I enjoy reading the tips and suggestions on finding an honest or good mechanic. These can be found on various government and consumer websites, and in a variety of auto repair articles. I think the same guy wrote all the suggestions, and for all 50 states!
Youll be advised to check around by word of mouth (WOM), and make sure that you see ASE or AAA posted somewhere. Check out the facilitymake sure its clean. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Youll be acronymed and common-sense-suggested to death. Unfortunately, none of it will really help either for quality or price.
I know AAA certified shops that can barely change oil. I have worked with ASE certified technicians that frightened me with their diagnostic theories. I know shops that are considered great that have serious BBB scars.
And WOM is the worst method. I have heard clients rave about how wonderful a particular shop is when “I KNOW its run by a thief!”
The sad fact is that very few people know what goes on with car repair, and even less comprehend repair pricingeven shop managers and purported experts in the field know very little.
Tips and suggestions only...