Consumer Reports says...Repair or Replace?

With the economy kicking us all when we're down, we really don't want to repair or replace anything. We want everything to keep working. How many of you had to deal with the air conditioner giving out this sweltering summer? Ours gave us the signal just before, so we didn't have to wait for service, but we still had to pay for it. It's hard to judge if something is worth repairing or replacing.

Well, Consumer Reports did some testing and they recommend that if something goes wrong, most major appliances should be repaired within their first five years and at least looked at after that. A fridge should last 8 years on repairs. But a microwave that breaks down in even 2-3 years should be replaced.

Electronics (including digital cameras, camcorders and TVs) should also do with being repaired within 5 years. But a PC, repair within 2-3 and after that replace. The technology only lasts that long anyway, these days!

A lawn mower should probably be replaced after 4-5 years if it breaks. But riding mowers, snowblowers and treadmills should be repaired.

Summer was way too busy. I thought things would slow down, but now school's back in! With our busy schedules it's hard to get everyone to sit down for a meal. We sometimes resort to fast food, but I try to limit it to once a week or less. Consumer Reports took some data from subscribers about Fast-Food Chains. Here's the top 3-5 from each category, based on food quality, value, service, and speed (notice that those pictured did not make the list!)

• Burgers - In-N-Out Burger, Burgerville, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Culver's, Back Yard Burgers
• Chicken - Chick-Fil-A, El Pollo Loco, Boston Market, Zaxby's
• Sandwiches & Subs - Jason's Deli, Firehouse Subs, Jersey Mike's, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Jimmy John's
• Mexican - Chipotle Mexican Grill, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, Qdoba Mexican Grill
• Pizza - Papa Murphy's, Round Table Pizza, Little Caesars, Papa John's

Any of your favorites in there? I love Firehouse Subs! & Chick-Fil-A!

And finally, I had to include some tips from readers and staffers at Consumer Reports:

• "Before you buy it, you're the boss. After you buy it, they're the boss."
• "Don't buy the extended warranty."
• "Press zero to get to a real person."
• "Never go grocery shopping when you're hungry."
• "If you don't need it, don't buy it."
• "Never buy the first version of anything."
• "If you want something, ask."

My advice is "Keep your receipt!" Do you have any shopping tips?

Info from CONSUMER REPORTS, August 2011