How to Prevent Auto Repair Rip-offs

Contrary to popular belief, not all auto mechanics are out to rob you. With a little effort, you will find a good, honest mechanic that you can trust. Unfortunately, you may encounter a few bad apples along the way. Here are some tips to help prevent auto repair rip-off:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find a mechanic you feel good about before your car needs major repairs. Ask friends and co-workers for referrals.

2. Bring your car into any new shop first for small repairs like an oil change or a brake check and evaluate the overall service they give you.

3. Bring a check list of what your car needs (and why) whenever dropping your car off. Avoid bringing your car in and asking them to "do whatever it needs".

4. Talk to the mechanic who will be working on your car. Go for a test drive beforehand and clearly explain and point out the problem.

5. Get a second opinion if you feel uncomfortable with any diagnosis. It is perfectly acceptable to tow your car to a second shop for another opinion if it isn't drivable.

6. Request a written estimate.

7. Ask about the warranty for parts AND labor on any repairs and get it in writing.

8. Request that your parts be saved for your inspection. Ask before the work begins.

9. Go for a test drive before paying the bill to make sure the car drives well and/or was fixed to your satisfaction.

10. Read the bill carefully before paying. Ask for clarification on any charges that don't make sense to you.

11. Pay with a check or a credit card: you can always stop payment on a check and some credit cards offer protection against consumer fraud.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let price be your first or only consideration. The cost of repairs at any given shop is not necessarily an indicator of quality.
• Avoid bringing your car in for repairs just before setting out on a road trip.

Who Can Help Sponsored

[leenie182]

on 1/21/2009 I just uploaded the RepairPal app on my iphone and you can look up your car and any repairs and it shows you how much you should be looking to pay so you can avoid getting ripped off. It's pretty cool since I can access it at any time especially if my car breaks down. I think their website repairpal.com also gives tips on common problems and ratings and reviews of shops. It's really helpful for me to know a little something before I go and talk to a mechanic who will read on my face that I have no idea what I'm dealing with.

[lighthorse]

on 7/22/2008 Last year, I had my 1998 Cavalier AC serviced, the Tech told me I needed a new pump, $600.00, the next week I needed a accumulator $700.00, I realize the vehicle is not new, but only 82,000 miles. Today I took my wife's 1997 Pontiac Sunfire n for the same condition. I went to a local HONEST repair shop, total cost $125.00 and it works beautifully. Do not get ripped off by these frauds. Find a local repair shop who lives in your community, goes to church and invests in the community, and you will save many dollars. If the car is out of warranty, forget the dealer. They are there to sell cars, and they have to replace the cost of doing warranty work, and who do think pays for that? YOU

[GoodMechie]

on 12/17/2007 Mechanics are under extreme cost pressure because of rising real estate costs & info being withheld. I recommend gAuto which connects you to independent mechanics at www.gAuto.com

[GoodMechie]

on 12/17/2007 I think there is a lot of cost pressure on the mechanic shops which forces them to make these types of decisions. Always get a written estimate -- I found a simple site to use at www.gAuto.com that gets professional mechanics who do good work

[gordons4family]

on 2/22/2007 One place even told me for an extra $50, they could update my 60,000 mile belt into a 90,000 mile belt!!!