can someone teach me?

Question

how do i not get ripped off at an auto repair store? i really want to get good service at reasonable prices

Answer 1

Ask the repair shop how much they charge for their labor per our. Ask them for a Repair Order sheet stating exactly what they did and the parts and materials that they used and how much it cost you. Also, ask them to explain and breakdown everything that they did to your vehicle.

Answer 2

All of the above suggestions are great. I have taught seminars in Canada about how to handle these situations. Don't ever act like you don't know what they are talking about. Always ask to see the parts if you are unsure. The cheapest estimate is not always the best, because of parts quality and the quality of the technician doing the work. Make sure that it is a licensed repair facility with licensed staff, and never pay for the work up front, unless you have specifically asked for special order items that cannot be returned. If you go into a shop that isn't busy, while 4 other places in the same area are, avoid them. There may be a reason why nobody wants their work done there.

Answer 3

Ask for a quote before you start. Check the prices against other repair stores. Ask to see the parts taken off. Use a credit card so you can stop payment if you don't agree with the repair.

Answer 4

Always ask to see the damaged part. Have them show you the damaged part compared to the replacement part.

If something seems like bull crap, get another opinion. There are some really good repair shops, try finding a local one that has been in business for a long time. Call around and see what they will tell you over the phone.

Answer 5

The most important strategy in avoiding the rip-off at the shop is to demand to see the parts that have been replaced. It is your right to inspect replaced parts before payment in every state in the country. It is also your right in most states to insist that the shop contact you before the repair goes over the estimate. Sometimes the shop may have to return your replaced part to their supplier, for return of the core charge, in every state, you still have the right to inspect the part before they return it.
Many years ago, before we were married, my wife had her auto into the shop to have her muffler replaced. The job was never done, they just put a new tailpipe on it, and charged her for the whole system replacement. If she had insisted on seeing the parts, she would not have been ripped-off.
HOPE IT HELPS......

Answer 6

There's a book that they follow as far as labor time. They just then fill in the hourly rate. But on somethings, take it with a grain of salt.

I had a shop tell me the clutch on the AC was going out on my car and it'd be about 800 bucks. It continued to go out for about another three years all the time putting out cold air. I traded cars a year ago. I assume the clutch is still going out more than I do.

As friends for references for places to go and not to go. That should give you a good start. Also, look at the car guy's website, they have places that people have listed in various locales that are good.

Answer 7

Got a good VoTech school in the area? Go take a course in auto repair. Knowledge is power.

Answer 8

Research what you are going to take your car to the shop for, like brakes, so when they quote you $1000 you can tell them they are tipping you off and quote what it really costs to reapir them. Read alot, look up stuff on the internet.

Answer 9

Know something about cars and how they work. The more you know the better chance you have of not getting ripped off.
Also ask around who is honest, and dependable, your neighbors, or friends will have someone they know, that does good work. good luck

Answer 10

Spend $22.00 on a book for "your" car.
Chiltons, or Hayes.

Read about the areas you intend to have repaired.
You will find a lot more information, for less money than schooling.