How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off at a Mechanic Shop
Using hidden cameras, Anderson investigated how mechanic shops can easily scam women into paying more than what they should for car repairs.
Financial expert Sanyika Boyce-Calloway shared her tips on how to avoid mistakes that could put you in danger of getting ripped off by a dishonest mechanic.
"It's important for you to not be too trusting. Tell the mechanic you want to see the problem, tell them you want to take a picture of it. Tell them that you have a friend who is a mechanic and that you want to 'run it by them.' Go to more than one place for a quote."
Mechanic PJ Marchel also offered his helpful tips, and said compared auto repairs to going to the doctor. "You need a second opinion. Ask questions, ask why it costs so much."
PJ also suggests googling the information on repairs for your car to make sure you're not being overcharged.
Comments
Sending a link I found on George Takei's FB. It reminded me of your segments on how women are overcharged for products - outrageous! At least the customer reviews are entertaining and show that some of us are no longer falling for these insulting marketing ploys!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004F9QBE6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004F9QBE6&linkCode=as2&tag=geek03b-20
You did not give a resolution to the problem of being scam which I thought was illegal. After doing some research, I found out that one should inform the State's Attorney's office, the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission of the scamming auto shops. Let's not blame the victim for being scammed.
Hi,
Interesting to hear how a financial expert thinks you should deal with a mechanic! I run a business dedicated to preventing people from getting ripped off or over-charged at the auto repair shop. We are mechanics, and we give auto repair consultations over the phone. Please check us out at http://www.mechanicspeak.com
If you're a mommy blogger or otherwise in connection with our target audience, reach out to us on our contact page. We're happy to provide free consultations in exchange for honest blog reviews.
Elizabeth K
The mechanic show was horrible. You should have put us on it like you said you would.
This is a must share: Last February, the rear axle of my 2000 Ford Windstar broke WHILE I WAS DRIVING down the road in Spartanburg,SC.Talk about being at the mercy of of a mechanic! Once safe,I had my van towed home to figure out what to do next. While researching area Ford dealers, I found out quit by accident, that there were three current recalls on my vehicle including the axle! DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Get online. LOOK UP your vin# on the manufactures website for recalls...I had over $996.00 worth of parts & labor covered under recall.ZERO out of my pocket
checked out that website very useful. nice estimator on homepage that let me do a free estimate of my repair on the website to compare to shops quote! contacted a "Top Shop" in my area and will c how it goes!
Check out RepairPal.com as a great resource for finding a trustworthy mechanic! They assess shops and survey actual customers before certifying shops in their program!