How to find a great car mechanic
The Top Auto Repair and Maintenance Franchises of 2021
Is a Mobile Mechanic cheaper than a 'fixed' garage? Mobile Mechanics are often cheaper than a fixed-premises garage, yes, due to lower overhead costs. However, note that we always advise drivers to choose a garage or mechanic based on both price AND reputation.
Chain repair stores, dealerships or independent garages offer some type of a pre-purchase inspection and the average labor cost for an inspection is approximately $100-$250. Included in that price, consumers can expect a good overall mechanical and safety inspection of the vehicle – test drive included.
How To Find The Best (And Most Affordable) Auto Mechanics
Because most people know very little to nothing about cars, and even less about how to repair them, they have to take their car to someone who claims to know how. This is where it gets difficult. ... Many people get a bad impression of car repair shops because of misinformation, or not wanting to hear what they're told.
“If you keep your car for many years, find a local, independent garage you can trust, and then build a relationship by giving them repeat business,” says John Ibbotson, CR's chief mechanic. “If you stay loyal, they're bound to treat you right, which can be advantageous when it comes to those really expensive jobs.”
While it may sound like a good idea in theory, extended warranties often come with a high price tag and don't necessarily cover everything that could go wrong. Plus, many people who buy extended warranties never use them. In that case, an extended warranty becomes a cost with no financial return.
Certifications from the AAA or ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) are signs of reputable shops. All good mechanics will thoroughly explain your repair options and keep a clean garage. (A floor cluttered with empty oil cans and worn tires is a bad sign.)
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