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One of the more stressful experiences
people face is that of finding a trustworthy mechanic.

Unfortunately, there are mechanics that take advantage of some
customers, often preying on women and seniors.
Again, if you're unsure, get another opinion, or, better yet, take
someone you trust who is knowledgeable with you to the shop.

Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and other people
you trust.
Look for a repair shop before you need one to avoid being rushed
into a last-minute decision.

Quality vs Cheap:

When selecting a car repair shop, choosing quality over cheap is of
primary importance.
A cheaper shop may charge less for parts and labor, but you may
ultimately have to return your vehicle several times before the job
is done right.
Or you may have to pay another shop to redo the service you just
paid someone else to do.
Don't be intimidated by a mechanic.
If your gut or intuition tells you that you're getting screwed,
get another opinion.

Look for a Qualified Mechanic:

Be sure the repair shop you choose offers quality technicians,
quality diagnostics and service equipment, quality parts in
addition to quality warranties.
Failing to take the time to determine if a shop meets these standards
can make car repairs far more expensive than you bargained for.

Choose a repair shop that is clean and professional.
Ask all the questions you want. If the repair shop is not willing to
answer your questions completely or gives you vague and confusing
answers, do not leave your car for repair.

Just because a mechanic has a big name corporation under the
name-tag on his coveralls, does not guarantee that he is a competent
mechanic.
Some of the best mechanics run their own, independent shops.

Once you find a mechanic that does good work, stands behind his/her
work, works at a reasonable rate and believes in proper customer
service practices.

If you find a place that you think will be right for you, have them
perform a minor repair or periodic maintenance service to see
how they operate.

Tell your family, friends and co-workers.
Word of mouth advertising is the best way to make sure that quality
wins out over mediocrity, incompetence and apathy.

How can I tell if parts were actually
replaced when I had my car serviced?

Always insist on getting your old parts back, after repairs have
been carried out.
Or at least have the mechanic show you the old parts.
Get the mechanic to go over the worn or broken parts and ask him
to explain what's wrong with the used parts.
A good mechanic won't hesitate to take the time to make sure you're
happy with his/her work.

Technician Certification:

A good repair shop reinvests in educating and training its technicians
on a constant basis.
Be sure to ask if the repair shop employees ASE Certified technicians.
A superior repair shop will assure you that all their technicians are
properly trained and have received ASE Certification.

Written or Printed Estimates:

If you need to leave your car for repairs you should receive a written
or printed estimate for the work that will be done.

It should list each repair, parts needed / supplied, the cost of each
part, labor charges, and the car's odometer reading when you
brought the car in as well as when the repair order was
completed.

Make sure you get a signed copy.

If a repair shop will not provide a paper estimate, refuse to leave your
car for repairs.
Never rely on verbal promises.
Professional shops will give you a paper estimate, prior to starting
repairs.
The estimate will tell you exactly what is going to be done to
your vehicle.