Has your mechanic ever taken you for a ride?
When it comes to cars and sleazeballs, we’re generally led to believe it’s the used automobile salesman who’s the least honest of the group.
But, if you’ve ever been to an unfamiliar mechanic, they sure do make a run at the top spot, don’t they?
Indeed, while most of us have the under-the-hood competency of Peg Bundy, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t learn a little so mechanics don’t see green money signs every time we walk into a garage.
Yet, what are the key know-hows?
Mint.com has done a good job compiling a rundown of what the amateur car owner should be wary of to make sure a mechanic isn’t taking you for a ride.
The most important step appears to working in specifics. Never pop into a garage and say something vague like, “I need a tune-up,” because that’s essentially the license to steal some mechanics may be looking for.
Know your car’s manual, which is the “most valuable defense (sic) tool when visiting the mechanic,” according to Mint.
By learning which repairs are generally needed at what mileage, you’ll be much more inclined to smell a con job coming.
“Just saying something as simple as ‘I need my 30,000 mile service’ shows your mechanic you are informed,” one source tells Mint, “and not someone he can easily take advantage of if he is so inclined.”
Also beware of common traps, like a mechanic telling you they’ll need to tow your car out of the garage because it isn’t driveable. Chances are, if you drove the thing in there, it’s good to at least drive out – and that’ll save you a hefty towing fee you likely don’t need.
Always get a written estimate, too, and get them to be as specific as they can. Don’t allow a mechanic to put “Fix Car - $800” on a piece of paper because – as the source tells Mint – that unspecific $800 could easily bloom to twice that by the time it’s fixed.
You can check out the rest of the site’s suggestions here, but what do you guys think?
What things should we always be watchful for at the garage, and has a mechanic ever tried to scam you?
By Jason Buckland, MSN Money
Posted by: TheorenZ | Nov 18, 2021 7:16:22 PM
Another good thing is to get a second opinion for major repairs. When I was in college driving a very old car, I took it to a national chain repair shop (I will omit the name in hopes that some of their branches actually may be honest and ethical). I needed brakes done, and I knew that. But a few minutes later, the mechniac had a major repair that would have cost me more than double what the car was worth. I asked if I could use used parts, and was told NO WAY! I opted not to get any repairs done, and was given a stern lecture about how the vehicle is unsafe to drive and I am endangering everyone on the road. I then took it to my trusted mechanic (several hours away in the city where I was going to school), and I didn't tell him what the previous shop had said. So when he was done quoting me on the brake job I knew I needed, I asked if everything else was ok. He replied: "well, I did notice this one other item" (same as the national shop). I asked his opinion and his exact words were: "Well, I suppose you COULD get it fixed if you wanted to, but I'd definitely go with used parts). So for $150 I was able to fix the problem, as opposed to $2000 that the national chain wanted me to spend on a $900 car.
BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!
Posted by: ckim | Nov 19, 2021 7:40:53 AM
I don't feel comfortable getting anything done to my car, be it an oil change or tune-up. I just don't trust mechanics or dealerships to do the job right or honestly. They're just trying to gauge out all they can out of customers.
I went to my dealership for a problem with the fans in my car (still on warranty)...was told I needed to replace the air filter, or whatever it's called, to fix it (conveniently for them, not covered by warranty). But did that fix the problem? No. When I told them I could still hear the rattling sound, they just said well, we couldn't hear it. Uhhh you told me that was causinthe problem in the first place! It didn't cost more than 50 or 60 bucks but it's the principle of the thing.
Posted by: Norman Smith | Nov 19, 2021 9:46:37 AM
I agree. I went to a "nationally known chain" for brakes, and I was told that my macpherson struts needed replacing. Lucky for me, they didn't have the right type in stock, so I went to my regular mechanic, who told me they were fine. In fact, they ended up lasting for the life of the car.
One scam I have not seen listed here is the use of counterfeit parts. I had a mechanic who used Chinese brake pads that literally fell apart, causing the wheel to seize up.
Posted by: Justin | Nov 19, 2021 11:58:03 AM
Sometimes it's not even the mechanics. I bought a new car from a dealership, and used to work away from town a lot. I didn't have time to come into town and get an oil change while I'm working (conveniently for them, they aren't open Sundays). So, when I finally DID get time to bring it in, as soon as the "service advisor" found out I hadn't been bringing it in, she came up with a laundry list of things that could be wrong with it. She said the my gold coolant had been contaminated with green coolant and would need a rad flush, but she couldn't produce a sample. She also said a speaker wire I installed had killed my seat position sensor somehow, but when I looked it was just the sensor had come unplugged. If the mechanic owns his own shop, he'll screw you. If you bring it to the dealership, the service manager tries to hose you for as much money as possible because you're getting checkups and oil changes and this and that for free so they have to try and bill you in labor costs and problems that don't actually exist. I love cars!
Posted by: CJ | Nov 19, 2021 12:53:54 PM
One thing many people don't know is that many Mechanics get a commision on car parts installed, this is the larger big chain & dealership way to make every employee a salesman / woman.
Posted by: brp | Nov 19, 2021 1:19:45 PM
Well i guess we must be the only shop in the world that doesn't gouge or screw people - negative negative. I have been in the repair business for 30 years and have never had the inclination to do so. We just charge a fair but not cheap price for what we do - and we do what we charge for. We do not advertise in yellow pages but get all of our new customers from referrals. If you find an independent shop that is convenient to your home or work and get to know the staff and let them know that you expect to pay a fair price for quality work done in a reasonable time you can build a relationship with them. Ask to see the back shop and any certificates or diplomas the staff has obtained and ask for references. The friendship of those we serve is the foundation of our progress.
Posted by: Croos While You Can | Nov 19, 2021 2:06:31 PM
There are rip-offs in all fields of endevour - just ask a few of Bernie Madoffs clients.
That being said your car is one of the most complex machines that can be imagind. Does your refidgerator have to perform flaulessly from -40 to +40 while absorbing vibrations - harmonic and otherwise - from travelling at 1 mile per second on varing surfaces. If it did it would be torn apart in minutes.
The computer controls servo circuits and devices in endless circumstances.
It takes rigoruos training to have the knowledge to deal with the failures that occur over time. It takes and enormous capital investment from the manufactures, dealers, and independant shops to be able to support the technicions who have the knowledge.
The high costs of maintanence are not the services facilties fault - if you own it and it requires service you can't afford then apparently you can't afford the vehicle.
The problem is - it is possible for some idoit to set up shop and charge what a legitimet operorater does even though the capital investment in training, facilities, inventory, tools, and adminstration are not there. There is no means of detecting the rat until after you have been screwed.
The good operators and dealers all know this and just shutter to think all their efforts are just lumped in with the rats and their services are somehow just rip offs.
Posted by: young driver | Nov 19, 2021 2:22:18 PM
My parents still look after repairs. But I know that they've been taking all our cars to the same local shop for years and want us to do so as well. Not all mechanics are crooks!
Posted by: Tyleriffic | Nov 19, 2021 4:29:24 PM
I've worked around cars my whole life. I'm not a certified mechanic myself, but i've done enough work to know cars quite well. Sometimes it seems as though repair bills can spiral out of control, but there can be reasons as well.
For instance if you are doing a more major job like a head gasket. The gasket itself might be cheap, but its a major engine top end tear-down and takes a long time. While you are in there you might as well replace the water pump, timing belt and honestly every part that can wear out. This may seem like a gouge to some people, but this way a year down the road you know your not going to have any failures in these parts and have to spend a bunch more to take the motor apart again. In my opinion its an up front investment to know you have a good reliable vehicle.
Most important though.. Treat your mechanic like your doctor. Get to know him/her, see how he handles some smaller fixes and maintenance before a big job, and don't cheap out on your repairs. A cheap price means either the mechanic is not very good, or the parts are cheap and will wear out much quicker. You get what you pay for.
Posted by: josh | Nov 19, 2021 6:13:30 PM
what you all are failing to see or hear: 1. as the one person said... treat us like doctors. As a matter a fact any conventional doc i have seen just guesses at the probleme. If i could afford to just " guess" at the problem with your car you all would pay very big bucks. Liars and thieves is what we are all painted with... yet you pay $1500 or more for a simple dental tooth extraction, who's the real thief?. The biggest probleme is that us mechanics have been " burned" trying to help you ( the general public) we try and do somthing for alot cheaper than it would usually cost, telling you full well that this is a "favour" and it may not be the fix you need. Yet 3 weeks later you come in yelling and screaming that your car is not fixed and we're crooks. This is why we tend to over quote jobs, and we are purposly vauge. We don't want to commit to somthing we don't know. All I get from most of these low life consumers is ..... you fixed my tire and now my lights don't work... it's all our fault right? I think if maybe people would treat us like, well people. Half of this " scamming" would disappear. And yes a vehicle and all it's sensors and electronic is much more complex than the human body, and I get what $30000 a year to fix, while doctors and dentist make 5 times that... just guessing. Now in the publics defense there are alot of crooked shops out there, but most of them are the quick lubes, or fast oil shops who make all thier money selling things you don't need. They also rarly have licensed techs on staff... so what do you expect. An oil change in 15 mins doesn;t give near enough time for us real techs to actually go over your car. As for the " well i drove it in why can't I drive it out" remark by this articles writter.... clearly you have never seen, understand, or possibly even comprehend how your car works, ever had a balljoint let go, or try driving out of the shop with a broken tierod... good luck to ya. Best word of advise LISTEN, ASK TO BE SHOWN, AND fix your car before you kill someone.
Posted by: Bev Ascah | Nov 19, 2021 9:47:53 PM
I have been taking my Sentra to North End Nissan in Milton Ontario, since I bought is second hand from them, three years ago - I would not take it any place else. They are honest up front, and do an excellent job, I couldn't ask for more.
Posted by: steering trouble | Nov 19, 2021 10:29:34 PM
Had a torn rubber cover on a ball joint that causes the joint to wear out. Stopped at a large independent repair facility and they stated the steering rack was gone and repair was in the thousands of dollars. Then they went on smoothly saying, "we will take it easy on this guy and get used parts and fix for half". I followed along as they took me to my vehicle with the front lifted and wiggled the steering and state look at how loose it was. What a show and a joke this was. Not a word of the bad ball joint. I kept thinking the camera was coming out and this was a set up.there was no set up, this was a slick con job. I told them to get my car off that hoist and drove to the dealer were I picked up a new ball joint $25 and installed myself. I don't trust mechanics and do my own work. Watch out for dishonesty!
Posted by: answering the mech | Nov 19, 2021 10:36:51 PM
A car is not more complex than the human body. And you are not smart enough to understand that or probably even fix a car. Also learn to spell and write about a grade three level.
Doctors & Dentists deserve every penny they make! (and I not employed in the health professions)
Posted by: Lisa | Nov 20, 2021 11:45:19 AM
Thanks Josh for your answer. Now I think I understand mechanics a bit better.
As for "answering the mech"...man oh man...doctors and dentists DO NOT deserve every cent they make! I've been to the doctors and dentist and orthodontist, for that matter. The ones I've been to are high on themselves. Oh, and by the way, I got raised in a family of teachers also. I KNOW from listening to their "lingo"...THEY are also high on themselves. Why?? Everyone's talents are needed in our society. No talent is better or worse than the next one.
As for telling the mechanic off about his writing skills...buddy, my kid is an A student in high school, has a great attitude and is going to go somewhere in life. However, she can't spell at all, simply because she happened to love french in school (and their language is much different than ours.)
Please be careful before you start judging people. Man!
Posted by: young mom 2009 | Nov 22, 2021 4:42:35 PM
It is true, not all mechanics are crooks. And if you feel that the mechanic takes you for a ride, go somewhere else. I used to go to Ford dealer garage to do all the car repairs ( I have Ford car) but I stopped going there, once they said they fixed my bearings , charged me for new ones and few month later I went somewhere else with the same problem, they said the bearings were never changed, original...they changed them and since that I have no problems ......so here... we all learn, I guess.....
Posted by: Blaine | Nov 23, 2021 2:23:31 AM
Come on people! The whole world is full of scam artists of some sort in every field and position. As a whole, most people are good people but you only hear about the bad things that happen. Therefore 10% of the bad apples can make the 90% of the good look bad. But even the 90% of the good are not always good either. They just think they are by telling you their rates so you can make a decision to use them or not and then? Wow! You need to learn a little bit (or a lot) about everything near and dear to you. Then you need to make an educated decision on what you want to do or not do. A lot is just common sense. But even then you are still going to get took by the.............plumber, carpenter, eavestrougher, roofer, supplier, doctor, mechanic, dentist, tire repair shop, muffler shop, brake shop, dress shop, flower shop, funeral parlour.............etc, etc. Why? Because they can. They have something you need or want. And you have to pay what ever they want or do without. Most are overpriced or can make it so easily. Like the plumbing shop shop that shows up to fix your plumbing with 2 men to check out your problem only to find out they need more parts. So now there is another mileage charge to go and get parts. And along with that is their hourly rate x 2 men even when driving while charging mileage. In most cases its a one man job but two show up and you are charged for both at journeyperson rates even though usually only one is a journeyperson. What are you going to do when the bill shows up? Not pay it all? Go to small claims court with all the hassle? Not get the plumber back again when you need him the next time? And for all you people who think Doctors and Dentists are on the up and up better think again. How would you know the difference when the Dentist says you have 4 cavities and even shows you an exray pointing out the spots. Then proceeds to fix perfectly good teeth at extremely high prices without you thinking anything about it because MOST of you have a Dental Plan that covers it anyway! Many are doing way worse to you than the Mechanic and you don't even know it!!
Posted by: mcshane | Nov 23, 2021 7:21:08 AM
Dentists, doctors, mechanics, etc...some are salesmen/women. Doctors will push meds that they get a kick back from. Dentists will invent phantom cavities after they've fleeced you for the cost of x-rays. Some mechanics will invent phantom problems with your car. People are getting too greedy, it is sad, it will be our downfall...like the banking industry and our economic problems now.
Posted by: mike | Nov 23, 2021 8:57:00 AM
i todays world of every idiot wanting to sue the next, there are no such things as cheap repairs. i've been an auto tech for 20 years and unless you go to some dirty back yard shop with a dog tied up outside you likely will get good service. go to shops you think you can trust and not the one that gives the best deal. if you get burned, it's your own fault. you wouldn't got to a discount eye surgen would you. and don't always thing that the dealer is the best opton. they are in the biz of selling and fixing new cars, hte may not be on top of things that happen to their cars 6 years down the road.
Posted by: Bob | Nov 24, 2021 5:54:07 PM
10 years as a service advisor and I have the following for you.
Listen when the advisor tells you how long the estimate will take. Rushing anyone results in mistakes and oversights.
Don’t pay for anything that you didn’t sign for up frontl, you aren’t required to.
Don’t pay for inspections that you can get for free at the next garage.
Find out what is required for safety, required for warranty, necessary to fix the problems you described, due for replacement by mileage only, warn out, and replaced per request.
Don’t request anything be replaced. If you do, don’t be surprised if it is.
Get help when you really don’t know what you’re talking about.
Get help when you think you do, but don’t.
Don’t send someone else to drop off your car.
You should have the estimate for the different jobs needed totalled seperately.
Get the mechanic to explain the bill in detail.
Make sure the parts aren’t covered under warranty, there or where the car was purchased.
Push to get the parts that are covered under warranty, covered according to the warranty statement.
This may include labour.
In most cases, the advisor may be paid commision, as is the mechanic, find out.
When a part is sourced from another company, make sure you don’t get a discount there that the garage isn’t passing on to you. Most charge full rate for a part they didn’t stock.
If you get beat by a garage, make sure the manager, or owner knows about it, in some cases the owner is unaware his staff is operating in such a manner.
Most garages won’t be open long when improper repairs are common and the staff isn’t working in the customers best interests.
Remember the mechanic and the garage are in business, not doing charity work.
Most regular customers will get superior service and nearly every polite and fair customer will get the same.
Treat people poorly and the result will almost always be poor service and less than satisfactory results.
It will come back to bite you.
This from one of the guys who has seen both sides of the coin.
Posted by: car man | Nov 25, 2021 2:42:54 PM
Well I have been pretty lucky. Sure I have been misled or ripped off a couple times. But I learned to find a local mechanic and build a relationship with them. I have no problem paying a fair rate to fix what is wrong but I hate paying for repairs that are unneccessary or don't fix the problem. In my opinion if the mechanic is trained and has diagnosed the problem he should know what is wrong not say well you need to fix this and it doesnt work. Any way I have a local mechanic who gets all my business and when you find a good mechanic don't be afraid to drop off a good bottle of whiskey at Christamas. I have gotten tires changed or headlights replaced at no charge in appreciation. It is a two way street.