You can get a second opinion for free.RepairPalprovides free price quotes on repairs to most cars, customized by ZIP code. The quotes are created using a complex database that draws from a number of sources, including expert mechanics hired by RepairPal to analyze the data. You canaccess RepairPal on your computerorget the freeiPhone app.

Even if you're lucky enough tofind a neighborhood mechanic you trust, it never hurts to double-check the price quote. And, if you want to work non-urgent repairs into your budget, you can research the cost ahead of time. For example, the new timing belt I'm going to need soon for my 1999 Honda CR-V should cost $285 to $368 in my area, according to RepairPal.

Cars are one of the largest expenses, after housing, for many people. If you're not careful, you can easilywaste money on your car. Keeping your cars as long as you can isone good way to save money, and the last thing you want to do is overpay for repairs.

RepairPal joins several similar services:DriverSide, which is also free (and says the timing belt replacement will cost $337.33) andFairRepair, which charges $9.99 for an estimate once you enter your VIN number but gives you that cost back as a rebate if you use one of their participating mechanics, who have promised to honor the estimates.

David Sturtz, the co-founder and CEO of RepairPal, said hecame up with the idea for the service in the mid-`90s, while studying for his doctorate in international political economics at Stanford University. He told theSilicon Valley/San Jose Business Journalthat, even though he knew more about cars than 90 percent of drives, he still couldn't figure out when a repair was a good deal.

RepairPal launched last year and has partnerships with Cars.com, AutoNation and AAA of Northern California, Nevada and Utah. In addition to providing repair estimates, it provides information on recalls, explains the various repairs and answers questions. If you want to register your car data, you cankeep your service records online. The website also listsrepair shops with customer reviews, but that list is still a work in progress.