Hi,
I just called a local repair shop that is minutes from where i live. He said that he would charge me $32.50 just to "look" at my car to pay for his time. Is this typical? My old mechanic recently went out of business and he never charged me, but he was a friend of the family. Before that, my car was under warranty. Is a free estimate too much to ask?
2006-10-03 09:37:54 · 13 answers · asked by Angrygirl5 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If it is something that can be diagnosed without any labor or tools, you may be able to get a free estimate. If the job involves diagnosing the problem, or dis-assembly of parts to inspect them, you should expect to pay for the labor.
Cars are more complicated now, then they have ever been in the past. Computerized systems and other more involved things require a lot more work to figure out what the problem is.
A good diagnostic mechanic is valuable, and need to be compensated for their time and labor. When you go to work, do you expect a paycheck? The mechanic is paid only for the work he does. It is asking a lot to expect him to work for free!!
2006-10-03 10:06:49 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I also do approximately 10-15 free estimates each and every day.
An estimate consists of me telling you how much your parts will cost and how much the labor will cost. It does not consist of us figuring out what is wrong with your car.
Our garage charges for diagnosing your car however, if we eventually make the repair then we take the diagnostic amount off your final bill. Diagnosing can take 5 minutes or two hours, and as someone else said would you work for free?
Estimating and diagnosing are two entirely different things.
So I would say that no a free estimate is not out of the question, but are you really wanting an estimate or a diagnosis?
2006-10-03 10:22:40 · answer #2 · answered by ladylucknc 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are taking his time up to have a look at your car. I think paying for an estimate is fair, especially if the fee is taken off the eventual bill if you go with the guy who gave the estimate.
2006-10-03 09:40:40 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
what is the problem with the car..Most "respectable shops" offer a free front end,exhaust or brake inspection...If you come in and it is something mechanical or electrical that could take a long time to diagnose it is unrealistic to expect that shop not to charge you for the mechanics time..
Can you just clarify what the problem is with the car ?
2006-10-03 11:50:36 · answer #4 · answered by iusedtohavehair 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I work at an auto repair shop, it really depends what kind of problem you want looked at, but very rarely is there a need to charge someone to "look" at a car.
2006-10-03 09:59:46 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most responcible shops will give free estimates.........Many insurance companies require two or more for comparison.
Paying for an estimate should be backed by a refund if they get the work. Get it in writing.
2006-10-03 09:51:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Often, what repairmen call a "free estimate" is only free if you then purchase their service. Then they take the price of the estimate off your final bill. I don't think this is unfair, as their time is worth something. Isn't yours?
2006-10-03 09:48:16 · answer #7 · answered by koffee 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Nope. Hold out for a free estimate.
2006-10-03 09:42:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
i have never paid for an estimate, but i live in a small community. a large city will probably charge for just about anything. i would keep looking if it were me...
2006-10-03 09:40:49 · answer #9 · answered by forjj 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No. Keep calling. I live in a small town, near a big town. Free estimates are everywhere.
2006-10-03 09:48:00 · answer #10 · answered by gtkaren 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋