability, safety and have a price tag from $10,000 to $18,000 and it shouldn’t show up on the hottest car theft lists. With a little research you can find a great choice of car for the first time driver.
Entry Level Car
An entry level car should have a good safety record. Not only should it not be known for causing safety problems, it should do a good job of protecting drivers. Teens and other new drivers get into a lot of accidents, unfortunately. So, you want a car that will insulate the driver and passengers in common accidents. The IIHS HLDI is a good place to check vehicle makes’ safety records.
The cost to insure a vehicle can be surprising. Cars that are not sports cars can potentially have outrageous insurance rates for reasons that you would not guess. Call your insurance agent and ask which entry level car choices should be avoided where you live.
Of course, you don’t want to spend nearly $20,000 and end up constantly in the shop getting it repaired. While every car is unique, some makes and models have known reputations for breaking down. With a used car you might or might not have lemon law protection, so buy wisely. There are lots of reviews sites on cars and the cost of their maintenance, so check many of those sites to narrow down your used car choices.
Some of your entry level car choices are also going to be the #1 choice of thieves. Nobody needs that hassle of the disappearing car. Many of the older Honda Civics and Accords are very easy to steal. Avoid the models that are over 15 years old for these cars. But again, ask your insurance agent’s opinion if you want to buy a Honda.
A1 Performance Auto Repair
Bring any car by A1 Performance Auto Repair for an inspection before you buy. We’ll help you make sure you purchase an entry level car that has no visible major problems.
by A1performance123 | Jun 8, 2016 | Auto Mechanic
Here are some real car tips on how to avoid being taken by unscrupulous auto dealers. There are a lot of hurricane and flood damaged cars that were totaled in the past year or so. Unfortunately, these cars bring in big bucks for those who illegally put them back into the marketplace. Here are things to look for so that you’re not taken in these scams.
Real Car Tips on Flood Damaged Cars
If you are in the market for a used car and come across a newer car with an incredibly low price tag, question the seller as to why. Your number one real car tips: If there is no believable reason a 2014 Camry is being offered for sale for only $10,000, then you need to check for the telltale signs of flood damage.
The Signs of Car Water Damage
- There is mold, rust or mud under the carpet.
- The interior of the car smells musty or moldy after it sits with the windows rolled up for 10 minutes or more.
- Mud is found in crevices under the hood or inside the trunk.
- There is rust on screw heads in interior places like inside the door jams or under the hood.
- Water or debris is found under the spare tire in the trunk.
- Paint is bubbling in areas on the inside of the car.
- Fog is found in the instrument panel on the dashboard.
- Use a flashlight to check under the dashboard for debris or stains.
How Flood Cars Make It to Market
Criminals will purchase flooded cars for salvage and then sell them as regular cars. The best way to avoid being taken in these scams is to get a car history report. Using CarFax will reveal that the title was salvaged at some point. Real car tips always advise to avoid those cars. If you are ever in question if the car you’re thinking of buying is a good car, stop by A1 Performance Auto Repair to have our certified mechanics check the car before you buy.
by A1performance123 | May 11, 2016 | Auto Mechanic
Sure, there are car problems with any make of car, but some problems are little more prevalent with certain car makes. Here are some of the top problems with certain cars.
BMW Car Problems
The top BMW car problems kick in around 70,000. It is around that time that you might start seeing things like:
- Stalls while driving. Average repair cost: $7,000.
- Failed power steering. Average repair cost: $1,275.
- Electric water pump failure. Average repair cost: $1175.
Acura Car Problems
Honda has a very consistent problem with 1,500,000 models in years 2008-2013. It starts sucking up oil at about 1 quart per 1,000 miles. American Honda did settle in court over the issue. Acura year 2010 was not included, but consumers say it should have been. Average repair cost: $7,100.
Other issues include:
- Transmission failure around 112,000 miles. Average repair cost: $2,900.
- Engine failure at 17,500 miles or thereabouts. Average repair cost: $7,500.
Nissan Altima Car Problems
The Nissan Altima has about 3,367 complaints reported on CarComplaints.com, far more than any of the other Nissan models. You might want to scroll through the lists of car problems if you are thinking of purchasing one of these cars.
- CVT Shuttering, Vibration around 28,935 miles. Average repair cost: $3,050.
- Excessive Oil Consumption around 96,200 miles. Average repair cost: $3,301.
- Failure of Steering Wheel Lock around 83,950 miles. Average repair cost: $935.
Toyota Car Problems
- Car problems with the 2007 – 2009 Camry models are many, but show up after about 73,000 miles.
- Excessive Oil Consumption around 86,000 miles. Average repair cost: $4,333.
The most common car problems with the Prius are excessive oil usage, but the fix is inexpensive at only $428. Other problems include:
- Headlight turns off randomly or malfunctions after about 90,000 miles. Average repair cost is $303-$600.
Repairing Your Vehicle
A1 Performance Auto Repair keeps abreast of common car problems with your make, model and year of car. This makes it easier to diagnose the problem you’re having quickly and get it repaired. Stop by today for an oil change to get to know us.
by A1performance123 | Apr 13, 2016 | Auto Mechanic
Sunnyvale Toyota service is available outside of a dealership for car owners. You can use A1 Performance Auto Repair to have your Toyota repaired and maintained by certified mechanics. A1 Performance believes in being thorough without being expensive.
Sunnyvale Toyota Service
Stop by A1 Performance Auto Repair for your Sunnyvale Toyota service needs. A1 Performance specializes in Japanese and European cars, in addition to American makes. ASE certified mechanics are on staff and well trained in all Toyota cars and trucks, in addition to the various other makes of automobiles.
Sunnyvale Toyota Service:
- Brakes
- Transmission
- Shocks & Struts
- Chassis & Suspension
- Engine Repair
- Clutch Repair
- Exhaust System
- Auto Electrical System
- Tires and Flat Tire Repair
- Auto Heating & Air Conditioning
A1 Performance Auto Repair prides themselves on repairing only what is broken, which saves their customers a lot of unnecessary expense. If it isn’t broke then they will not pressure you to fix it. Customers really appreciate that and enjoy the reliability of their skill in auto repair. This is why Toyota owners use A1 Performance Auto Repair for their Sunnyvale Toyota Service location.
Other Services Offered
- Preventative Maintenance
- Oil Changes
- Car Maintenance Schedule Services
- California Smog
- Testing and Repairs
- Computer Diagnostics
Helpful Auto Maintenance Coupons
A1 Performance Auto Repair likes to give back to their customers to show their appreciation. One of the ways they do so is with monthly specials on auto maintenance and repairs. Be sure to check the Deals page for a money saving coupon for any maintenance you have coming up on your Toyota. It is always great to save some cash. It is like found money!
A1 Performance Auto Repair
Stop by soon for your next maintenance on your Toyota and meet Cliff, the owner. You’ll see why many Toyota owners are using A1 Performance Auto Repair for their Sunnyvale Toyota service.
by A1performance123 | Mar 2, 2016 | Auto Care Blog, Auto Mechanic
An oil leak from your car is a real aggravation. Everywhere you park the car, in your driveway, at your friend’s home, on the street in front of your house leaves that telltale sign of the problem, the greasy puddle. It is bad for the environment and making you crazy. So, what needs to be done about it?
Oil Leak
The first thing you need to do is to put a big piece of cardboard on the ground where you park your car. This should catch the drips and stop the problem of the oil puddle on your driveway or on your garage floor. That should help until you have the time to go to the auto mechanic to have the oil leak fixed.
The Cause of the Leak
An oil leak is usually from a worn out engine gasket, old pan seals or degraded valve cover gaskets. Repairing those issues to stop the leak usually isn’t that expensive. It is well worth the money to not have that toxic puddle on your garage floor anymore.
To let the oil leak go for the long term is an expensive proposition. Your car or truck running low on oil all the time or running out of oil can cause a costly problem with your engine. When oil is leaking, you just have to find the time to get it fixed by the auto mechanic. While you can put it off for a few weeks usually, providing you’re checking the oil daily, letting it go for months is not a good idea.
Where to Get Auto Repairs
A1 Performance Auto Repair has experienced, certified auto mechanics that can get your oil leak repaired quickly and properly. Stop by the shop soon so that we can take a look at your car or truck and assess the cause of the problem and get it fixed for you.
by A1performance123 | Jan 27, 2016 | Auto Mechanic
Certified auto repair will show you that the auto shop has achieved a high standard for skill in mechanics and customer service. Diamond Certified shops are places that you can be sure that you can trust. When you’re looking for a shop that has been certified in Sunnyvale, CA, A1 Performance Auto Repair is the place you want.
Certified Auto Repair
Most companies in the Bay Area do not qualify to be certified by the nonprofit American Ratings Corporation. Only those companies that are rated the highest in customer satisfaction and customer service will be able to display the Diamond Certified logo. A1 Performance Auto Repair is a Diamond certified auto repair in Sunnyvale, CA.
In addition to A1 Performance Auto Repair’s Diamond Certification, they have ASE certified mechanics on staff. The ASE certification is a rigorous testing procedure mechanics will take to prove their expert skill in repairing gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. If the mechanic passes these tests, and not all mechanics will, then they get to proudly display the ASE logo on their shop windows. If you see that logo then you will know you can trust the auto mechanic’s knowledge and skill in repairing your car or truck. Many of the A1 Performance Auto Repair’s mechanics have passed this ASE testing procedure and make the company a certified auto repair shop.
Getting Your Car Fixed Right the First Time
A1 Performance Auto Repair is a certified auto repair business with both the Diamond Certified and ASE testing programs. They spent the time to get these certifications to prove they are skilled and trustworthy auto mechanics. Stop by the shop the next time you need an oil change or other simple car maintenance, so that you can meet Cliff and the staff.
