Car repairs....use credit card or write a personal check ?

Question

I'm having a new cat. converter, oil change, etc. done to my Corolla at a independently owned, 3 mechanic repair shop. This is the first time I have dealt with this shop. The owner has been in business at this location 20 years.
This is the first time I have had work done at this shop, and don't personally know the owner.
Should I pay with credit card to help be protected from possibility of rip off repairs? I have plenty of money in my checking account, so I could easily write a personal check. The total bill is $ 390.00 U. S. dollars.

Answer 1

Do it with a credit card.
then you can always dispute the charges.
If the shop has been in business for 20 years they are doing something right. I am sure they will assist you in what ever you see as a problem.
Are they busy or do the mechanics stand around. Take a look around. I am happy to show folks my place as I am proud of it and it's reputation.

The shop should be clean and the mechanics in fairly clean clothes not torn t shirts and sayin' what's a transmission.
If the owner has a lot of cars sitting around that look like they have been there a while you may have issues. Or if there are no cars at all and there is Crap everywhere.

Answer 2

Pay check, save the interest rates and finance charges. catalytic converter or smog thing is like a new muffler. So that is an ok price with labor and whatnot added on.
Pay check, if the work fails to meet standards or satisfaction never go back and tell amyone you know, same goes for when the work is done right, a bad word travels like lightening and covers an area that is large. A good word hardly gets notice, but when it is given it is priceless.
Any place of business that has been at it 20 years in one location knows that.

Answer 3

if you are unsure of the shop quality check with the BBB before going there. otherwise pay for it how ever you normally would. if its not done right you have the same recovery. paying for a repair with a cc then disputing it may get the charge reversed but the shop can still put a lean or even get the car titled to them.