side project for work

[meandsharon11]

would like to know what everyone thinks when they
walk into a mechanic shop to get anything done. whats the preconceived idea of
going to one? is it of dread? could you care less? are you happy to take your
car in to get worked on? do you hate dealing with the "counter guy"? what do you
think of mechanic shops in general?

any and all thoughts, opinions, ideas
are greatly appreciated.

[shrewsbury]

I always use the dealership I bought my car from and never have an issue.

[duane1969]

When I first go to a mechanics shop I always fear I will get gouged on the labor. My "old" mechanic closed up and I had to try out a new guy. I still have to pick up my car from him and I think he hooked me a bit on the labor. $400 labor to replace a tranny oil pan gasket, front and rear seals on the tranny and valve cover gaskets.

[Star_Cards]

My worry would be going to one where I haven't been referred to by someone who's gone there before. That said, I think gouging more when dealing with dealerships over an individual mechanic. My dad was a mechanic so he helped me out a lot until he passed away so I have limited experience with mechanics. I'll usually take it to an individual mechanic than to take it to the dealership, but I have one I've used before where a friend had good experiences.

As far as my feelings, it's usually a negative feeling simply because you never know what is wrong and how much it's going to cost.

[meandsharon11]

When I first go to a mechanics shop I always fear I will get gouged on the labor. My "old" mechanic closed up and I had to try out a new guy. I still have to pick up my car from him and I think he hooked me a bit on the labor. $400 labor to replace a tranny oil pan gasket, front and rear seals on the tranny and valve cover gaskets.

that labor price isn't bad at all. It would cost more if you had it done at a dealer, firestone, Goodyear, transmission shop or any other chain repair shop. Most charge $100-$120 per hour. Ask what his labor rate is. If its over $150 an hour then that's high.

[meandsharon11]

My worry would be going to one where I haven't been referred to by someone who's gone there before. That said, I think gouging more when dealing with dealerships over an individual mechanic. My dad was a mechanic so he helped me out a lot until he passed away so I have limited experience with mechanics. I'll usually take it to an individual mechanic than to take it to the dealership, but I have one I've used before where a friend had good experiences.

As far as my feelings, it's usually a negative feeling simply because you never know what is wrong and how much it's going to cost.

unfortunately that's part of owning a vehicle. If you find a place that will explain the problems to you as well as SHOW them to you then you can usually trust them.

[ajcorleone]

Just my personal experience I have a 2007 Honda Ridgeline and I have all my service done at the dealership I bought it at.WHen I have tune ups or other service done I chekc 2 of my local mechanic shops to compare prices.Everytime what I neede done was only $40 to $50 dollars less and the service I get from my dealership is outstanding so I stick with them.Now of course if the mechanic gives you better service then by all means