Ripped Off: Is Your Mechanic Taking Advantage of You

mechanic
Think about your mechanic!
Free Digital Photot By vectorolie

I was recently in a situation where someone was trying to take advantage of me.  I had taken my car to get repaired. As soon as I got it to pass inspection, it shut down on me. So I got it towed to where I got it inspected, to see what the problem was.

Car luck

A few days went by and they finally informed me that it was the fuel pump.  Now I did my research on fuel pumps and the prices that they quoted me were way too high. Basically what they were doing was trying to soak me for almost every penny I have. I spoke to a friend of mine and she suggested that I get the car towed elsewhere. I will spare you the long and drawn out saga, but let’s just say, that I am not someone to be taken advantage of. I knew something was going on. So I called them on it. I risked having to get my car towed to another mechanic in order to prove my point. In my eyes, God had a plan. And part of his plan was for me to educate you on my experience, so that you don’t make the same mistakes I did.

Is your mechanic taking advantage of you?

Educate yourself about cars

I’m not saying you need to know everything, but you do need to know some of the basics There are a few mechanics who are very genuine and they will not go out of their way to screw you. But there are others who are very smart and they will size you up, as soon as they see you walk through the door. They know what they are doing. Don’t believe everything they tell you. There are many mechanics who will try to sell you items you don’t need, in order to pay for their new BMW. They will tell you about things in your car that need to be fixed, when they don’t.

Mechanics don’t treat everyone equally

Learn how to do some of the basic jobs yourself . It will save you time, money, and frustration. Don’t just assume that all mechanics will treat everyone equally, because they won’t.

Buy the part at any auto parts store ahead of time

They will charge you so much less. Mechanics make their money when they jack up the price on your account. That is how they survive. Once you find the part, see if you can put it in yourself or have a friend do. If that doesn’t work, then go to your mechanic and have him put it in for you. That way you are only charged for the labor. Speak to them about labor costs beforehand. Just because they are only doing the installation, doesn’t mean that they are not going to try to take you to the cleaners.

Be sure that they are reputable to start

Never go to some big name establishment. You are just paying for the name. A dealership will also take you to the cleaners. Only go to mechanic that you trust or a friend trusts.

Always remember, it’s nothing personal. It’s just business, so be mindful of how much business you are giving the person.

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