In need to know..

[InfenFelo]

How do you find a good, and HONEST auto repair shop?
Sorry to discriminate against auto repair shops, but but recently got got swindled...

I have a 2001 Nissan Maxima that I bought about 4 yrs ago with 30K miles on it. It now has 60K miles (not bad for 4 yrs) and I need to give it a check-up - a little rattling in the back / underneath has prompted this.

I live in Chicago, so there are many auto repair shops, but how do I find a good one? Ask friends? Not too many have cars. What about going to a dealer shop? Will that cost more? Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Jerry]

Re: Im need to know..

I know what you mean. Good and honest auto repair? Hard to find.

My friend owns a shop, so I always went to him and his Dad but now that I moved away, I'm in the same boat you are. My friend's shop is in WI, so a little out of the way for you.

Best bet is to ask people locally where they have taken their cars and what kind of service they got. Ask around at work or whatever. And there's always google. look for shops with reviews from customers and check them with the BBB.

I actually have to take my car in, and I'm a little nervous about it. It'll be going to a dealership most likely, but you still never know

Good luck to you, and Welcome to JUB

 

[jft245]

Re: Im need to know..

Check with the people you work or go to school with. Ask them where they go and why. If anyone has a special shop they use, ask them to go along with you to set up the appointment, the shop will be less likely to take advantage of you if they know one of their regular customers is likely to get involved if there are any problems.

 

[Yooper]

I have personally been very happy with an independent repair facility that is associated with the NAPA name.

http://www.napaautocare.com/why-napa-autocare.aspx

It is a National Organization but not a franchise. Only select facilities are allowed to become members. And there's a National warranty.

I really don't like Dealerships. I worked for one years ago. Not my favorites.

 

[gsdx]

Re: Im need to know..

look for shops with reviews from customers and check them with the BBB.

I was going to suggest the Better Business Bureau as well.

Good luck.

 

[Horschallen]

I have had so much negative experiences with mechanics, garages, etc., and have lived in different parts of the country. I have come to develop a cynical attitude toward mechanics, too. I find I like taking my cars to the dealerships in small towns or in rural locations, because they usually treat their customers better. The one I take my car to now is about 35 miles away and I am usually happy after I drive out of that dealership's service department.

 

[gsdx]

I find I like taking my cars to the dealerships in small towns or in rural locations, because they usually treat their customers better.

They have to if they want to stay in business. With so (comparatively) little competition, they wouldn't last very long if they go about screwing around with their customers.

Back when I had a car, I always took it to my rural mechanic. It was well worth the extra time and effort.

 

[Swellegant]

Try Yelp...it's a site for customer reviews of all sorts of businesses. Most people use it for restaurants, but any business you liked or hated can be reviewed. Sometimes you have to take a review with a grain of salt, some people are just dicks, but more often than not you get some great, accurate, customer-eye-view information about a place.