THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 13, 1995 TAG: 9512120089
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: EARNING A LIVING IN VIRGINIA BEACH
SOURCE: BY LORI A. DENNEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
WHEN DAVID AND KATHY Prussock were contemplating buying a used car, they figured it would be in their best interest to have the car checked out by a mechanic before they closed the deal.
The move saved them nearly $1,000 on the purchase price of the car.
``It worked out really well,'' said Kathy Prussock. ``We found out what was wrong with the car and what needed to be done and we ended up paying a lower price because of the needed repairs. I don't think we could have found these problems on our own.''
The Prussocks took their car to Ter & Ron Auto-Motion Inc., a First Colonial area auto service that began used-car diagnostic checkups last year.
``This was a service we routinely provided to our regular customers,'' said Terri Gilbert, co-owner of the shop with her husband, Ron Gilbert. ``When our neighbor's new used car caught fire, we figured it was time to offer the service to the general public so that they can be sure they're not buying a lemon.''
Ron Gilbert, the shop's master mechanic, will check a car from bumper to bumper by appointment for $85.
Gilbert puts the car on a diagnostic machine, which shows any immediate problems. Then, he pulls the tires off to check the brakes and cylinders. The car then goes up on the lift so that the undercarriage can be checked out. There's also a ``leak down'' test, which shows any oil or other fluid leaks.
So far, the business has served about 25 people who wanted a car checked out before they bought it.
Most of the vehicles have had minor problems, said Ron Gilbert. But, there have been one or two times that they advised the customer not to buy a car.
``Not too long ago a man came in with a used car that had a high price on it,'' said Ron Gilbert, who has worked on cars since he was 14. ``We checked it out and found out the subframe was completely rotted out. It would have never passed inspection and it was due. Of course, we advised the customer not to buy the car.''
The Gilberts said their service helps in two ways - the customer knows exactly what's wrong with the vehicle before buying it and that knowledge usually results in a discounted or negotiated price.
The Gilberts have seen an equal number of used cars from dealerships and private individuals, and Ron Gilbert makes no bones about being honest with the customers.
``I'm the first to say I think they're putting good money into a bad situation,'' said Gilbert, who opened the auto repair business 10 years ago. ``We've gained a reputation for spending a customer's money like it's our own.''
In addition to the used-car checkups, Ter & Ron Auto-Motion also performs other mechanical services from oil changes to engine rebuilding. The only aspect of car repair that they don't deal with is body work and tires.
Ron Gilbert, along with three other mechanics, is able to work on any make or year of car, foreign or domestic.
The bookkeeping, scheduling and checkups are Terri Gilbert's job. She is sure to send reminder cards to regular customers for their next service, and she also makes follow-up calls about how a car is doing.
The Gilberts said they opened their business in Virginia Beach because the area is ``centrally located'' to the East Coast drag racing circuit.
Ron Gilbert designed and built an alcohol funny car a couple of years ago that the couple races whenever they get the chance.
A good part of their 18 years of marriage has been spent at racetracks. In fact, they met at a Georgia racetrack 20 years ago.
One goal the couple have is to have Terri Gilbert racing the funny car within the next year.
``Racing's in our blood, no doubt about it,'' said Terri Gilbert. MEMO: Ter & Ron Auto-Motion can be reached at 425-8158.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS\O Terri and Ron Gilbert own Ter &
Ron Auto-Motion Inc., a First Colonial area auto service that began
used car diagnostic checkups last year.
by CNB