ALT-1 Resources for Finding Reputable Mechanics
Reputable and mechanic are often not used in the same sentence, but there are some out there and usually not that hard to find. When you search for a reputable mechanic you want someone who performs good work, listens to your needs and doesn't charge a lot right?
Many people associate AAA as a reputable company to bring your car to have it repaired. But with certain things AAA is not reputable. Why would you pay a small price to have a membership so that they will pick your car up when it breaks down and then charge you an extraordinary amount of money for that repair? That is where they get you, making them not reputable. Having a battery changed on site can sometimes cost up to $800.00. Why would you spend something like that when any reputable mechanic would arrange to have your vehicle towed to his shop and replace the battery, or even drive to where you are and replace it for a small fraction of what AAA would charge?
You can get all the qualities in a mechanic that makes them reputable with little to no work involved.
Word of mouth is the best resource that you can use to find someone reputable. The more people that speak well of a mechanic is a better indication of the quality of their work and their fairness. In other words, trust what cousin Bob and your best friend Sally say over any mechanic or mechanic referral service. These services usually receive some sort of kick back from the mechanic itself for sending work his way. When visiting the mechanic that cousin Bob mentioned, throw out his name the mechanic will feel better about working for you and might give you a better deal.
Another tip is to check out the Better Business Bureau, or BBB, and look for complaints that have been filed against this company, just a way to make you more at ease. One thing that needs to be remembered when visiting a site such as BBB is not to look completely at the complaint itself but whether or not the company tried to remedy it. Often times a consumer will make a complaint to the Better Business Bureau and the company whom the complaint is filed against will try all sorts of avenues to meet the customer's needs, but you can't win with everyone all the time. Check to see how the business responded to the complaint before ruling them out.
Try the mechanic out first with something small, such as tires or a tune up. If everything goes well, and it probably will because he wants to earn and keep your trust so that you will return to him when something really happens, keep him in mind for that big repair when it comes up.
Everyone's personal experiences are different no matter what company you're dealing with. Take information from someone you trust and use it, it might be the best advice you've ever received.
