How do I know which car mechanic will be the most trust-worthy of my car?

Question

I go to one that's about $100 to replace my something-or-other and he says that he'll do it fine. I go to another one and that guy says that the other mechanic is really low quality and won't fix the problem and this one is $175. The $100 dollar mechanic says tho other one is trying to cheat me of my money

Which one should I trust and how do I tell which will be best for my car?

Answer 1

One word-REPUTATION! If the mechanic is any good (mechanic not parts replacer) and treats his clients with fairness and honesty, then you know you have made the correct choice.
You can always ask friends, co-workers, etc and generally speaking, if their is someone around that fits my description people will know about it for sure! I have been fixing vehicles for over 35 years and I turn people away just because I can't handle the volume! That speaks for itself!
My suggestion is always get it in WRITING!!! That is the key to preserving your legal status should you need to travel that road!
There are a ton of "parts replacers" as I refer to them who will under mine others price to get the work and then slam you with a double or triple bill with all kinds of fabricated stories when you go to get your vehicle!
I tell my customers up front what I feel is wrong and the exact cost plus or minus 10% of what the final bill will be! If I encounter unexpected problems they are called and we get approval first for any additional repairs in writing either e-mail, fax or they need to come back in! This way, everyone's on the same page!

Answer 2

Over 80% of cars listed online are either scams or stolen. And there's no such thing as a great deal,anything that seems too good to be true always is a scam. It's either a scammer pretending to be in another city/country who want to 'ship' the car, but there is no car. Or its car thieves trying to make a quick buck selling at a low price, and when you go to register the car its confiscated from you Never buy a car you cant see in person, test drive and have a mechanic check out

Answer 3

notaclue has it right. Get the estimate in writing. This is required in California.
Another clue to their integrity is, Ask the mechanic to make a deal, If his diagnosis is not correct then you will only pay for parts, no labor and that he show you the parts invoice and you will pay no more than a 20 % markup on the parts.
If he won't agree go try again. An honest mechanic will agree to the deal.
I bet notaclue would accept.

Answer 4

i would say that the 175 guy is trying to get your money just go with what u think would be the best for you or ask around and see if anyone else knows the 100 one !!

Answer 5

Go to the autoparts place, and ask them to recommend a different mechanic. They know who is good and who is not. Also, check around with your friends to see who they go to. You could also find a vo-tech school and see if they can fix it -they usually just charge for parts- or if the instructor knows a good honest mechanic.

Answer 6

there is no relation between price and quality. get another opinion.
The $175 guy will probably "find" other things wrong, and charge for fixing them. read notaclue's answer.

Answer 7

Ask people that you know who they take their car to, if you know anyone who might be able to fix it for you take it to them....they don't need to work at a shop, they just need to know what they're doing! You could get it done cheaper too!!

Answer 8

ask Mr Goodwrench, your chevy dealer mechanic which one is right.

Answer 9

send a man to do it or find a female mechanic....

Answer 10

trust your womans intuition.