| I enjoy reading the tips and suggestions on finding | | | | is when "I KNOW it's run by a thief!" |
| an honest or good mechanic. These can be found | | | | The sad fact is that very few people know what |
| on various government and consumer websites, | | | | goes on with car repair, and even less |
| and in a variety of auto repair articles. I think the | | | | comprehend repair pricing—even shop |
| same guy wrote all the suggestions, and for all 50 | | | | managers and purported experts in the field know |
| states! | | | | very little. |
| You'll be advised to check around by word of | | | | Tips and suggestions only scratch at the surface |
| mouth (WOM), and make sure that you see ASE | | | | of the automotive underworld. Sure, some tips |
| or AAA posted somewhere. Check out the | | | | might help. But what's really needed is |
| facility—make sure it's clean. Check with the | | | | experienced insider information. |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB). You'll be | | | | The consumer needs to know what really goes |
| acronymed and common-sense-suggested to | | | | on with repair "pricing" in order to make sense of |
| death. Unfortunately, none of it will really help | | | | auto repair costs. With the right guidance and |
| either for quality or price. | | | | information, the playing field can be leveled, and |
| I know AAA certified shops that can barely | | | | the automotive customer can easily take charge |
| change oil. I have worked with ASE certified | | | | of car repair prices. |
| technicians that frightened me with their diagnostic | | | | Traditional tips and suggestions are only a band-aid |
| theories. I know shops that are considered great | | | | on an open, gaping wound. Relying on these is like |
| that have serious BBB scars. | | | | trusting a blind man to lead you across a major |
| And WOM is the worst method. I have heard | | | | interstate. You might make it, but wouldn't you |
| clients rave about how wonderful a particular shop | | | | rather follow a traffic cop. |