How do you deal with mechanics who fix more than you ask them to and raise your price?

Question

I want to get a car fixed at a place that offers really low rates. Unbelievable rates. (It costs less to get it fixed when they use their part than if I brought my own part in) So anyways I was quoted over the phone a really decent rate. Then after I digged around I found out there might be a diagnostic charge, which is ok by me EXCEPT I dont want them diagnosing & fixing anything else.

Im doing this as research before I buy a car and that is why I have to make sure I can trust this before I buy the car.
The person I want to buy the car from claims it has nothing wrong with it except the steering pump. But its a 98 so I'm sure there are other things wrong but it is still driveable. I am going to get a carfax with the VIN but either way I dont want him messing with anything else other than the pump.

How can I make sure he doesnt pull the wool over my eyes and make me pay more when I come to pick it up? Can you get a contract or is that unreasonable? What should I put in it if

What should I put in it if I do?

Do mechanics HAVE to do a diagnostic charge?
He doesnt seem bad but how can I tell a shady mechanic?

Nothing in the BBB about him.

Answer 1

Tell them upfront that any repairs will need to be ok'ed by you prior to the work.
Ask them upfront if there is a charge to diagnos the problem(s)

In my opinion, they are doing a service to diagnos the problem and can charge for that if they see fit becasue it does take time and money to do that. ALot of times if you have them fix it they wont charge you for the time to diagnos it.

Answer 2

if the rates seem too good to be true... they probably are....
if you take them a PS pump and ask them to put it in they should do just that and only charge you the labor for replacing the pump. now that said what happens when they replace the pump and the problem is really a leaky hose???? now you have just purchased a pump and paid $200 and you still have a problem....my best advice for you is to take the car to several shops and get a quote (by law the have to stay within a certain percentage of this, usually %10 or so) any decent shop will give you a free quote.

the best way to not get taken advantage of is to educate yourself... learn how to do some of your own repairs... take a class. a $500 class will easily save you the cost of a car over your lifetime

Answer 3

When you go to a mechanics shop they usually put a contract in front of you that is blank and ask you to sign the bottom before they will start. That is to authorize all repairs they write on there. That is like signing a blank check. Only sign a contract authorizing repairs if they have explicitly put down all the services, fees taxes and the total amount that will be due. If they ask you sign anything blank just refuse to. If they dont make you sign anything at all you can go get your car for free when they are done. If they wont give you the keys you say hey Im calling the cops give me my car. Because you can argue that you didnt authorize ANY work then.

Answer 4

I am a mechanic...and have been for 25 years plus. You only have to pay what you agreed on...yes ther are plenty of rip off artists but there are also honest mechanics like me....if they don't tell you how much up front,don't pay..you must authorize the work and price...sometimes things do come up during repairs that could not have been seen ahead of time..thats just cars...but you still must be informed if something comes up....if u live in the atlanta area and have a toyota or lexus i might can help u

Answer 5

Always sign a written agreement stating the work that is to be done and no other work is authorized unless you sign for it! That way no one can rip you off and you also can't say That you did not agree to that! Keeps you and the Shop safe! And p.s. just because he smokes dosent mean he isnt a good mechanic! I smoke and the only reason i have ever had a vehicle come back is either due to part failure (not labor) or because they liked the work i did so they bring me more! Hope this helps..

Answer 6

Agree with the brick.Before they do anything, you must sign a work order form which stats what work is to be preformed.If they notice something else wrong they can inform you, like hey i noticed balding on your tire which is an indication your shocks or rear alignment is bad,they dont have the right to fix it, because you never gave the okay.And you should always be given a quote as to how much its going to cost.Anything else i would refuse.Your argument can simple be ,this was not on the work order, and i never requested this to be done.

Answer 7

Always get a written estimate that details the work to be done, and how much it is going to cost. Then, if the mechanic finds something else wrong with the car, make sure he contacts you and gives you the choice whether to fix it or not.

Answer 8

get references from friends or coworkers to find a good mechanic. ALWAYS tell them you want a written estimate before any work is performed. if they find any problems while working on it tell them to call you before fixing anything extra so you can ok it. if you want you can ALWAYS ask for your replaced parts. as for buying a car take it to a mechanic to look at it for you, most shops will inspect a car for free or a small charge which is well spent so you dont end up with junk. dont trust the seller, they are always selling for some reason.

Answer 9

I have been fortunate enough to find a good, trustworthy mechanic.

But even with him, we have a signed agreement as to what I want done and an estimate.

We also have an agreement that if during the repairs (such as while changing brake shoes he finds a bearing going bad) that he will call me and get an approval before doing any other work.

So far it has worked out well.

Try and get references from previous customers.

Answer 10

Get referrals from friends who have had work done on their cars.


You can tell the mechanic that ALL you want repaired is the pump. If he does anything else you will refuse to pay it and you will report him to the BBB.