Another way to save money is to shop around.
Case in point 1:
I went to the dealership a week and a half ago to get an extra key made for my Jetta. (Big $$$.00) While I was there they noticed without my asking that I had a ball joint bad. (I new something was clunking, but hadn't yet figured out what) They quoted me almost $400.00 to change it. I thanked them kindly for the advice (they told me the wheel could fall off if I wasn't careful!!!
) I called a reputable shop in the area (not dealer) and they fixed it for me for $215.
Case in point 2:
One of my friends just told me that he filled up his truck (cummins) @ $4.09 a gallon in Three Rivers. 15 miles west, where I live, the cheapest diesel is $4.59 a gallon. I bet you can guess where I will fill up next.
Happy shopping.