5 tips to avoid getting ripped off at the mechanic's

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  Posted by MistressMinx Tue Nov 11, 2008 12:46pm PST

  Andy - thanks for your post. As a woman, mechanics often think its easier to skate by on the details with us. However, what they don't realize is that my dad taught me plenty about cars, so Rule #1 is very important. Ladies - don't just take the mechanic's opinion. Make sure you understand what you need.

  And, if they tell me I need windshield wipers or a new air filter, I go and buy it myself. I saved $5 last time by buying my own air filter. I just flipped 4 clips, took the old one out and put the new one in. Most windshield wipers also install easily and you'll always save money on those too. Maybe $5 doesn't mean a lot to some people, but over the life of the car, it adds up.

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  Posted by opiniononly Tue Nov 11, 2008 3:48pm PST

  Advice from my dad who was a mechanic...ALWAYS tell them you want the original parts when the service folks replace them. Air filters, wipers, brake pads...everything. If they can't produce the original part to prove it 1) needed replacement and 2) was, in fact replaced, my dad said not to pay for it. This has saved me countless hassles regarding unnecessary services and parts that some how were necessary once I said I wanted the originals back.

  Also, from dad: Change your oil on the recommended schedule. It is the one sure action that will keep your car in good running condition. And, if you can take a basic intro to auto repair course at a local community/technical college. Having a basic understanding of how cars work can save time and money when you have a problem but no clue what it means. Just like having logical and informed conversations with your medical provider, have a sense of how your car runs can make you an informed consumer...and that is what really saves money in the long run.

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  Posted by Shannelly Tue Nov 11, 2008 6:31pm PST

  This article was very helpful

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  Posted by eva Wed Nov 12, 2008 6:34am PST

  the article on the mechanics was very helpful. have been ripped off several times. the last time was recently. they kept saying it was fixed but when I brought it home it wasn't. Do you have any answes for that? thanks.

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  Posted by eva Wed Nov 12, 2008 6:46am PST

  the article on mechanics was very good. I recently took my car and I think maybe I was ripped off. I had to take it back several times when they told me it was fixed. It just got worse and had to have it towedand was charged with that among other things.I will have to be more smart but I trusted the mechanic. thanks

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  Posted by Kitten Wed Nov 12, 2008 6:47am PST

  If you find that the service wasn't done, go back to the shop and demand to see the owner/manager. I did that earlier and the shop was more than happy to replace a part they hadn't replaced. And they did it for free. Also, (and I hate this part) sometimes it helps to bring a man with you (I KNOW) who has a working knowledge of cars. I have a working knowledge of cars, but they listened to HIM more than they listened to ME and we know the same amount about cars.

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  Posted by Jaime Wed Nov 12, 2008 7:01am PST

  you are dead right on what you shared andy, im a family born mechanic myself and a mechanical eng grand...ive tested going to service centers and found out myself that nowadays its kinda difficult to find an honest and caring service center in any area...mechanics tends to scare you when they see a small minor problem in your car when having a routine oil change, they tend to exagerate, tells you some technical words only them can understand.

  as my dad always remind our customers....always have a second opinion and most of all learn the basics about your car..read books and dont tell the mechanic about your little knowledge about car maintenance and repairs...thats your key if your mechanic is ripping you off.

  oh before i go...just wanna share info to all cruisers out there...kinda practice to go neutral on a full stop to disengaged the clutch on a drive position...it'll give your tranny more life and maintains its good running condition... but... dont forget ur scheduled tranny fluid (ATF)change...and oil change!!

  happy drivin and cruisin you ALL!!

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  Posted by Jaime Wed Nov 12, 2008 7:06am PST

  to emb@ yahoo .com

  can you discussed or described whats the problem you feel on your car!! might have the answer for it!! ime2020

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  Posted by Andy Wed Nov 12, 2008 9:00am PST

  Thanks for all the comments folks. I guess a number of people share my view and have had similar (bad) experiences. I'll copy some of the comments to my other blog (www.savingtoinvest.com) to have a full set of comments in one place.

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  Posted by Girl Wed Nov 12, 2008 11:02am PST

  this is a very helpful article. I once had a tech tell me it would cost $100 for an oil change! So now my bf does it for under $20.

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