do you think a lot of mechanics?

Question

tell you there is something wrong with your car, and there really is nothing wrong?

what experiences have you had?
has this happened to you?

Answer 1

To be honest - if I have a problem with my car then I fix it myself. I'm quite able.

I would only take my car to a garage if it was something out of my reach such as suspension, exhaust etc

Not all garages are cowboys but a lot of them will get more out of you if they can - especially if you're a woman (like I am) as they think you don;t know anything!

More fool them!!! lol

Answer 2

The trouble is nowadays, god I sound old, 'mechanics' are no longer trained in the fine arts that I was. Sometimes the most basic fault appears as something major on the computer diagnostic devices that all the youths jump to nowadays. Young fellas are all too keen to play on a 'puter rather than look at the basics before getting the box of tricks out. (POW - Petrol, Oil and Water - always checked first). I'm not a luddite just think basics should be carried out before getting out the black boxes. All these tests take time; that's why it costs the customer! Find a good mechanic trust him and you'll be right.

Answer 3

I was apprentised for five years and like Andy A it seems a long time ago There always has been this problem with the majority of mechanics iv known and thats a lot.You say missfire and its head gasket,piston rings,valves,very few of which i am one,say lets look at the plugs etc,basics.There might be a load of gadgets,but in logic these things have replaced points,condensers,etc but you still need to start with basics A mountaineer goes up a hill first,not down

Answer 4

yeah i agree with TERIE P it gives us technicians a bad name. it causes alot of agro with customers because you get these people telling other people they have been ripped yet they havnt got a clue what they are talking about. all garages, franchises have there own labour prices and parts index. I charge £15-£20 per hour labour on private jobs and tell them to buy the parts, i have set prices for jobs such as head gaskets, cambelts, clutches ya know those big jobs. i no garages that charge £60 per hour. but if you want a good mechanic dont just pay the cheapest tom dick or harry, if you want a proper job on your vehicle, dnt be afraid to ask the mechanic for smart cards, any good mechanic will have cards and certificates approved by, IMI,ASE etc,

Answer 5

Unfortuneatley there are a lot of mechanics out there who will try and rip people off.
This gives us genuine reliable and honest mechanics a much more difficult job,as we have to try and convince people that work that does need doing really does need doing.
I spend a lot of time explaining to people what needs doing then re-explaining because i think tey are trying to catch me out in the hope im trying to rip them off.
Mechanic
MOT tester
Transmission specialist
Richard

Answer 6

Look at Which? and trading standards surveys in the UK. The standards in that industry are contemptible. I have had best results from established local garages thet specialise in repairs and servicing. If you go to a main dealer chances are that your only contact will be a very presentable young lady that has never held a spanner. All b------ s------- and no substance.

Answer 7

Well my brother is ASE certified mechanic,so like when i take my cars to be inspected i have him look it over 1st and he'll tell me if it'll pass or not.When i get to the garage and they start saying it needs this it needs that i tell them,no it doesn't cause you'll must not be certified,well there tune changes then.

Answer 8

Some will, just like cowboys in any other trade. I know some mechanics personally, so I don't really have that problem. I can imagine it's difficult to know who to trust though if you don't know anyone. I'd ask friends and family who they use.

Answer 9

yes there is alot of cowboys out there. my friend took her car to a garage and they wanted over a £1000 to fix alsorts of stuff they said was wrong with it when infact there was only an airlock in the radiator.

Answer 10

my heater matrix went,so i had it fixed,when i went to pick the car up he said a couple of bolts needed replacing,i asked him how much it would be and he said pennies,i agreed,in the meantime i had asked somebody who knew about cars and he said the matrix was x amount(cant remember now)and the bolts were about £1 each...when i went to pick the car up it was about 3 times what i had been told,wasnt happy but i paid it,then he said i owed him £45 for the bolts,i just looked at him and laughed,i told him he had had more than enough money out me,then drove off....he knew i was right cos i saw him in the street a few times after and he always said hi to me.....cheeky sod!!!!!!!