I had an oil change and repair work done to my car because it didn't run right. I took it to a repair shop, they supposedly fixed it, but it still running the same and worse. I took it back, and even though I'm waiting on the verdict, I know they're going to pull the old "now we found the problem" routine and try to charge me again "to fix it" I don't think this is right since it should've beeen done the first time. How can I avoid this? Is there something I can say to make them fix it right without charging me?
2006-11-13 05:51:39 · 12 answers · asked by sithgreg 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
As someone who has spent a lifetime in the industry, let me tell you the simplest and surest solutions to this;
1. Don't go out and base your automotive repair and maintenance decisions on price. Seldom is the cheapest shop the most economical. You may be finding that out right now.
2. Find a shop and stick with them. It allows you to build a relationship not only between people, but also for the techs to get to know your car. Trust me, it DOES make a difference.
3. Communication. I can't tell you how often someone comes into my shops and says "my car isn't running right, fix it", and then get pissed off because we want to ask questions. While there is no doubt in my mind when a customer says that there is a problem, when a skilled technician goes for a test drive he may see several things that aren't as they should be and have to guess which one to fix.
The vast majority of shops are run by and staffed with well trained, well intentioned, hard working, honest individuals. I take it as a personal attack every time I see the words "mechanic" and "ripoff" in the same sentence. It is entirely possible that they honestly missed something and will take care of it. It's also entirely possible that a new part was defective and they'll take care of it. Like it or not, it's also entirely possible that there is a different problem that just cropped up. And yes, it's entirely possible that they're incompetent crooks. Just realize that if they are, they're a tiny minority in the industry.
If you'd like further help, advice or mediation with this situation, e-mail me.
2006-11-13 06:07:48 · answer #1 · answered by vwhobo 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are a lot of mediocre and poor mechanics out there. If you are in an area where you know people - ASK around - NETWORK for a good mechanic. Ask people about their experiences with them. Word of mouth is absolutely golden.
I've had the same mechanic for 20 years (he's worked on two different used Hondas). All they work on are Hondas. Sometimes if mechanics only work on a certain make of car - it helps - because they REALLY know the car. I was just blessed enough to stumble onto the mechanic shop - but it has save me THOUSANDS of dollars over the years. I never let anybody else do anything to my car.
However - once or twice over the years - they misdiagnosed - and I had to pay for more than one repair. In one case they didn't charge me the second time - in another - they did because the part they replaced didn't fix the problem - but the car really needed it anyway. Sometimes cars are tricky - or a problem is intermittant and it's hard to figure it out. Clear communication is a good thing - but needs to happen BEFORE the fact. Now that it's done - I don't know that you can legally do anything.
The best thing to do is talk to everybody you know about finding a good mechanic. Pick one - and stick with them.
Good luck!
2006-11-13 05:59:51 · answer #2 · answered by liddabet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Avoid taking your vehicle to franchise owned repair shops, They are all about sales and up-sells with no dedication to fixing your vehicle properly. Places like aamco spend more time training there people on sales and how to get the most for a repair than they do on technical training. These types of companies are usually owned by someone with no automotive experience or the experience to hire qualified help. Those shops are only there to take your money. Find a good local or family owned auto shop. Recommendations from friends or family. Most independent shops are hard working, trustworthy people that are not out to rip you off. AAmco has a saying they teach their employees. "A come back is not a bad thing it's an opportunity to sell the customer something else."
2006-11-13 06:49:10 · answer #3 · answered by Dave 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have faith it or not electric powered wiring on a automobile is regularly charged on an hourly foundation whilst it comes all the way down to fixing or looking something exterior of fuses, and or fuse container. manufacturers run wires decrease than, by way of, around interior and outdoors of automobiles. it could value a small fortune to music down a issue only in time on my own. even nevertheless i'm a automobile broker and own numerous dealerships, i'm not an exceptionally enormous fan of mechanics yet regrettably he's suitable,, and have faith me that harm like hell to declare that.
2016-10-22 00:39:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No because there are sometimes many things that can be causing the problem and they only know by trial and error my husband is a mechanic but when he fixes our cars he sometimes fixes the wrong thing and we have to change something else.
2006-11-13 05:54:01 · answer #5 · answered by jo_jo_baby2004 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends. When you took your car in the first time, did you just tell them to service it, or did you specify that you had such problems? Cos if you did specify the problems, and the mech said that he could fix it but didn't, then you can tell him that you already informed him before. He also told you that it was fixed but obviously, it isn't. Therefore, he shouldn't charge you this time around.
2006-11-13 05:56:21 · answer #6 · answered by virgil_rozario 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Did you sign a repair order giving the shop permission to fix the problem...........If not they can not legally charge you. BTW oil change will not help a poor running engine............you got screwed.
2006-11-13 05:56:23 · answer #7 · answered by scottbrink2002 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell them to discontinue their work on your vehicle and that you are picking it up. I would take them to court to get your money back from the first time. Take the vehicle to another garage. If you were local, I would be more than happy to work on your car for you. The only think that I ever take my vehicle to a garage for is to replace tires on the rim, and allignments. I just dont have the tools to do so.
2006-11-13 05:55:19 · answer #8 · answered by Frank 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just looking at the repair work hourly rate gets me sick...I agree with you but we need our cars and they have us over a barrel when it comes to the prices.....you can argue and barter for a better price...or else do not go back there and find a new mechanic again.....we can always go back to walking!
2006-11-13 05:54:34 · answer #9 · answered by Sammyleggs222 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
take your reciept with youy and show you paid for the repairs already and tell them to fix it right. oif they try to charge you, pay them, then take them to small claims court for breach of contract, ie they did not repeir the vehicle the first time and want to charge you again for work originally paid for.
2006-11-13 05:55:52 · answer #10 · answered by de bossy one 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋