Let me tell you a little story. You see, we are The Thrifty Couple, but we’ve never claimed to be the “all-knowing, all-experienced Jack and Jackie of all trades.”Â
What I mean by that is that, well…we really, really stink when it comes to DIY car stuff – like really bad! It has been an intimidating, frustrating and expensive experience for us in the past. We are really dense in this particular area of our lives.
And yes, that includes even Alex, the man of the house. He is an engineer by trade and can decipher and compose data and code in the software realm like nobody’s business (remember I am married to him so I can be honest biased :)) but cannot decipher a problem with the car. Don’t worry, he gave me permission to share the honest truth about this part of our lives.
And honestly, this problem of no “car-fixing” skills is a big problem for a couple that is trying to be as frugal and money-savvy as possible.
In fact, I want to share a story with you to show just how much we do not know about cars and repairs.
A few years ago, we had a problem.
It wasn’t a small problem, but we were being told it was a several-hundred-dollar-fix problem. But the problem was either X or Z and the mechanic wouldn’t know which it was until he got in there and got to work. Only after would we discover just how BIG of a problem it was.
It stunk and it’s often the territory of a thrifty couple – car troubles – because we often drive older, more used cars.
Having been blessed by not having many car issues in the past, when this day came it was honestly devastating. Even though we had money in the bank to cover it from our emergency fund…we kept asking ourselves whether there was a better way.
That’s when we heard about AutoZone. Mind you, an auto parts store is the lowest on our list of experience/knowledge. But we heard that AutoZone had a machine that could diagnose a vehicle’s problem (, diagnose in minutes, and diagnose for free.
Seriously?!?
That is way too cool and perhaps way to good to be true! But, we gave it a try even on the drive home from the mechanic. We pulled into AutoZone and asked if we could get a free diagnosis (wishing we could do the same with the doctor). They came out to the parking lot, hooked up their machine (The Fix Finder), ran the test and we had a result in a couple of minutes.
MIND.BLOWN.
We now knew what was wrong with the car. Completely brilliant plan!
BUT…the next step was repairing it. Now that we knew the problem, we could take it back to the mechanic and tell him and have him give us a better estimate. We don’t like walking into anything with the, “Well, it could be this, or it could be that and it’s going to cost between $300 – I dunno, maybe $900?” Sorry, that just does not fly in our book.
However, the very kind associate at AutoZone actually said we can repair it ourselves for a very small fraction of the cost.
We both looked at each other and then at him and said, “No, no, no, you don’t understand, we can’t fix cars. We cause MORE damage. But thanks for your vote of confidence.”
He said, “No, really, you can! I promise.”
We responded with a dumbfounded look on our faces with a “How?”
He said, “Come back inside the store and I will show you!”
So we followed him with reluctance, only because he said we could do it for a fraction of the cost. The money-saving factor was the turning point that piqued our curiosity as to whether we really could do this.
The gentleman showed us the problem and the repair guide from his computer. He gathered the parts while we were looking over the steps, came back, said that he would print the instructions for free and let us borrow the tools for free to fix it ourselves. The only thing left was to buy the parts. We did and the price we paid (again, just for the parts)Â was FAR less than the lowest estimate for the more minor issue that the mechanic alluded to.
So we walked out happy campers because our problems were behind us.
How did the story end?
Well, it just ended.  It was a smooth, seamless, easier-than-it-should-have-been DIY car repair and we still had nearly all of our emergency fund left! There was no dramatic outcry from the garage, there were no fights, there were no disagreements, there was no running back and forth from the auto parts store (don’t even get me started about our home repair stories – LOL!), there were no complaints, swearing, broken fingers, drama and sweat!
It was done.
It was cheap.
It was easy.
It was beautiful!
And now that we are heading into the beautiful green season (Spring!) and with tax time coming up, we want to help you spend your refund wisely by sharing this experience with you to save you “green” on your car repairs. This is the #1 cause of financial emergencies, so now you can put more of your tax refund into a road trip instead of spending it on huge emergency car repairs.
We don’t want our readers to spend a ton of money on car repairs. There is NOTHING to lose by checking out the free diagnostic service with the Fix Finder (not available in CA) at your local AutoZone first from now on. In fact, swing by on your way to the mechanic. You may be surprised by the information and the experience that you have.
AutoZone actually has quite a few free services and not only did our store print the instructions for free for us, but they have a repairs video guide online too if you are more this type.
Thankfully, we haven’t had any more car repair needs since this one, but we know where we are going to go first the next time. Trust us, if we can make a DIY car repair, YOU can for SURE!
And, since we are in the “green” season, planning our spring and summer road trips, getting the cars cleaned up and ready for the road trip season, we want to also give you some green!
They also put out coupons that you can often find on their Facebook page to stretch your dollars a bit more! Right now, you can grab a $7 off $30 coupon! Grab this AutoZone Coupon for the latest savings!
We would love to hear from you.
- Have you ever tried the free services at AutoZone?
- What was the cost of your last auto repair?
- Would you give this a try?
- Whatever you want about this topic!
*Please note, the giveaway is now closed on this post, but comments are always welcome. The winner was Carol (cjlgage@). Congratulations Carol!
This post is brought to you by AutoZone; the opinions are all mine.
Anita Easton
I wished I had known that before we used inherited money to buy a new car. The old one was just fine but was starting to cost repairs which I couldn’t do. My hubby did all of our repairs but he lost his sight 3 years ago and I am sole care giver. The car was great, wish I had it back now.
Arlene Jones
We are very frugal too, to the point that my husband does almost all of our repairs and remodeling. If he doesn’t know how to do it he reads and researches and watches how to videos. We have 4 very old vehicles and they are always needing one repair or another. I am so grateful that my husband can do all these things. He makes up for my shortfalls because I’m not very handy at all. We would really appreciate the gift card very much. The latest repair is the brakes on my daughter’s car. Probably going to need new rotars.
Donna
My husband saved us a lot of money last year by buying parts on ebay and watching how-to videos on youtube. However, we have an mystery clunk that he can’t find the source of. I don’t know if their diagnosis tool would work, but it would be great if they could identify it.
Darlene Neece
I knew this about Auto Zone, but I thought the check engine light had to be on. They changed my windshield wiper blades which was awesome. Being a single broke woman I can use all the hep I can get
MaryAnn Miracle
I absolutely depend on Auto Zone for the computer analysis. I have never owned a new car, and all of my used ones have had the “check engine” light on. ALWAYS go to Auto Zone for the free computer analysis! They have always been super friendly and given me the info that I needed. I have also used the free wiper install and, even in the dead of winter, the guys put my wipers on for me. Being in my 60’s now, I can’t find the words to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional service Auto Zone has provided. Even my children, who are all in their 30’s, use Auto Zone and take advantage of their freebies! Rock on Auto Zone! You are my favorite!
Veronica Vatter
We do just about all our own auto repairs at home. It is amazing how much you save by just changing a headlight bulb!
petra
I didn’t know about the free diagnostic service at AutoZone, but they have helped us out a few times to get the right parts for DIY repairs when our check engine light went on. My husband learned how to perform the repairs by watching YouTube videos.
Laurie
Oh, my goodness. We have an Auto Zone and I have used them for batteries and wiper blades, but I had no idea they would help with bigger issues. I am really excited to know this.
Mary Hall
There’s an AutoZone close to me and the staff there has always been awesome and very helpful. Regardless of how much parts cost, it’s the staff that always make the difference. I love AutoZone.
Jody Roberts
We, too, have 2 old vehicles we drive in order to be thrifty. We have 3 auto parts stores nearby on the same street. We will definitely go to AutoZone first next time. Thanks for the tip!
Mel
There are several Autozones near us and my husband has visited all of them several times to get parts to help repair our family’s cars (not just ours but those of nieces and nephews and friends). We sure are glad these stores are nearby and staffed with knowledgeable clerks with well-stocked shelves.
Rebecca Heinzeroth
My husband does all of our regular maintenance and most repairs often using parts and supplies from Autozone. They are always helpful.
Maria Sellers
Wow! This is fantastic! My daughter just bought her first used car and I am going to let her know this, as well. Thanks for the giveaway as well. Even if I don’t win, I have a feeling that I won because of this info. I am definitely looking into this. We literally can walk to our Auto Zone (but what would be the point, right?)
Cyndi Stevenson
I have used the diagnostic tool several times, usually when the check engine light is on. The employees are always helpful.
Tracy
My husband watched utube videos to assist with small car repairs.
Noemi Keresztyen Sharkey
Being a family with 5 kids and my husband making less than $12 an hour, the best we can do for vehicles right now is a ’97 GMC Suburban that my dad found for us at the junkyard for $2500. We drove it home and have had a bad fuel pump, a bent driveshaft, and some front suspension work done on it-all by my not previously mechanical husband-until he met me. He drives a ’99 Camry with over 300K miles on it. We have totaled it thrice now, once in an accident and twice by hitting a deer (NOT the same deer lol) . Since my dad has his own car shop he spliced the front end together twice with a donor car from a junk yard (NOT the same car :-P). My husband eventually broke down and got his own diagnostic reader from Harbor Freight. It has been really helpful at times-like when we need to clear the check engine light right before we take our cars to Texas inspections. Both of our cars have them always on. Some gas/evaporator some such related problem on the Camry that hasn’t responded to cheaper options/related parts being replaced and something with the O2 sensors on the truck that haven’t responded with the O2 sensors being replaced. Both cars run fine even with the light on so hopefully one day the CEL will burn out and we’ll be all good. :o) Autozone has been a huge supplier of parts for us-especially while we were actively driving our tribulation of a ’93 VW Eurovan (currently sitting in our backyard and awaiting repairs for a sheared shaft on a pulley that got thrown down the road at 70 mph and we have to figure out how/where to drill a hole through the frame to bore out the remainder of the old shaft-hence the need for the Suburban.) So yeah, a $100 giftcard to Autozone would be a blessing (hopefully not soon needed though!) This blog has been a blessing for our family and the kids always want more of the rainbow layered jello recipe! God bless!!
phia
Thanks for sharing this info. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I definitely will go to get both our cars analyzed.
Grace
I would definitely try this service. My husband has an old car and the horn has stopped working. Would love to see if this is something we could fix ourselves.
Rhonda
I would absolutely try this had I known! What a great business!
Sue & Mike
We are not car DIYers either but are so blessed to have a locally owned repair shop nearby that is honest and has reasonable prices and reasonable policies. We’ve relied upon them for years and no complaints. Did I mention honest? That said, we have an AutoZone handy to us as well – and we didn’t know about these free diagnostic services! We will be sure to try AutoZone next time, knowing we can always rely on our trusty local repair shop instead or if we make a mess giving it a go ourselves. Thank you so much for this post!
Cindy
Thanks for the confidence builder. Most things we think we can’t do are fear based. The older I get the more brave I get. I could use that 100.00 gift card to buy those brakes I am going to attempt o replace!
Bonnie Thompson
bought some new wiper blades at Auto Zone, and was really pleased when then offered to install them for me!
I didnt have a clue how to, although it looked easy. It was nice to have someone who knows how to do it!
MARIE MATTINGLY-WOODS
We actually have used AutoZone to check out car battery. It died right after we bought the used car… They were able to tell us it was a battery issue and easily replacable. Our last car repair was the engine. It blew up again our used car, thankfully we bought th extended warranty from the dealership so they have to cover the repair.
Gina M
Autozone was really helpful when it came to replacing my wiper blades! They also replaced the battery in my husband’s car!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Laura Wray
I have always had bad luck with my used cars. As a teenager, I was stranded too many times to recall (so scary). I now carry good road service and cringe every time I go to the mechanic. I lack confidence in my mechanical skills and am intimidated by auto DIY, but you made it sound so do-able! I had no idea that Auto Zone provided this service. I will definitely be stopping by there the next time we require service. Thanks for posting another wonderful story!
MARTHAIA
Auto Zone has great the few times I have had my car checked out by them.The employees were very helpful & answered all my concerns.Thanks
Trisha Burgess
We just had some work done on our car and it was $1300.00!! I think I had a heartattack when they gave me the bill! But if you want a running car what do you do!?!
Judith Morley
Thank you for sharing this info!!! I will definitely check it out next time I have a car problem.
Terri Hutchinson
This is perfect timing! I had to give up our only car back in October due to financial issues and we just saved up a thousand dollars as of last month to find a minivan thinking that should be plenty for an old, used minivan that we just need to get groceries and visit family, etc. I am really surprised that it’s now been over a month and haven’t found a single one that we could afford because at that price level, they all need repairs and like you, we are definitely NOT “car people” so finding one with as few repairs needed as possible is top of our list! They just opened an AutoZone down the street last fall, actually their grand opening was right about the time we had to give up our last vehicle, so this would be the most perfect prize for us, be able to put that $100 towards whatever needs to be fixed and bonus, your idea of checking them on the way to the mechanic made me think, I can test drive the vehicle we eventually find right over to AutoZone and make sure there aren’t any hidden issues before I even buy it! Thank you so much!! Oh, and to the commenters here, if anyone is in Maine and has a minivan, let me know LMAO and GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE and THANK YOU to you Thrifty Couple for sharing your ideas, I have been pretty thrifty myself but some of your ideas like this one are just brilliant!!
Cheryl L.
We love Autozone! My husband has used their diagnostic services and we buy a lot of our car repair parts there. We’ve also had them test and recharge a battery. Thanks for the chance!
Ann
I’ve known that Auto Zone can help when your check engine light comes on, which I’ve done, but I didn’t realize that they can help with instructions and video’s. That’s awesome! Neither my husband or I are very handy when it comes to fixing cars, but this is something we’ll definitely have to check it out next time a problem arises! Thanks for the tip!
Kathie Morrissey
Yes, we go to Auto Zone whenever our service engine light comes on. I love that they can tell us what the problem is, so we know if it’s urgent, or something we can wait on.
Marre Giller
I drive a 1997 Toyota that I absolutely love, but there’s some kind of problem in the electrical system – will definitely be stopping by Auto Zone to see if their nifty machine can tell me what the trouble is!
Rachel
I did not know they offered these types of services. Will check it out as I just paid 285 dollars to have a gasket changed on my 2003 Explorer.
S Baig
I have used Autozone a few times in the past when the check engine light would go on and I wanted to have an idea of where the area of the problem was.
But I love the other services Autozone offers just as much. I have had them come outside to my car to check my battery before I spent the money to replace it. So I’m glad to have one near me when I need them.
Evangelina E.
My husband and I love AutoZone! They always have what parts we need. We share an interest in building trucks and classic muscle cars. He taught me everything I know! We have lots of fun, sweat and tears in some of the project builds we have done. When finished it brings a great deal of pride to know what we have accomplished!
Jesse
I did not know they could give you instructions. I knew about the computer check. I have a few things to fix on our car and van.
Lora Liebich
WOW I didn’t know they would print out the instructions and let you borrow the parts, to. Great info
julie Roman
We have been DIY with our cats for awhile now. I have used Auto Zones diagnostic services and have asked how to fix it myself. As a woman asking for that advice generally I get helped by the counter guy showing me where the repair site is and how to do it.
MY BEST KEPT SECRET is that Auto Zone does price matching, I have a list of the auto parts stores in my area programmed into my phone and I start calling around, if someone is cheaper than Auto Zone I call Auto Zone tell them the name and phone number, they call and verify the price and I save $$$$
Jolene Parrish
I LOVE Auto Zone’s diagnostic service! It’s extremely helpful. The employees are always helpful and friendly in our local store in Pasadena, Texas.
Valerie Birr
Hubby can actually do many basic repairs, although at our age he prefers to get my son to do it. He LOVES AutoZone for both parts and info!
Andra Turner
Great info! I will definitely give this a try! Going to go look up where the nearest Auto Zone is.
Corghi Australia
Great tips that everyone can follow through with that knowledge anyone can save money.
GMB Review
Nice insights and ideas that everyone can refer through.