WTHR |More drivers fixing problems instead of buying new

More drivers fixing problems instead of buying new

Richard Essex/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - Because of the economic downturn, more people are holding onto their vehicles and fixing them to save money.

Because of the economy, car sales are down but car repairs are up.

The price to repair a 1998 Volvo station wagon, according to Dale Frank, a mechanic and co-owner of Confident Auto Repair in Zionsville, is right around $1,400.

"Car repairs are expensive, too," Frank said.

The car needed brakes, an oil change and more, but the owner, Frank said, would rather spend the money on repairs than buy a new car.

"Everybody is hanging on, trying to fix what they've got. It's cheaper than buying a new one, it's cheaper than car payments," said Frank. 

With increasing numbers, more and more people are stretching the life of their cars. Repairs shops and car dealers are seeing their customers more often and with the same car longer.

The shop foreman at Bill Estes Chevrolet on the north side of Indianapolis says when GMAC cut back on leasing cars, it drove customers into his shop.

"Now a days with leases on the downsize, people are wanting to keep their cars instead of buying new cars. A lot more maintenance everyday," John Hamilton said.

He says the dealership is seeing a 25 percent increase in service.

"And I would say in the past couple of months that has grown even more," Hamilton said.  

Another indicator that people are spending money on their cars instead of buying new ones is tire sales. They have gone right through the roof. Discount Tire on North Michigan Road set a one day sales record in the past week.

"When a vehicle breaks down, it's never a good situation, because no one expects it and they always have that fear it's going to be a big bill and the anxiety rate is up there pretty high," Hamilton said.