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The Book

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The Car Survival Guide

HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR CAR, THE MYTHS AND THE RIP-OFFS, FROM BUYING THROUGH TO SELLING.

Have you ever felt overcharged, confused and frustrated when dealing with a mechanic? Have you ever struggled with what to do and where to go for trusted advice? And do you openly admit you've got better things to do than worry about your car?

The Car Survival Guide lifts the bonnet on all aspects of car ownership, placing the answers to every car-related question in one easy-to-reference guide. Discover the inside tips and tricks that the dealerships, big automotive brands, dodgy mechanics and car salesmen don’t want you to know, to put you firmly in the driver’s seat.

If you have ever been caught in a tricky situation, not trusted your mechanic, or have simply felt disempowered from a lack of knowledge, then this book is your ultimate go-to-guide when faced with any car-related decision or challenge.

Price

$24.50

Flat rate Shipping Australian Cost $13.50

$22.27 inc. GSTAdd to cart

What you will Learn:

  • How to navigate the automotive industry myths and ripoffs. Do you really need to take your car to a dealership? How do you know if a repair or service has really been carried out? Is fixed price and capped price servicing all that it seems?
  • Answer the big questions of car ownership - what do I do, where do I go, and how do I not get ripped off? At every stage of your car’s life - from buying through to selling.
  • How to buy the best car for you and later sell it at maximum resale value. Protect your second largest asset, minimise its running costs and don’t get duped by the used car trade-in.

Put yourself in the driver’s seat.

For most women, the traditional way they understood cars was through their fathers or brothers. Today that is less likely the case. This book has given me a no-nonsense way to better understand my car so it doesn't let me down when I absolutely need it.
Natasha Hawker, Director, Employee Matters
Natasha Hawker, Director, Employee Matters
This book is a must for any car owner! An easy read to truly understand the smoke & mirrors of the auto industry. Highly recommend.
Jon Hollenberg
Jon Hollenberg
As a young female I have always felt intimidated by dealerships and auto shops when taking my car for a service. After reading The Car Survival Guide, I am way more confident knowing what's a myth and what's the truth.
Carla Schesser
Carla Schesser
THE CAR SURVIVAL GUIDE

Who should read this Book

1

Car Owner

If you’ve ever felt unsure when it comes to your car; knew that you were being ripped off; or just felt it was all too hard. This book is for you. Keep The Car Survival Guide in your glovebox and use it as a reference guide every time you’re in a jam. Buying through to selling.
2

Parent

Passing a driving test is a great milestone but also an anxious time for parents. The Car Survival Guide makes the perfect gift to celebrate this milestone, while giving you a little peace of mind. Put it in their glovebox as an everyday reference guide to keep them a step ahead.
3

Mechanic

Think like your customers. Mechanics have a bad reputation for being untrustworthy - we know this isn't true. The Car Survival Guide will make a great addition to your workshop waiting room, or as a customer gift to put you a step ahead of your competitors.

About the Author

Janelle loves building businesses, particularly those that disrupt and challenge the status quo.

Janelle spent 17 years in senior corporate positions, successfully building businesses and new product concepts, primarily in the finance and marketing industries. She has won several industry awards for innovation. Living a double life, corporate by weekday, trackside on the weekends, she shares her husband’s passion for cars. She has now turned her skills and passion to growing Australia’s first national mobile mechanic franchise.

Contact Janelle
Janelle Gonzalez Janelle GonzalezAuthor

Take a look inside

In this section you’ll learn how to choose a car that’s right for you, how to budget for and finance it, where to go and the questions to ask to ensure you end up with the perfect car for you. You will also learn how to buy a second hand car privately, and how to avoid the lemons and the pitfalls to ensure as smooth a transaction as possible.
In this section I uncover the bare basics that all car owners should know and should do to save money, avoid being ripped off through ‘not knowing’ and to protect the resale value of your car.
In this section I reveal the dodgy mechanic tactics, when your mechanic is ripping you off, how to avoid extras on your bill, and ultimately how to find a great mechanic that will do the right thing by you and your car (yes, some good ones are out there). I also explain the differences between a dealership, workshop and mobile mechanic to dispel some of the myths and help you work out the best option for you.
This section addresses the many sticky situations you may run into as a car owner so you’ll be equipped to handle any situation, avoid unnecessary repairs and avoid a mechanic misdiagnoses.
This section shows you how to prepare both yourself and your car for the ultimate road trip, which could mean the difference between an enjoyable and safe trip, or not. I also share some bonus tips on traveling with kids and driving overseas.
Navigating the car sales landscape can take time, research and a whole lot of patience. In this section I help you navigate the who, what, why and when of car sales to help you gain maximum return on your car with the least possible fuss.
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