You have questions, we have answers.

The Little Garage is transparent in our work. We want you to understand your car - how it works, its value, and what to do next. Scroll for commonly asked questions and tips.

Still have questions? Call us at (631) 673-1700.

Should I sell? Should I buy?

The pros and cons, ups and downs, pluses and minuses of old or used cars…

"Should I keep my ''88 325i or sell it and take the plunge for a new 330i?"

"My 540 is a great car, but the costs to maintain it are starting to get substantial."

"A new 545i is an unbelievable car, but business has been terrible for two years now and I can't afford a $65,000 purchase, plus higher insurance."

"I like older cars. There's a certain mystique about driving my '99 740iL. It was elegant when I bought it, and it still is. But a new Lexus comes with everything, and I'm tired of what it costs to maintain my vehicle, although I still enjoy it."

What's the right answer? There is no right answer, there are pros and cons to every choice.

PRO: Any new car has the advantage of the most up-to-date technology and safety features. There is no question that airbags (SRS) and four wheel anti-lock brakes make cars safer. Advances in electronic engine management, ride comfort, climate control, and sound systems make these new models very pleasurable.

CON: These advances are great as long as they work. They involve complicated electrical control units, relays, and wiring harnesses that are susceptible to contamination. Most component parts have to be replaced (not repaired) when they fail, and they are expensive.

PRO: There is something special about a new car. The fit and finish, both inside and out, look and feel great. Hopefully there are no rattles and everything works the way it's supposed to. But best of all is that new car smell that makes the car seem so special.

CON: Even the least expensive new car today will cost nearly $25,000. The goal of upgrading to a larger, more comfortable and sophisticated model could double or even triple that price. Insurance for a new car is often twice as expensive as it is for a used car.

PRO: Keeping an older model that is still fun to drive means a much lower financial burden. In the tri-state area, older models are less likely to be stolen and vandalized. Therefore, insurance premiums for comprehensive coverage can be much less.

CON: Older cars require more frequent service. The longer cars are driven, the greater likelihood that components will fail or wear out. Sometimes it takes a little longer to get the parts. This can become frustrating, for both the owner and the shop, especially when these mechanical failures happen at an inconvenient time.

PRO: Parts and labor for older models are usually less expensive because the components are less complicated than they are in new cars. They were built with heavier body panels, and there is less use of plastics.

Maintaining a complex, high-technology automobile is not simple. For example, here are some critical, frequently misunderstood areas that can affect both the performance and reliability of your German car…

Suspension
Should you replace your shocks with after-market performance parts? What needs to be done to ensure that the springs, bushings, and anti-sway bars are compatible or won't be damaged?

Engine Performance Modifications
Do performance computer chips and/or software really enhance the power of a BMW? Do other modifications need to be made to support a performance chip installation? And are there tradeoffs in fuel economy or reliability that you should be aware of?

Tires
What are plus zero, plus one, and plus two upgrades? Do you need to replace wheels as well, and if so what size and type? What kind of snow tires work best on a vehicle in winter? Where will you store your normal tires and wheels during the snow season?

Brakes
Are anti-lock brake pads an improvement or a source of problems? What about upgraded rotors and calipers?

Exhaust Systems
Which modifications and upgrades increase performance, and which are a waste of money?

We Have The Answers
One of the most important services we offer is being able to answer these and many more questions about your vehicle, along with the knowledge and experience to know what replacement and upgrade parts and components provide an effective upgrade/enhancement, and which are a waste of money or a source of potential problems.