When your car needs to go in for work, you usually know it’s going to hurt your pocketbook. Here are some tips on getting the best price for your auto repairs.
Unless you happen to be a certified mechanic, bringing your car into the shop can be a stressful and expensive experience. When they tell you that you don’t just need a new muffler, you need an entirely new exhaust system, how do you know they're telling the truth? Could they just be trying to up-sell you?
Below are a few tips on how you get the best price for your auto repairs.
1. Find the right shop
The first trick is to find a good, reliable auto mechanic. If you have one, hold onto them dearly and treat them well. If you don’t, ask friends and family for their recommendations. You may need to seek out a shop that specializes in your make of vehicle or repair needs.
Check with the Better Business Bureau of Canada (BBB) to see which shops are BBB accredited and which have had complaints filed against them.
2. Shop around
Once you have two or three reputable leads, take your vehicle in for a written estimate. A shop should be able to provide you with a detailed breakdown of parts and labour costs without pressuring you to stay and get the work done with them.
Compare the estimates and ask questions. If one shop says you need XYZ done, but another shop doesn’t mention it, don’t be afraid to ask. If you can, avoid showing the competition’s estimate.
3. Getting the work done
Once you've found a shop that you feel good about, be sure to specify that you do not want any additional work done on the vehicle that is not part of the estimate without your consent. You don’t want to come back and be surprised with additional repair costs you didn't authorize.
Now that you’ve gotten a good estimate, had your car repaired, and are back on the road happy and safe, be sure to share your good mechanic experience on social media. Keeping that shop well stocked with customers will ensure they’ll be around for a long time to tend to all of your car’s needs.
