Stories of electric vehicle (EV) ownership can sometimes take unexpected turns, as highlighted by a recent incident in the St. Petersburg-Tampa area in Florida. A family’s venture into EV ownership turned into a challenging ordeal when they discovered severe issues with the vehicle’s battery. This serves as a compelling reminder for prospective used EV buyers to thoroughly inspect the battery’s condition, much like assessing other vital components in a traditional gasoline vehicle.
The family’s journey into EV ownership began with the purchase of a 2014 Ford Focus Electric from a dealership. The vehicle, with 60,000 miles on the odometer, seemed like a promising choice. However, after only six months of ownership, the family encountered significant problems with the car’s battery. The dashboard lit up with alerts, signaling an impending issue.
Upon seeking professional assistance at AutoNation, a Ford dealership, the family received disheartening news. The dealership quoted a staggering $14,000 for replacing the EV’s battery. To compound the problem, this estimate did not even include the costs for installation and labor.
The situation took a more alarming turn when the family approached the parts department at the dealership. To their dismay, they discovered that replacement batteries for their specific Ford Focus Electric model were no longer in production. The spare batteries for this particular model had been discontinued when the production of the vehicle ceased a few years prior.
Left in a dire situation, the family faced an unpalatable offer from the dealership – they were willing to buy the dysfunctional car for a mere $500. This marked the unfortunate conclusion of their EV ownership experience.
The family’s story underscores a crucial lesson for potential used EV buyers: meticulous research before making a purchase is imperative. While the family’s Ford Focus Electric had low mileage, the battery’s failure exposed a critical flaw. The key to understanding the health of an EV’s battery lies in evaluating usage patterns, including charge cycles, fast charges, and exposure to extreme temperatures.
In the words of the vehicle owner: “If you’re buying a used vehicle, do your research before buying electric. It may cost more than you realize.” This cautionary tale emphasizes the need for thorough inspection and evaluation of an EV’s battery to avoid being burdened with repair costs that may surpass the vehicle’s value.
As the world transitions towards electric mobility, it becomes increasingly important for consumers to be well-informed and vigilant when navigating the landscape of used EVs. Proper assessments and understanding of an EV’s history can make the difference between a satisfying ownership experience and an unfortunate financial setback.
Have you encountered similar stories or have insights to share? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section, and let’s continue to learn from each other’s experiences in the realm of electric vehicles.
When it comes to obtaining vehicle titles, a common misconception is that a mechanics lien is a shortcut to acquiring ownership. Our sales department frequently receives inquiries, with approximately 30 to 35 percent of clients expressing interest in pursuing a mechanics lien as a means to secure a title. However, the reality is that while mechanics liens can be a powerful tool in specific situations, they are not always the most effective or efficient method. This blog post aims to shed light on the mechanics lien process, its implications, and why one should exercise caution before considering it as a viable option.
So, what exactly is a mechanics lien? In some states, it is referred to as a garage keepers lien, while in others, it goes by the term “itemization of repairs.” At its core, a mechanics lien is a mechanism for automotive repair facilities, body shops, and sometimes towing companies to recover unpaid fees for vehicle repairs. It is not designed as a vehicle title acquisition tool. Let’s delve into the mechanics lien process using Michigan as an example, bearing in mind that the process may vary slightly from state to state.
1. Garage Keeper’s Lien: In Michigan, the term used is “garage keeper’s lien,” and the primary purpose is to entitle a repair facility to compensation for charges incurred in diagnosing or repairing a vehicle when the owner fails to pay.
2. Application Eligibility:
3. Registered Repair Facility Requirement:
4. Formal Agreement and Documentation:
5. Possession Duration:
1. Filing the Notice:
2. Case Number Assignment:
3. TR-42 Issuance:
4. Certified Letters:
5. Vehicle Redemption Opportunity:
1. Auction Offering:
2. Public Sale Requirements:
3. Proceeds Distribution:
1. False Statements and Penalties:
2. Market Value Limitations:
3. Ownership Revocation:
While mechanics liens serve a legitimate purpose for repair facilities seeking compensation, they are not suitable for individuals attempting to acquire titles through dubious means. Recognizing the potential pitfalls and legal repercussions is crucial. For those seeking alternative methods to obtain a title, options like bonded titles, VT transfers, prior owner contacts, or court-ordered titles are often more straightforward, cost-effective, and legally sound.
The mechanics lien process is a valuable tool for repair facilities when used appropriately. However, for individuals seeking titles, exploring legal and legitimate alternatives is highly recommended. Understanding the nuances of each method ensures a smoother, lawful, and more secure path to obtaining a vehicle title.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and let’s continue the conversation on navigating the complexities of vehicle ownership.
Did you know that in England, or Great Britain, also known as the United Kingdom, you are not considered the owner of a car? Instead, you are deemed the keeper of the vehicle. Our friends across the pond can share their thoughts on this distinctive approach to vehicle possession. This unique perspective is governed by a document known as the V5C – a logbook issued by the Division of Licensing to the registered keeper of a vehicle.
Every car in England, to our understanding, is required to have a V5C logbook. This paper document serves as a comprehensive record, containing specific details about the car. It must be updated to reflect changes whenever there is a shift in the registered keeper’s name, address, or if the vehicle is sold. This brings forth an interesting analogy – you’re not an owner but a keeper, akin to borrowing the vehicle from someone or even the government.
The logbook is not just a record; it plays a vital role in the financial aspect of vehicle ownership. It includes a reference number used to pay the vehicle excise duty, a form of road tax. Modifications to the car or its status, such as being written off for scrap or insurance purposes, must be documented in this logbook.
Contrary to popular belief, the V5C is not proof of ownership. While insurance certificates are digital, a paper form of the logbook is still required. This physical documentation is likely to persist into the future, serving as a fraud-prevention measure.
This approach starkly differs from how vehicle ownership is perceived in the United States. In the U.S., individuals are considered owners, registered owners, or titled owners. The concept of being a “keeper” rather than an “owner” raises intriguing questions about the evolving nature of vehicle possession.
As discussions around shared vehicle usage, electric vehicles, and evolving ownership concepts unfold, the “keeper” model in England prompts speculation. Could this unique approach influence practices in other countries? Some U.S. states already follow mechanisms similar to the tax-transfer process mentioned in England.
With the automotive landscape undergoing significant transformations, including shared mobility and the rise of electric cars, the traditional notion of vehicle ownership is being reevaluated. Concepts such as “keepership” challenge conventional thinking and invite us to reconsider the relationship between individuals and their vehicles.
To our friends in England and around the world, we invite you to share your thoughts on this distinctive approach to vehicle possession. How does the idea of being a “keeper” resonate with you? Do you foresee such a paradigm shift in other countries? Join the conversation and let us know your perspective on this evolving landscape of automotive ownership.
In a move that may foreshadow broader trends impacting vintage and older vehicles, Nevada has recently announced significant changes to the eligibility criteria for classic car registration. While the state frames it as a measure to address emissions and insurance concerns, critics argue it could signal a broader effort to phase out older cars.
Nevada’s classic car registration, which previously encompassed vehicles from the 1980s and earlier, is undergoing a transformation. The state is considering moving the eligibility cutoff even further, potentially affecting a wider range of vehicles.
One of the most contentious changes is the introduction of smog checks for classic cars. These vehicles, often devoid of modern emissions control features, face a new hurdle to maintain their classic status. Additionally, a stringent mileage limit of 5,000 miles per year has been proposed, significantly curbing the usability of these vintage rides.
Owning a classic car in Nevada may soon come with the caveat that it cannot serve as your primary or only vehicle. Insurance companies often demand proof of a daily driver when providing coverage for classic cars, complicating matters for enthusiasts who cherish these older vehicles for their simplicity and ease of maintenance.
Critics argue that these changes disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who rely on older cars for their simplicity and affordability. For those who appreciate the straightforward mechanics of an older Ford truck or a 1970s Jeep, the prospect of facing additional restrictions may limit their ability to keep and maintain these vehicles.
As Nevada takes a bold step, other states may observe this move closely. The question arises: Is this a localized response to specific concerns, or does it signal a broader trend aimed at phasing out older vehicles in favor of modern, computerized cars?
Simultaneously, the automotive landscape is witnessing the integration of remote kill switches in new vehicles, scheduled to become mandatory after 2026. While proponents argue this is a measure against drunk driving, skeptics question if this aligns too conveniently with a push to eliminate older cars from the roads.
As we stand at this regulatory crossroads, enthusiasts and advocates for older vehicles find themselves grappling with a changing landscape. The battle between preserving automotive history and adhering to evolving standards of emissions and safety is underway, and the fate of older cars hangs in the balance.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences regarding these regulatory shifts. Have you encountered challenges with classic car registration in your state? How do you perceive the future of older vehicles in the face of evolving regulations?
The road ahead is uncertain, and the stories of car enthusiasts navigating these challenges will shape the narrative of how we approach the preservation of automotive heritage in the years to come.
By now everybody’s seen the news where the state of California is looking to ban sales of gas-powered cars – basically, everything has to be an electric vehicle. There’s more to it than just California because you might think, California is only one state and I don’t live in California so it’s not going to affect me. Well, let’s take a look.
Even though California is technically one out of 50 states, it represents about 15-18% of the automobile market. So when manufacturers build vehicles they have to make sure they keep California in mind because it’s a larger than average share of the national vehicle sales market. In addition, there are other states that are doing this. The state of Washington has already announced that they’re doing this as well. So now you add those two together, there are also four or five other states that have either announced they’re going to phase out gas-powered cars within the next few years or they’re expected to do so very shortly. If you add up all of the states that have already either announced or certainly will, you have about one-third of the population of this country living in a state where gasoline vehicles will no longer be eligible to be purchased. In fact, some states will not even allow you to register them. In the state of Washington, the law says not only can you not buy them but you can’t even register them. If you already own one, when this law passes, your registration will be rejected when you try to renew it. It seems that California will let you keep the gasoline car you already have. It’s unclear whether you’d be allowed to buy one in another state and bring it into California.
The writing is on the wall right, electric vehicles are being shepherded in as a requirement where gasoline vehicles won’t be. Look at this point if the states pass these laws, even if the manufacturers or you as a consumer want a gasoline car, it might even be impossible because manufacturers aren’t going to build cars that are essentially illegal in a large part of the country. And in addition, they’re not going to build parts for cars that are being phased out. So if you have a 10-year-old car or a 5-year-old car that needs parts, 10 years from now you might not be able to get parts. Many people think, well I’ll just keep my gas car forever and keep driving it, good luck with that. You might not be able to continue to maintain that car in operating condition if parts aren’t available. Even things like computer chips, electronic parts, or collision parts. What if the car gets crashed and you need a fender and there are no fenders? What if the brakes go out and you can’t buy brakes? So you might think, well maybe I’ll just bite the bullet and buy an electric vehicle, well not so fast. At the same time, this is happening, EV prices are going up. According to this article from The Verge, electric vehicle prices are going up. In fact, Ford announced recently for a lot of vehicles, they’re increasing the prices between $6,000 and $8,000 for electric vehicles due to what they call “production cost increases”.
So what does this mean? What does it mean for you as a consumer? For the market and for the industry? Let’s first start with what are your comments. If you are a consumer, what are your thoughts on the fact that electric vehicles may not be a choice anymore and may be a requirement? If you don’t live in California, what if your state decided to do the same thing? What if the market realities made it so that you couldn’t find a gasoline vehicle? What if the manufacturers are not making gasoline vehicles, are you prepared to live a life with an electric-only vehicle? Do you have the capability to charge it? Does match your transportation usage? Are you in the automotive industry? Are you a repair shop? Are you prepared for the transition to electric vehicles? Does your shop have the right technology to repair and fix these vehicles? In fact, are these third-party repair shops even going to be a thing with electric vehicles? It might be dealer-only repairs.
Think about this – if you have a cell phone or a computer, most of those things are under warranty, or the repairs are done through a download or only at the authorized retailer or it may be that third-party repair shop with aftermarket parts. Local garages are not really even needed anymore because everything’s electronic, there are no mechanical parts. Is that industry going to fade away? What about collision repairs? Well, the collision repair of an EV is more than just sheet metal. In most cases, if the floor pan of a car gets damaged, and almost every collision even light impact damaged the floor pan, that’s where the battery is. If the battery is damaged, that’s more than just sheet metal repair, that’s a mechanical item that may have to go back to the dealer.
What about dealers themselves? What is this going to do for the future of automotive retailing? Is it going to change how you run your dealership? What about used car lots? Will it be practical to buy and sell used electric vehicles? A five-year-old electric vehicle might have more than a hundred thousand miles and now your battery is out of warranty. Most manufacturers warranty the battery for eight years or a hundred thousand miles. Well, some people hit a hundred thousand in five years. That’s only 20,000 miles a year. Many people drive more than 20,000 miles a year. So in five years if that battery is out of warranty, does that make the car worth anything? Is it worth even buying or selling these cars? Because if the battery costs $15,000 $18,000, is a five-year-old car even worth that to replace a battery? So tell us what your thoughts are. This is all brand new, this is a new world a new era, all new information. We’d like to hear your feedback on what you think about the transition to electric vehicles. What do these new laws changing mean for you? And what opinions do you have about this?
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