My friend,a girl, went to a mechanic to get the brakes fixed on her car, and they estimated almost $3,000!!! Her husband took it somewhere else and they estimated only $800. The first place also told her that something was wrong with the transmission and she would have to come back in soon to get it fixed, whereas the other place said everthing was fine... Is it true that auto shops always see a sucker when a woman walks into the shop alone?
2006-09-16 12:07:10 · 13 answers · asked by BoMbS_aWaY 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
estimates were for front and back brakes
2006-09-16 13:35:20 · update #1
I am a female and the assistant manager of an automotive repair shop. I understand your concern, but because I have been in this business for a few years, I can give you some tips. Unfortunately, when a female walks into an automotive repair shop, they sometimes see the opportunity to "overcharge" or find things wrong because they are assuming you know nothing about vehicle repairs. Or vehicles in general. My advice would be that if you get an outrageous estimate such as the one for the $3000.00 brakes, go get another opinion. There are some honest, respectful repair shops out there, you just have to find them. Although I have not researched this on my own, I am certain you could find some type of information on the Internet on basic vehicle repair etc..., so that you can understand a little before you go in and get ripped off somewhere. I have NEVER heard of a $3,000 brake job. $1,000.00, yes if the brakes have been neglected for a very long time. Try tuffy.com, because I think they have a section especially for women on vehicle repairs.
2006-09-16 17:22:59 · answer #1 · answered by mariposa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for an all 4 brake package.. $800 is about right.... Mechanics try to bluff men and women alike,Imagine my shock when, I took my car in to get winterized and the mechanic told me I had only 30% on my front brakes.. ( less than 24 hours after having them and the rotors changed ).
while they believe that women know less about cars than men. I believe every woman should take a preliminary mechanics course.. just so they know enough to avoid getting ripped off at a garage.
2006-09-16 22:29:03 · answer #2 · answered by artistformerlyknownasloader 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, dealerships do. I moved from Az. to a VERY small town in Ms. I drove my Jeep Wrangler pulling a U-Haul. After the wear and tear I took it to a Jeep dealership for a check-up, tune-up etc. I take very good care of my vehicles. They did not know this, I had done all of the previous work myself, so I knew it inside out. Long story short. I got the bill, looked under the hood to make sure they had done all of the work that I was charged for... Needless to say, they had it for 2 more days to actually do the work for what I had been charged.
Mechanics I have had much better luck with. They charge less per hour, and want to show you the problem.
It is really a good idea to do your homework before letting someone work on your car. There are alot of people who prey on the uninformed
2006-09-17 14:58:47 · answer #3 · answered by sharon_misspriss 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it is not true and it is people like that who give all mechanics a bad name and if the guy got a price of $800 for the brakes they are trying to rip him off as well there is no way brakes will cost that much i do brakes in my shop everyday and all 4 wheels will cost $300 for everything including parts
2006-09-16 19:18:54 · answer #4 · answered by firefightingexpert 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow! Even $800 is a lot! Yes some mechanics do tend to rip off female customers because they don't know much about the car!
2006-09-18 14:12:47 · answer #5 · answered by SOLUN macedonia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't say "always," there are still a few decent ones out there. But unfortunately, yes a woman should always bring a guy with her when she goes to a mechanic, smog test, etc... unless she's really good with cars.
2006-09-16 19:18:01 · answer #6 · answered by Heidi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all do this, but those few do, make it harder for the rest of us.
$800 sounds hi to me , but that depends upon what car it is the newer one are much more expensive for parts.
2006-09-16 19:37:18 · answer #7 · answered by Robert F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.But there are some unscrupulous louts out there who know that most women don't know a dipstick from a bearing and will do just that.Always get more than one estimate if you are in doubt.
2006-09-16 19:16:12 · answer #8 · answered by thetdw 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah a lot of mechanics and dealers figure women know nothing about cars....so they try to rip us off...
2006-09-16 19:14:20 · answer #9 · answered by Love always, Kortnei 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it has more to do with the shop
2006-09-16 19:42:28 · answer #10 · answered by waplambadoobatawhopbamboo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋