32 - Friday, October 14, 1988 - North Shore News MOST PEOPLE can easily name a car they dream of owning. By FILOMENA TAMBURRI Contributing Writer But for many, a car is more an emotional rather than a rational purchase. Few material possessions reflect our self-image or success as readily as a car. So it is easy to understand why most of us leave our common sense behind when we take that special car for a test spin. Unfor- tunately, this attitude can un- necessarily drain most pocket- books. Whether you are purchasing your first car or your tenth, it is ALLIED RADIATORS worthwhile to review a few con- siderations and examine the pur- chase rationally with an eye to get- ting the best deal possible. Your first consideration will be cost. Can you afford a car? Estimate and total all the ex- penses you can expect to incur just to keep the car on the road. These include gasoline, oil changes, tune-ups, parking and insurance premiums. If you are purchasing a second- hand car you can probably expect some repair Costs. On top of these expenses you may have to make monthly pay- ments if you have to finance your purchase. Look at the size of your down payment and then fook at your budget and decide how much you can realistically afford. JAYCORMOY IVE 59100, As a precaution you may want to consider talking to the loan of- ficer at your bank, trust company or credit union to get a precise idea of how much your financial in- stitution will lend you. This will, at least, give you a reasonably accu- rate idea of the price range you should be considering. Also remember that whether you arrange financing before or after your purchase you should shop around and consider a few finan- cial institutions to get the best possible terms for your loan. When you are ready to buy, head for the library before the car dealership. There are many car models to choose from out there and it’s a good idea to do as much reading as possible beforé you test drive any car. AUTOMOTIVE. Do some research even if you think you are clear on which car you prefer, Cars can undergo changes quickly these days. A two-year-old model may be quite different from this year’s version. When you begin searching ac- tively, it may be wise to check out the dealership as much as possible. If you find a model that interests you, take it for a test drive to make sure it will live up to your expectations. Ask to take a blank contract home with you so that you can study it and make sure you unders- tand all it involves before you sign. Make sure there are adequate pro- tection clauses so that you have recourse if the car is not delivered on time. Ask about the details of the warranty, Consider carefully just .- how many options you need before - you purchase them. If you are purchasing a used car get as many details about its. histo- ty as possible. Find out what repairs have been made over the - lifetime of the car, what parts have been replaced and if the car has , ever been in an accident. Have the owner certify the car. - so that you are certain it’s road-°. worthy. Lastly, test drive the car ° and inspect it carefully for unusual’ wear and tear. Buying a car can mean hours of | enjoyment and immense conve- . nience. It could also mean distress- ing problems. Avoid dazzle, negotiate calmly . . and you may just get that dream | ‘Bring your investment to the professionals, Don't be fooled by | imitators. We will bring your investment back to its origina! condition. § NEW AND USED CAR PROTECTION PACKAGE ° UNDERCOATING » RUST-PROOFING © SUPER SHINE e SCOTCH GUARD * VINYL ROOFS & INTERIORS Zz, A rubberized material that adds soundproofing to your investment as well as inhibiting rust. From 395 Penetrates inner panels and all bare metal areas to Inhibit rust. From $85 A paint treatment that keeps that high gloss shine, From $145 Fabric protection against stains — includes, headliner, mats, etc. After a few years a cars’ roof or interior should be properly | cared fof. We professionally dye & change colour of vinyl roofs & interiors. Radiator and Heater Re * MECHANICAL SPECIALISTS RECONDITION * COLLISION SPECIALISTS PPAR OUR "30TH" YEAR SERVING THE NORTH SHORE QUALITY WORKMANSHIP — TRUSTWORTHY SERVICE B.C.A.A. APPROVED - A.R.A. CERTIFIED 1.€.B.C. VENDOR — 1.C.A.R. TRAINED [~~ ouuityierans * GENERAL MECHANICAL (MOTOR, BRAKES, ETC) SENIOR & FLEET DISCOUMS + AUTOMATIC 8 STANDARD TRANSMISSIONS. CLUTCHES. DIFF. » COMPUTERIZED ELECTRONIC TUNE-UPS + COOLING SYSTEMS & AIR CONDITIONING « ALIGNMENTS, BALANCING, SUSPENSIONS, FRAMES, UNIBODY APPOINTMENTS FREE ESTIMATES & CONSULTATION TRANSMISSIONS & BRAKES For fast, professional repairs and j service of your cooling system and/or j aif conditioner, come direct to the 1 specialists | ORIVE IN SERVICE dust off Pemberton, drive around back. f Mon-Fri. 8:00-5:30, Sat. 8:00-3:30 TAYLORMOTIVE OFFERS OWISIONS - 50 BAYS FOR F.A-S-T SERVICE New, Used & Rebuilds * Front brakes 854° ¢ Rear Brakes 549° ® Machine Brake ‘Rotors $6 & Drums 54 e New GM Radiators from 4145 © Rebuilt transmission from 5400 (most cars) Complete Auto Repairs Phone & Compare Prices Estimates §985- 7646 Courtesy Cars 1106 E. 3rd St., North Vancouver «BODY & FENDER, MAJOR COLLISIONS — BAKE OVEN PAINTING * TOWING & COURTESY CARS ARRANGED JAYLORMOTIVE 59 17D, 174 PEM BERTON AVE 5 BLOCKS SOUTH OF MARINE DR, N. VANCOUVER 985-7455 BCAA APPROVED OVER 36 YEARS ON THE NORTH SHORE NOR EST | RADIATORS 1175 West 14th St. N.Van 984-0374 POA AUTOMOTIVE 110 "PERFORMANCE ONE PRICE SPECIAL "Tune-Up Specials Lube Oil bei Gok i8cy | seecets Includes: Quality Filter, up to 5 litres, 10W-30 oil, most parts & labour —~ most cars (standard ignition & air filter extra) i i i check or Brakes: Brakes in, } <=> Specials Front Disc Bt Brakes <= © Premium quality linings/pads - ° Machine drums or rotors © Repack wheel beatings * inspection of hardware * Semrmelaiiic pads extra © COMPLETE MECHANICAL REPAIRS & SERVICE ¢ COMPLETE COLLISION REPAIRS & PAINTING t 1 1 i 5 i 1 t 1 “All makes & models of cars, trucks & R.V.'s"’ 1 1 1 t t i é i 1 Engine Steam Clean =e ° Run cooler with clearer Limited LIFETIME warranty on ® While-u-wait all WAGNER _ shoes or pads UT. | 64? cx $84" top Repair Shop” 1239 Welch St., N.Van. 986-8190 ! Ce ee ed i TREE COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE” {most cars) Mon-Fri. & 5: 30, Sat. 8am-ipm “Your One Stop Repair Shop’ en ee ee ee 985-7195 183 Pemberton Ave., North Van.