Generally, it is cheaper to repair your car at an auto repair shop than a dealership shop. For the period your car has a warranty, it is definitely cheaper to take it to a dealership as it will be repaired for free. But afterwards, it will be cheaper to shift to an auto repair shop as long as you find a good one.
Find a shop for your brand of car. Many garages specialize in certain makes.
Ask your family and friends.
Search the Internet.
Check for certification.
Check the Better Business Bureau.
Give the shop a tryout.
Ask about warranties.
Make sure the shop is convenient.
Is it better to go to a local mechanic or dealership?
Verdict: Lean toward the dealer. “If your car is new and under warranty,” Prosser says, “go to the dealer.” After that period ends, usually around 50,000 miles, go independent. It’s cheaper, and you avoid the pitch for a new car. But check if your manufacturer has an exceptional warranty policy.
“Yes, you can definitely negotiation the price of car repairs, but how you do it varies on where you take the car. Independent shops are far easier to negotiate with because they don’t have prices set by a corporate office or a service manager.
Are local mechanics cheaper than dealerships? – Related Questions
How do I get the best deal on a mechanic?
5 Steps to Negotiate a Better Price for Car Repairs
Understand the issue. There’s a difference between feeling like the mechanic’s estimate is too high, and knowing so.
Leverage the facts.
Get quotes from the competition.
Offer to provide the parts yourself.
Get car repair financing.
Slash Your Insurance Costs.
What happens if you can’t afford to pay your mechanic?
If you can’t pay your car’s repair bill in full, then you can ask the auto repair shop if they will accept payments toward it instead. Watch out, though, as mechanics have the right to legally put a “mechanic’s lien” on your car if you haven’t paid the bill in 30 days.
Can you negotiate at car shop?
Not only is there no negotiation, we do not pay our salespeople based on the profit made or the vehicle you choose. Schedule a visit — you’ll feel the difference the moment you walk in the door.
Why are car repairs so expensive?
Labor costs have climbed over the past few years.Cars have become more advanced and shops need more expensive equipment to work on them. Manufacturers make modern cars out of new materials that will save you money at the gas pump but can cost more for repairs and body damage.
The Bottom Line. Don’t pretend to be an expert when talking with a mechanic. Do as much research beforehand as you can, but once you’re there, continue to ask questions. No one wants to overpay for a car repair, but working with an ASE-certified shop can save you money in the long run.
How do I not get scammed by mechanics?
Ask for Proof
Don’t be afraid to speak up. Mechanics get away with cheating you out of money because most of the time you don’t understand what they’re even telling you. You panic and don’t want your car to be in danger of dying so you let them take control. Ask them for proof about what they’re talking about.
Is it rude to call mechanic for update?
Calling Repeatedly for Updates
As the old adage says, patience is a virtue. More often than not, your mechanic isn’t hiding anything from you; they’re simply busy working on your vehicle or someone else’s. Calling repeatedly can slow them down and ultimately take longer for you to get your car back.
What do I say when I call a mechanic?
So, exactly what should you say to your mechanic?
Provide information to the mechanic in regards to what you are experiencing and when it happens.
Let the mechanic know if you want something in particular checked.
Ask for a written quote that includes labour, parts, fluid costs and any additional fees.
What should you not say to a mechanic?
How do you know if a mechanic is being honest?
Honest mechanics will communicate clearly with you in words you can understand before, during and after the repair. Compare any scheduled repair with your owner’s manual. Honest mechanics will give you written estimates including parts, labor, and other supplies.
Firstly, most mechanic shops have quite busy schedules, whether they have booked repairs, maintenance, test drives, etc. It’s always to call ahead to schedule an appointment to reduce wait times.
How long is too long for a car repair?
How long can a mechanic keep my car? There is no legal limit to how long a mechanic can keep your car. If you are unsatisfied with your service, you can always take your business elsewhere and try to find another mechanic.
What takes the longest to fix on a car?
After surveying a variety of testimonials from automotive mechanics, these were widely claimed to be the most difficult car repairs to perform.
Most Challenging Car Repairs
Replacing an Engine.
Clutch.
Spark Plugs.
Transmission.
When should you stop fixing a car?
Avoid getting nickel-and-dimed.
Keep a log book of exactly how much you spend on maintenance and what the items are. How much have you spent on vehicle maintenance in the last 18 months? Does it exceed the market value of your vehicle? If so, it’s time to think about a replacement.
How do you know if your car is worth fixing?
Typically, when deciding whether a repair is worthwhile, you should consider the value of the car versus the cost of repairs. A handy rule of thumb is that if the cost of repairing a car costs 50 percent of its value or more, you should consider selling it.
How do you know when a car is not worth fixing?
When Is It Not Worth Repairing a Car?
You will have to either replace or repair your car if it breaks down.
Buying another used car may cost more or about the same as the cost of repairs.
It may make more financial sense to replace the car if it is on its way out or the repairs cost more than the value of a used car.