What Women can do about getting Overcharged for Car Repairs
I really don't like the premise that I have a greater risk of being overcharged for car repairs because I am a woman. We all need to be savvy consumers, whether we are spending money on the car or the groceries. Unscrupulous salespeople will take advantage of men or women. I don't feel the need to be an expert in car mechanics to get a good deal, either-I just need to rely on my "network" and use my instincts to determine if someone is trustworthy.
For the last year, I have had my car serviced at the dealership where I purchased it. Their service department is very aggressive, to say the least. The first time I had my oil changed there, a mechanic called me at work, reporting that my tires were "all chewed up", and stating that I needed new ones right now. I calmly informed him that I would have my husband check my tires that evening, as he had once worked in the tire department of a car dealership and would be able to determine if I needed new tires or not. I could tell this dampened his spirits some, and rightly so; as it turned out, I got 13,000 more miles out of those tires before I really did need new ones.
A few months ago I did have a problem with a tire. It was making a noise and causing a vibration in my car. When I requested that they check it, the dealership told me I needed to have my tires rotated. I had just had them rotated, and said so, but he explained that because I have a long commute to work each day, regular rotation of my tires is very important, and I told him to go ahead. I had a coupon for a free rotation in my glove compartment, and he evidently found it, because I got a call at work saying my tires were fine, but my battery cables were all corroded, and they needed to work on the battery. That I did believe, based on a comment my husband had made a few weeks previously, so I said, yes, fix the cables, and what about my tire? He said my tires did not need rotated (surprise!). A week later, the tire noise and the vibration were severe. At my request the dealership checked the tire, told me I needed a new one, and charged me $36.00. I complained about that, since I had asked about my tire, and they waived that charge. I took the car back to where I had purchased the tires (at $200.00 less than the dealership would have charged me) had a new tire put on and the old one adjusted and all I paid was $27.00.
I was losing patience with the car dealership. I was on guard all the time, and had decided to take my business elsewhere after the service contract is up. And then came the incident that pushed me over the edge. My engine light came on, and I had the dealership check it. There is an emissions filter that is plugged up, and I need a new one. "What is the cost?" I asked, and the answer was $590.00. I felt that this required a second opinion, and I called up some friends of my husband, at another shop. They referred me to a mechanic who works on my make of car, and he cleaned out the filter for $55.00. I'm ticked at the dealership for not letting me know there was another, cheaper, option. When I canceled my appointment with them, I let them know I couldn't afford the expense, and they said, "That's only if we have to change the cylinder, too." So why in the heck didn't they say that in the first place? I think they hoped I would spring for the first repair they offered.
Three strikes and they are out. My husband has done business with his friends for years, and I'm taking my car back there from now on. I gave the dealership a chance, because I thought it might help when I trade off the car, for them to know exactly how it was maintained. By being pushy, and because they just aren't getting it, they have lost my business.
Women or men, if someone is trying to take advantage of you, and pushing you to purchase something you don't want or need, it's time to do the research and find another provider. I rely on the expertise of my husband and his mechanic friends, but you can always ask your friends where they go for regular service on their car. When you make an appointment, mention who referred you. Ask questions. You don't have to be an expert to ask intelligent questions. Don't accept everything you are told, and don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Most important, don't take it personally. It's not about car mechanics trying to overcharge you because you are female. It's about guys trying to make a living, just like everyone else. Most of these employees are paid on a commission, and it's their job to sell all they can, to everyone they can. And as consumers, it is up to us, men or women, to take care of ourselves.
