They always try to rip me off. It takes me several estimates before I can make a determination whether they have my safety in mind or their profit
Last year three name brand stores told me a brake job would bee $300 - $400. $ 65.00 later I've been driving over a year with no problems.
What is it these days? Never give a sucker (female) an even break? I don't think even W C Fields would agree to that.
2006-11-02 14:55:42 · 11 answers · asked by Smurfetta 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Kiddo that is a hell of a good question! Not is is not only women that get the shaft! It is men also.
The best way is to find an honest mechanic and stick with him as much as possible.
The way to do that is by word of mouth. Talk to other people about him or her! Then get several estimates if possible. Ask them what is wrong with it and get a full written estimate each time. Then compare them.
I've been burned myself and I normally do 95% of my own work.
Another way is to getting to know people at the parts dealers in the area like Auto Zone, Napa and O'Relly's they usually know who the good/ honest mechanics are in the area and who not to take your car to.
2006-11-02 15:18:21 · answer #1 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 18⤊ 1⤋
What you need to do is go to a mechanic and tell him, what
you think the problem is and let him tell you what it is. Then
call to Auto Zone Store and get a price check for the part.
Then look for a small Mechanic shop to see how much he'll
charge you just to put it on. Brakes at Auto Zone only cost
around $15 to $20 on up. Not expensive at all. Then the mechanic will only charge you for the labor. Try to find out what
is wrong with the car before you take it in cause they will take
advantage of you because of the fact that you are a lady. I went
to this one place to see how much they would charge me for a
tune-up and the guy started off slow, then all of a sudden he
started talking really fast, I looked at him like are you for real.
I told him I was short on cash and that I would come back at
a later time. I drove off went across a street and got my tune-up
for a cheaper price and a legit place as well. Try to find out what the problem is beofore you take it in. So call around to get
the cheapest price. The bigger the Auto shop the more expience
the price will be ( the labor, they go by the hour).The small the
business the better the price will be on labor. The Parts is what
will cost you more. Thats is why I said if you know more or less
what is wrong eith the cr you can call up to Auto Zone to get a
price check. My Father gave me all my info, before he passed
away. If you have a family or friend that really knows about
cars tell them just to let you know what the problem is. Or if they all willing to help you out then go for it , but sometimes it's better
just to take it in because they have the right tools.
before you take your car in.
2006-11-02 15:41:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi ricnnl,
LQQK if you know a guy or have guy friends ask them 1st most guys will help woman out I should know! Before you go to any repair places-those guys will suck you dry if you listen to them. Go get a Chilton's book for the make & model of your car that way you can read up on your car yourself & if you don't wanna work on your car get Triple AAA (change tires, bring you gas, will jump start car, etc. all for fifty-nine bucks a year, they have repair shops that give discounts rates or a percentage off for car repairs, not to mention discounts on all kinda things-tires, books, online purchases).
I can change oil, oil filters, air filters, radaitors, put in oil, brake fluid etc. & of washer fluid, my brother in-law taught me how to put in spark plugs & wires. Have a good day!
2006-11-02 15:22:03 · answer #3 · answered by dousmokedoobies69 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Auto mechanics dominate a world that tend to take advantage of women. Ask around with the guys you know who they go to and next time you have to go, make a call ahead and ask a few hypothetical questions. Then, have one of the guys ask similar questions and compare answers.
2006-11-02 15:20:09 · answer #4 · answered by meoorr 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's a horrible problem in our society. I get the same thing from contractors, plumbers, electricians, roofers, etc. What I did was ask other single women who they have found.
I found one from a recommendation who is superb! He has never overcharged me, and has even given me free help from time to time.
Once you get to know them and can trust them, tell your friends and they will appreciate you even more.
It's a tough one, but recommendations from others is always the way to go. Good Luck!
2006-11-02 15:21:39 · answer #5 · answered by Barbara 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
1st go to a small repair shop not a big name place..
also i suggest going to the library and getting a repair book for your car, then when you do go in to get something done you can speak like you know what your talking about..
also ask your friends and family B4 actually needing 1
2006-11-02 15:21:26 · answer #6 · answered by ♥ Lisa♥ 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Get a chiltons manual, learn a bit yourself so you can do the diagnosis. After that, you can just go off parts price listing and work per hr cost.
2006-11-02 14:57:27 · answer #7 · answered by flohtingpoint 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ask your friends & co-workers who they use....and who they avoid! Check with the BBB for complaints against shops before using them. Always ask for your old parts back when having things replaced.
2006-11-02 15:00:23 · answer #8 · answered by Shalvia 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
shopping around is the best way to insure you dont get ripped off. you could also do the work yourself or start dating a mechanic.,
2006-11-02 14:58:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
why not ask your neighbors, coworkers who they have as their mechanic; that is how I found my "Honest Mechanic". Good Luck.
2006-11-02 15:20:11 · answer #10 · answered by lousylaus 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋