My boyfriend says when it comes to taking my car in for repairs, it doesn't matter he does it or if I do. From personal experience, I usually get hussled and hassled about extra services, or new parts that "they" say I absolutely need. I know having a man handle the process or go with you totally helps. But what do you guys think?
Thanks in advance for your responces.
2006-12-20 07:54:49 · 18 answers · asked by miaalyse 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I knew I was right (wink)
Thanks guys/girls! : )
2006-12-20 08:26:14 · update #1
Many national chains train their employees to try to get more services out of someone when their vehicle is there. Women are more likely to say yes, so the are pressured more.
If he says it doesn't matter, he's WRROOONNGGGG!
2006-12-20 07:58:08 · answer #1 · answered by Lemar J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No question about it -- car mechanics look very closely at the person who brings in the car and they will try to bull$h!t him/her into anything they can for extra money. Women are treated like total idiots whereas guys don't get it as bad unless they can tell the guy is a total poseur yuppie who wouldn't know the difference between an engine cylinder and a master cylinder. There is, however, an exception to the rule: Neighborhood mechanics working for mom-and-pop outfits are usually much more straight-up with you because their advertising is largely word of mouth, and they know a person who has a good experience will tell 5 other people on average but a person who has a bad experience will tell 30 other people on average. Your best bet is to avoid the dealership whenever possible and stay away from the national chains for repairs (tires, brakes, and oil changes are OK). Find a good local mechanic with a good reputation and see how that goes. I'm betting you'll take your car to that shop from now on.
2006-12-20 16:03:02 · answer #2 · answered by sarge927 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My ex was a district manager for Mopar and a service advisor for Honda, so she knows her stuff. She was always treated like a moron when going in for repairs, even got offered "muffler bearings" at one point.
My aunt is another example. She took some general classes on auto repair just to be familiar with automotive systems. Had a couple of instances of dealers/service shops trying to get her to purchase unnecessary services thinking she didn't know any better.
My wife gets the same lines about unnecessary services if she takes our cars in....but she's smart enough to call me before agreeing to any of them. :)
I've never experienced this sort of "discrimination," which I would definitely chalk up to being a man.
2006-12-20 16:02:36 · answer #3 · answered by Paul P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course, guys are always trying to take advantage of women. (no offense to the good ones I know are out there) And, as someone else said, they are trained to try and squeeze more out of the customer.
But if you know about cars, it won't be as bad. Guys generally have more respect for a girl that knows about cars, and won't try to screw them around as bad. Simply, if your man can't go with you, have him tell you what to say, and what needs to be done, or try to learn more about them. It's always a good thing to know about something that can be so costly. And that way, it won't matter who deals with bringing the car to the shop.
If you know what's wrong, you can flat out tell the mechanics what needs to be done, and possibly save some money in diagnostic fees as well. And obviously, if you know what you're talking about, they can't screw you over, and then you'll be able to tell an honest shop from a dishonest one.
Good luck!
2006-12-20 16:07:38 · answer #4 · answered by ss_silverado01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I own a shop, and in my case that is definately not true, but I know of other shops in my area that prey upon women, and in general people who dont know a lot about cars. The best thing to do is - do your homework. If you act like you either know what your talking about or you are gonna check out what they tell you, you arent as likely to get scammed.
2006-12-20 16:01:45 · answer #5 · answered by fairway8u 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brush up and get an idea of what your car might need. If you go in there sounding like you know what your talking about you should be fine. They will scam boys and girls alike.... try to go to a place that people recomend as being honest.
2006-12-20 16:00:04 · answer #6 · answered by Better_than_you 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A friend of mine takes her car to her UNCLE's shop and still gets the runaround! You handle the process, but have the guy along for moral support.
2006-12-20 15:59:23 · answer #7 · answered by Doug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well this is what i think im not that old but i know alot of cars. but when i go with my mom to a car repair shop they tell her ridiculas things thats wrong with her car that i know nothings wrong with and they break things and they just say ''o it's ok i can just fix that with a glue gun'' so when she goes to get 1 thing fixed they bring up 10 extra things and add $500 worth of parts and labor. so from what i think you should let your boyfriend go
hope that helps
2006-12-20 16:25:28 · answer #8 · answered by NYsNumba1Man 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I allways advise a woman to get a man to do it if I couldn't fix my Mom's car while she was alive I would handle the negotiations on fixin it you are 100% right do get suckered hey tell your boyf to think.
2006-12-20 15:59:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a female who has had the same experience as you, I agree that having a guy go with you or for you is definitely a better option.
2006-12-20 15:58:21 · answer #10 · answered by Beth 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋