* Ask the mechanic to test drive the vehicle with you-so you can explain exactly what you’re experiencing, hearing, etc. *Once you sign an estimate, they must adhere to it, and no work should be done without your authorization. If you leave the shop’s premises, ask the mechanic NOT to begin any repair(s) without contacting you. * Establish your rules upfront: nothing is to be repaired until you have seen the broken or worn part, and nothing is to be replaced or fixed until you have given your permission to do so.
While the majority of reputable shops are honest, there have been documented incidences of shops damaging parts and then charging car owners for repairing them. * NEVER allow your repair shop to “repair as needed.” It’s an invitation to get ripped off. Avoid saying things like “This car is used by my young daughter,” “We’re going on a long road trip,” or worst of all, “Just fix whatever you think it needs.” This is analogous to giving someone permission to charge away on your credit card. * Answer any questions the repair shop has, but don‘t volunteer unnecessary information. Stick to that schedule-not one the shop may present/recommend. * Know your vehicle’s manufacturer recommended service schedule before you go in so that you know whether or not your vehicle is due for one of the major services, such as tune-ups, oil changes and tire rotations. Never ask questions like: “Do I need a tune up?” or “Do I need new tires?” It sends a strong signal that you’re uninformed, and serves as an open invitation for a shop to recommend services that you don’t need. Your best protection is being informed and involved. The more interest and intelligence you show, the less likely it is that the repair shop will try to overcharge or push unnecessary repairs on you. When you’re at the repair shop, ask as many thorough, intelligent questions about the repairs that need to be done, and physically present all your research. What to Do When You’re at the Shop (Or While Your Car is Being Repaired) If they can’t produce that person live or on the phone, then politely tell them you’ll need to take your business elsewhere. * Mechanics will often argue they’re not authorized to approve the lower price. If the shop refuses to budge on an estimate that’s too high, tell them that you’ll go to another shop. Show your print-out and/or the competing estimates. * Ask for the “fair repair” price you’ve identified. The shop can refuse to return your vehicle until your bill is fully paid. Never assume you’ll be able to haggle after the repairs are completed. * Negotiate before any work is done, when you still have the power to go elsewhere. You should still present your benchmark price or competing estimates to all three: it’s a competitive market and, even at a dealer, not all is set in stone. This doesn’t mean that all dealers and franchises are “unfair,” and all independents are “fair,” it’s just important to know for your negotiation expectations. Hence, with the independents, you’ll typically have a much greater opportunity to negotiate price. To understand your negotiating opportunity, you need to understand the business models/mentality of each: unlike most independent shops, dealerships and franchises typically use managed sales/service writers, (mechanics just perform the work), and have a more top-down management-set pricing system. * There are three types of repair businesses: dealerships, franchises like a Sears or Jiffy Lube, and independent shops. Lots of people dread negotiation, but online, objective information is public, impersonal and printable-let it speak for you!Īnd presenting a “fair price” estimate really works! In a nationwide study of repair shops, over two-thirds of the shops CHANGED their price quote when presented with the industry standard price. Unless you’re stuck in Death Valley at the only gas station for miles, your information ammo, combined with the fact that you’ve hopefully obtained more than one estimate, should make you feel comfortable negotiating a fair price. And while some itemized charges may stand firm (like some parts prices), others have significant wiggle-room (shop mark-ups are often as much as 200% to cover operations). Most people simply don’t realize they can negotiate auto repair work. You’ve checked true parts pricing online…So now you’re ready to negotiate the price before you authorize any work. You’ve scrutinized your estimate, and analyzed how each major component squares with ‘s “fair price” breakdown: the hours the job should take-and the shop’s and alternative shops’ hourly labor rates.
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