Should women trust mechanics to give them good advice on what needs to be fixed on a car?

Question

I ask because, I have paid over $300 within the last 8 months for the same part at 2 different mechanics. So either both or none of them are lying to me. Am I wrong in thinking that mechanics should be honest with people about what needs to be fixed or not?

Answer 1

if you are smart enuf to do a little research yes you can trust a good mechanic

just remember you are the consumer if you think you are getting shafted get a second opinion

and yes there are dishonest a*s holes in every profession

AND ALWAYS TELL YOUR MECHANIC TO SAVE THE OLD PARTS THAT WAY IF YOU THINK YOU WHERE CHEATED YOU CAN TAKE THOSE PARTS TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND ASK THEM IF THOSE PARTS ARE BAD AND IF THEY WOULD CAUSE THE PROBLEM

Answer 2

Unfortunately SOME UNETHICAL SLEAZE so called mechanics and I don't exclude DEALERSHIPS and their service departments see women as TOTALLY DUMB when it comes to car repairs and therefore will take advantage of them at any chance they get.That is why whenever I answer a question here about auto repairs I always tell the asker to use a TRUSTED MECHANIC whether the asker is a male or a female,BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU CAN TRUST ?. If you have been going to the same mechanic for a while and have established a relationship there then you should be all set (though it would not hurt anything to get a second opinion every now and then) especially on a major repair,but if you do not have that luxury then your options are to either talk to friends,family or co-workers to see if they have established a relationship with a repair garage or contact a automotive organization like "AAA" (the American automobile association) or you local better business bureau for a recommendation,The advantage of using the "AAA" is if a shop is on their recommended list then they have met certain standards and have agreed to arbitration in case of a dispute,where as the "BBB" only has reports on their members as to whether or not anybody has ever filed a complaint against them or not and they have no information about shops that are not members.So my advise is to shop around and if you think that a shop is trying to rip you off get a second or third opinion.

Answer 3

NO, you are not wrong in thinking mechanics, or people in general, should be honest.

As to the question of whether mechanics can be trusted, again the answer is no. I have heard numerous accounts of people being screwed by mechanics, particularly women. There was an entire article in readers digest a while back devoted to that. I would get a second opinion, or find someone you know and trust to help you with the situation. This seems like an odd solution but maybe bring a guy with you, just for moral support. That alone may get a little more honesty out of the car grease-monkeys.

Answer 4

DON'T LISTEN TO ALL THE HYPE!!! people here 1 or 2 stories about someone getting screwed by a mechanic and suddenly they're all crooked and out to get you. I work for a service station driving tow truck, and I've been working on cars myself for about 10 years so I have a pretty good idea of what's up with a car. The mechanics at our shop are A.S.E. certified, and are very honest with EVERY customer that comes through that door. It doesn't pay in the long run to be disshonest, because money is made by getting return customers.
My advise, go to a shop that looks like it's taken care of (the shop reflects on the employees), also, if your not sure, get a second opinion (it works with doctors doesn't it?). I feel that most mechanics are trustworthy, but there are a few dishonest a$$holes that should be shut down and stripped of their credentials...if they have any.

Answer 5

No. Do not trust them. I could give you a couple of examples where a woman was NOT taken in, but that is rare.

The best bet is to take your car to a AAA (the car insurance people) diagnostic center, and let them find the problem. The cost is a little high, but in the long run, can be the most cost effective. Your situation is a perfect example.

Once AAA has located the problem, you have a choice. You can either take your car to a mechanic and have him repair the problem, or have AAA do it for you. I recommend AAA. They are honest, professional, and actually treat people like human beings.

As for your 2 repairs, get the receipts together, and contact your state consumer affairs office. You may be entitled to a refund, and these people need to be shown that their greed will not be tolerated.

Answer 6

To be honest most mechanics try to rip you off. That is why it is good to know someone who knows about cars so he/she can tell you what you really need. Therefore when you visit the shop you can tell them what you need when they say it's something else. Yes, they should be honest but they don't. That's why it is good for women to familiarize themselves with cars.

Answer 7

When you find a mechanic that is honest and up front, stick with him and don't go to other places.

Answer 8

Mechanics are like drug dealers. Your first few fixes are either free or supercheap... once they've got you hooked, you'll be paying Prez Bush's cocaine tab for a new set of sparkplugs.