Most of us get robbed for our lack of knowledge in daily affairs and needs. 12/05/08

Mechanic shops are VERY good examples.
I always say,

"I am thankful to God who has given me the same intelligent (if not more) as the next person he/she created. Therefore, there is nothing someone else can do that I can’t. However, I choose the things that I want to do; because, TIME is precious."

I learned a little about how to work on vehicles engines, transmissions and bodies so that I would not get robbed. However, when I speak with mechanic shops, I act as if I am the most ignorant person on earth, just to hear how far a shop is going to push me. Then, I write about that shop or business.
Also, allow me to state the fact that I am a fast driver, but a safe and all around careful one. As I approach to enter a vehicle, I glance at the tires for air pressure, and look on the ground under the vehicle for any signs of leaks. YOU MUST DO that if you care for your vehicle and your money. It takes less than a minute to bend and look beneath the vehicle and go around it and check all four tires. Also, while driving, I constantly check my oil pressure gauge as well as, the temperature gauge. These simple checks, WILL save you thousands of dollars. I promise.

I am certain you have heard about "second opinions". It is true that sometimes when you may be stranded and have to tow your vehicle to a shop, you may FEEL you may not have an opportunity for a “second opinion.” WRONG. If you can’t move your vehicle from one shop to another using your towing membership (which should be free) then accept to get robbed. Spending $50 to $100 per year, joining an auto club membership is worth every penny spent when you are stranded on the side of the road. There are AT LEAST three (3) reasons for getting a membership.

1. By the time a shop tows your vehicle to its location, it is already charging you a lot more than an auto club one-year membership fees.

2. If the shop doesn’t charge you for towing, ONLY BECAUSE you approved the shop to do the repairs, it already has its hands in your pocket and will charge you more for parts and labor to compensate for the towing charge. That’s ONLY IF the shop doesn’t charge you for the towing separately.

3. Roadside assistance membership will at minimum give you three (3) free towing, while shop towing is more expensive and one time only.

4. With this economy everyone is hurting, so are the shops. They will find a sucker and here we go. So, it is best to join auto club and get a “second opinion.”

Now, let’s not forget the fact that some shops don’t really replace parts as they claim. I’ll talk about this also. But let’s see how much your vehicle parts actually cost.

I buy my vehicles parts from a certified ON-LINE dealer at a massive discount and so can you. I took one of my many vehicles to two shops to get labor pricing. I was told, “ We can’t accept your part because of warrantee issues.” I insisted, forget about parts warrantee just tells me about your labor cost. I faced refusal. I said, “okay” and I asked, “How much would you charge for the parts?” I was given PART price of OVER 5.5 times higher than what I paid on-line. By the way, this is a separate fact from what you will read in the “Dealership” section below. Then, I drove to the next shop until I found one that was honest and at least gave me a reasonable price for the parts or would accept my parts.

What can you do to learn if a shop is honest?

1. When a shop says, “You need a part” and gives you a price for PART, instead of immediately approving the repair say, “Okay, I will let you know in a few hours or tomorrow.” Then, call a few parts stores around you or get on-line and check the price for the part (thanks to the power of fingers and the internet). If you find lower priced parts (which I am certain you will), then call a couple of mechanical shops in your area and ask how much they charge for the same parts and labor. Some will tell you, “We have to see the vehicle before we can give an estimate.” You insist, by saying, “My vehicle was checked by a mechanic; however, he is out on emergency.” (The mechanic is temporarily out of his mind for giving you such a high price) “and I need my vehicle. He told me what is wrong and I can give you the vehicle information so that you can look up the parts and labor in your catalog.” If the repair shop still does not want to give you some idea, without seeing the vehicle then, say thanks and hang up, and call the next shop.

2. When you finally get answers from a couple of shops then, call the shop your vehicle is located and share your findings and negotiate. If the shop does not want to compromise, that is fine. Do NOT tell the shop you want the vehicle removed; just call your auto club, show up to this shop and have it removed. I came to the realization that if you give a shop an advance notice, something UNEXPECTED may go wrong with your vehicle. Believe me I am VERY seasoned and do NOT trust most of the mechanics; because, I have seen what they can do (especially to ladies). I have a long list of these situations.
One important thing you should ALSO know.

The article is much longer and cannot fit on this page. The remaining detailed portion of this article can be found on the Author's own site.

Thanks
Mike Samadi
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