Mechanics: People keeping cars longer to save money

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By PAT BAILEY

Story Created: Feb 4, 2009 at 3:38 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 4, 2009 at 5:49 PM EST

(WKTV) - Several local repair shops say their business is increasing because of the economy - that many people are driving their cars longer, avoiding having to buy new.

Russ Schmitt, owner of Oriskany Street garage in Yorkville, says on average he is seeing older and older vehicles come in for repair.

"I would say 90's 91, 92 are the general old cars now. " said Schmitt.

Schmitt said a lot of the time, his customers are forced to make a choice of whether or not to fix an old car or get a new one.

"When you have an estimate of over $1,000, that is one of the first questions: What do you think I should do? Should I invest or should I replace?" Schmitt said.

Schmitt says a lot of people are coming into is garage and getting just the bare necessities done to their vehicle. At the same time, he says people are coming in and avoiding the necessities preventative maintenance work like getting their oil changed.

Other one time routine maintenance, Schmitt says are avoided, are tire rotations. He says when it comes time for getting new ones, a lot of people are buying used ones.

Schmitt says at the end of the day he will do any repair if he thinks it is a worthwhile investment.

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