| Here are a few of the frequently asked questions I get. Have a different question? Contact me! |
| In what forms do you accept payment? Cash, Money Order*, Cashiers Check*, or Personal/Business Check*. *please make payable to 'Duane Parks'. A $35 fee will be charged for any returned personal checks What type of maintenance should I do for my vehicle after winter to get it ready for spring/summer? The winter season can reap havoc on a vehicle. For a handy check list to get your vehicle ready for spring and summer driving, CLICK HERE. I found the vehicle I want at a dealership. Will you go to the dealership and check it out for me? Yes. The interested person will need to meet me there. Can you teach me to change the oil in my car? Yes. We need to determine the time and cost in regards to the vehicle you are considering. Materials are supplied by the owner of the vehicle. What does an inspection of a used vehicle include? It is a basic inspection which includes a thorough bumper to bumper 13-point visual inspection of the vehicle - including the undercarriage, looking for evidence of any major collision repairs, flood damage, corrosion, fluid leaks, or any recent repairs that may indicate existing or future problems. A visual inspection of all visible brake, steering, and suspension components. A visual inspection of the components in the engine compartment. A test drive of the vehicle to evaluate the performance of the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, and brakes under various driving conditions. A test of the battery, starter and alternator. Does not include compression test of the engine, excessive oil consumption, overheat damage, or excessive wear to the cylinder. Click here for a more detailed overview of my services. Read my Inspection Disclosure. I need to bring my car in to the mechanic but I’m not sure what to ask for. Can you help? Yes, I can check out your vehicle first then explain the problem to you the owner. At your request I can contact your chosen mechanic. How far away from Ft. Collins are you willing to go and inspect the used car I am interested in? I serve the Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming area within a 100-mile radius from Fort Collins, CO. I would be willing to go outside the area for an additional charge to be determined. I need to purchase a used car, but I am not sure what to get. Can you make some recommendations? Yes, based on your usage and area we can determine your needs. I don’t have the time to search for the used vehicle I want. Can you look for me? Yes, based on your requirements. I am rebuilding a classic car, but I don’t have a lot of mechanical experience. Can you help me? Yes, I can provide information on rebuilding cars and support with finding original parts. Do you inspect RVs, motorcycles, and ATVs? I will inspect Class C RV's only, however I do not do motorcycles and ATV's because of the additional specialty equipment needed. When you come to look at my car do I need to bring anything? Please provide your proof of vehicle ownership, if applicable, and a place for inspection. Money exchange for services provided are exchanged before the inspection. I just got my car back from the mechanic and I am not sure if he did a good job. Can you take a look at the work he did? Yes, have the repair list and old parts handy for inspection. I just bought a car for my teenage child, and I want him/her to take care of it but I don’t have the time and/or know- how to teach him/her. Can you help me out here? Yes, I can go over the basics on oil changes, tire changes, fluid levels, tire pressures, battery, electrical, belts and hoses. I want to sell my car, but I don’t know what price it will go for. Can you take a look at it and give me some advice on what to do? Yes, price depends on the overall condition, year and mileage. What experience do you have with working on cars? I have over 45 years of experience working on cars. Worked for Chevrolet, Ford and Chrysler dealerships and independent auto shops. I have experience in all phases of cars including ground up rebuilds, race car building and driving, complete engine rebuilds, rear differentials, transmissions, front suspension, brakes, exhaust, electrical and body repairs. Click here for more information on my experience. What is a CarFax report and what will it tell me about a car? What will I not find in a CarFax report? A CarFax report is a part of the history of a vehicle and a guide the car industry uses for consumers. Such as has the vehicle been in a wreck and repainted, how many previous owners and the areas they lived in, etc... You probably won't find in a CarFax report if the vehicle has been in a flood and you won't find out the vehicle's maintenance history. How can I find out what the used vehicle I want to buy is worth? You can go on the Internet and look up prices for that particular vehicle. Go to any bank, your personal bank, or a Credit Union. Ask them for a copy of the Kelly Blue Book or an NADA Guide. You can also go online and check out these guides. Just Google ‘Kelly Blue Book’ or ‘NADA Guide’ and type in your vehicle information, or visit my Extras page and click on the links. |
| "Click and Clack" The Tappet Brothers on NPR's Car Talk Check out this informative, and hilarious, radio show by clicking here. Find out when and where to tune on your radio dial by clicking here. |
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