Hans Art Automotive Frequently Asked Questions

(415) 493-8989
3121 17th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Hans Art has been fixing cars for four decades.
Q: Why does my car need repair?
A: "Cars are collections of components that wear out in a somewhat predictable way. It is normal for starters, batteries, brake pads and so on to fail during the course of the car’s life."
Q: When do repair costs become more than the car is worth?
A: "Almost never. At $80-$100 per month (some makes may be higher), an older car is always cheaper to maintain than making a new car payment ($400-$500). Note: many people confuse the resale value of the car with its operating cost. It's smart to keep them separate."
Q: When should I get a new car?
A: "Consider a new car when you can’t fit your kids into it anymore; when the engine wears out; or when the annoyance factor gets higher than the $300 or $400 per month you’re not spending on a new car."
Q: Do I have to fix it now?
A: "Often not. Many repairs can be postponed to fit your budget. If something’s an emergency, we’ll tell you. And we'll send you a reminder in a few months."
Q: How long will it last?
A: "While our warranty on new parts is two years/24,000 miles, we try to ensure that hard parts will last at least five years. Hence our strong concern with and attention to parts quality."
Q: What do you mean by quality?
A: "The first response is about parts; not all are equal. For a repair to last you want the best material available. Second is labor; the technician working on your car should have done this repair many times and have a professional attitude and superior training."
Q: What if another repair shop quotes a lower price?
A: "Telephone quotes are inaccurate and misleading. Until your car has been looked at, no one can give a correct quote. We offer pinpoint diagnosis and a guaranteed honest assessment of the status of your car."
Q: How should I manage my older car?
A: "On older cars there are often multiple issues. They can often be done separately. But if done together you often save on labor because of time efficiency. We can advise you on this."
Q: How long will my repairs take?
A: "We never rush our technicians. Plus we use only the highest quality parts, which may sometimes involve a slightly longer delivery time."