Choosing a Mechanic.

[Burgy]

I thought I would give a bit of advice to guys when choosing a mechanic/tuner/modifier/cookie monster.

I have been modifying cars and a 'consumer' in the industry far longer than I have been a supplier. I have picked up a few things along the way and I try to run my business accordingly.

Sometimes mechanics/modifiers have a great reputation and good reviews, but they may be lacking in certain areas.

Say youve just bought your flux capacitor with dual hyper rockets and drinks holder for your beloved BMW or your BMW has a cold and needs some TLC and you just cant put your finger on what is wrong.

Things to do Before choosing a mechanic

1. Is the shop RMI approved? - This is a back up, just in case they do not follow the philosophy of the customer is always right. Things can go wrong, even with the best of mechanics. The RMI is there to help consumers when dealing with car/ mechanic shops - USE THEM.

2. Time Frame - Agree on a time frame with the mechanic and get it in writing on your quote. - So often mechanics take on too much work and cars fall behind. THIS IS NOT THE CUSTOMERS FAULT. The mechanics should have a defined schedule and stick to it. If the car will take longer, the customer MUST be informed.

3. Get a written quote. Most mehcanics DO NOT give this and then when you get your invoice there are all sorts of hidden costs etc. Always get a written quote and advise your mechanic that any additions MUST be brought to your attention before parts are bought or installed.

4. Speak to previous customers - ask forum members, ask the mechanic for numbers of previous customers. Find out first hand what you are getting into.

5. Make sure that their work comes with a WRITTEN guarantee!!!!

Please feel free to add suggestions to my list!

 

[moranor@axis]

I think the biggest mistake people make is thinking that people in the motor industry should know everything...

I will always use the guy who is willing to admit when he does not know rather than give me some BS story...

A car is a complex machine and not one person can claim to know everything no matter how good they are...

 

[tcal69]

great advise:thumbs:

 

[levi325is]

Really good info :thumbs:

 

[Rayzor]

Great advice :ty::ty:

 

[Quartermile300]

:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

 

[Dippies]

:bravo::bravo:

 

[YEGAN]

i agree with maranor, i respect mechanics that are honest. if they cannot do something they either tell you straight or refer you to someone who can,its that simple. i research the shop/mechanic before i send any of my vehicles anywhere.

i also dont believe in sending my cars to workshops 'specializing' in all manufacturers. i would rather send it to a manufacturer specialist, my reasoning is cars work on the same principle yes but each brand have there own way of designing things and a person that knows that specific make well is gonna be much more effective than someone trying to guess how it works first.

i would trust a make specialist first over a dealership cos nowadays you go to the dealership and its mainly appy's carrying out the work and if it doesnt say so on their computer then theres nothing wrong:thumbdo:

so rather a specialist thats got much more experience and chances are they are more thorough in their workmanship too.

just my opinion:thumbs:

 

[Revilosean]

Excellent Advice :thumbs:

I always follow these steps.

Rev

 

[Demon tweaked]

dont fix whats not yet broken :fencelook:

:thumbs:

 

[sunnyj]

Handy advice. :ty:

 

[Gizmo]

Its not always the fault of the mechanic if you don't get your car in time. Parts suppliers and outsourced work is a major contribution into how long it takes to fix a car. Also, jobs can take longer than expected especially when you start working on the car only to find there are other things that need fixing/replacing, thats where hidden costs come into play but they should be discussed with the customer before being ordered/fixed. Parts take time to come in especially if BMW SA has no stock and they have to order from Germany with a 3-4week waiting period.

Im not defending all mechanics out there but just giving my 2cents as a mechanic.:thumbs:

 

[Doomsdaya]

i would trust a make specialist first over a dealership cos nowadays you go to the dealership and its mainly appy's carrying out the work and if it doesnt say so on their computer then theres nothing wrong

This is a reason why I will never buy a new or a 2nd hand car with MP/SP/warranty well what ever they come with these days...

As for specialists, some workshops take advantage of customers because they are "specialists" by name & charge ridiculous amounts for labour or parts or both. From experience I would say do a bit of homework before even considering taking your car to anyone...