Finding the right mechanic can be just as important as finding the right dentist or doctor for your family. There are two main things that every person wants in their mechanic - trust and reliability. What you don't want is someone who will take advantage of you every time they get the chance.
How do you go about finding the right mechanic? First, ask your friends and family members. Is there a local mechanic they've had a good experience with? You could also check review sites like Yelp or CitySearch to see what others have thought about their experience.
After you have it narrowed down to a couple "best options," visit the actual repair shop and meet the mechanic. The questions you should ask fall into two different categories - Quality of Work and Cost. If there are other issues that are important to you, be sure to add them to your list. Here's a closer look:
Quality of Work
Are you ASE (Automobile Service Excellence) Certified?
Any reliable mechanic should have this posted somewhere in their garage. If they don't, don't be afraid to ask. Having an ASE Certificate is one reliable indication of quality service, as it means the business has passed an on-site evaluation of their business practices. If the shop isn't ASE-certified, you may want to consider taking your business elsewhere.
Do you specialize in a certain type of car?
Many times, it's obvious before you go into an auto repair shop what they specialize in, as it may state it on their website - or, it may be displayed on a sign out front. If you're not sure, ask the mechanic. They'll usually do their best to let you know if they specialize in a certain type of vehicle. This will also help you learn the repair shop's strengths and weaknesses.
Are your technicians trained on the latest technology?
To go along with the above question, you may also consider asking about the technicians' qualifications and training. Are the technicians trained on the modern technology that's available in newer cars? Are they informed about the latest innovations and features? Above all, make sure the technicians were trained at a trade school or college, instead of no training at all.
What would you do if it was your car?
This question usually catches mechanics off-guard, but provides a lot of insight into their quality of work. If they were telling you the exact things that needed to be done to your car, there's no problem. If they weren't, this question could fluster them a bit. A good mechanic will tell you the truth the first time around - if something doesn't need to be fixed, they'll be honest.
Cost
How do you charge for repairs?
Asking a few questions up front can help save you quite a bit of money in the long run. Find out if the repair shop will provide you with an itemized estimate before performing the repairs. Another thing to ask is if labor rates are charged a flat fee or per hour basis. Finally, find out if the repair shop provides a courtesy shuttle or rental car if your vehicle is in the shop for an extended period of time - not having this can add quite a bit of money to your repair bill.
If there is a problem with my car, can I choose between new or used parts?
Some auto repair shops have relationships with scrap yards or other used car businesses, so you have the option to choose new or used parts if an issue arises. However, which type you use depends on the situation. If the alternative is a brand-new, expensive piece of machinery, but a used one will work just the same, it's nice to have the option. An honest mechanic will be able to help you decide what's right for your situation.
What are your payment policies and guarantees?
Payment plans, guarantees, and labor rates can vary greatly from place to place, so it's smart to check on this before they do any work. Find out if new and used parts are guaranteed by a warranty and if so, what do the warranty terms say? A six-month warranty is great; 90 days is decent, but if it's any lower than that, you may want to consider another option. You can also check out auto buying guides to see what the industry standard is.
