Auto Repair: Dealer Prices versus Local Shops

There are many who assume that local repair shops charge significantly less than the dealer for auto repair. While at times they certainly do; it’s not something one can bank on, nor compare – easily anyway. What type of service, parts, and quality of workmanship are you getting for your money? In other words, local shops can easily under-price a dealer by using aftermarket parts, for example. This is not to say dealers don’t have their issues - they’re often horrible, inept hacks - but we need to consider for "what" are we paying.

During a recent interview, a woman stated that she called her dealership for a quote for front brake pads and rotors. Since the price from her local service center was the same, she had them do it. She was happy that, in her mind, she got a fair deal.

In fact, the local repair shop used aftermarket disc brake pads and rotors. The labor rate was less. The parts were less. But she paid the same. She paid the same price, but got inferior parts installed on her vehicle. Her repairs may not necessarily be unsafe. They parts may work fine. However, does it make sense (for the same money) to do this? Did this woman get a good value? No – she got ripped-off. It happens every day….

To learn more, visit a free article center @ auto maintenance

Ted Olson
http://www.repairtrust.com/
Making sense of Auto Repair

Auto Repair - They Can't Even Get Tires Right!

I recently replaced the tires on my wife's minivan. I decided to try a local facility that looked like it had its act together and specialized in tires. I did my research at my favorite online tire resource (http://www.tirerack.com/) and picked out 4 Yokohamas. Tip - be very wary of what your repair shop recommends for tires - do your research!

I let the local auto repair shop sell me the tires, as by the time I had them shipped and installed - it just wasn't worth the savings, which was minimal - plus I don't mind letting shops make money - I made money for 20 years in the auto repair industry!

Prior to the work, I negotiated free installation (mounting and balancing), free disposal, free valve stems, a discounted alignment, and free nitrogen inflation. Tip - you can almost always negotiate auto service.

They did the work for a fair price and got it done when they said they would. That these two things were achieved at all was a miracle. However, they put the wrong wheel weights on!
This may seem like a minor point, but it bugs the hell out of me.

Here's why:

1) The wrong wheel weights look like crap
2) They fit poorly, scratching the aluminum rims
3) This scratching will corrode my rims, contribute to tire leaks, and it looks like crap
4) The weights don't fit securely and can fall off, causing vibration, and requiring me to have my wheels balanced again and/or prematurely. A wheel weight that falls off while driving can also chip the paint on my fender.
5) Did I mention it looks like crap? :)

Why would a "tire specialist" do this? Visit car repair prices to learn why we can't get our cars fixed right, and what you can do about it.

-Ted
RepairTrust
http://www.repairtrust.com/
Making Sense of Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, and Auto Repair Costs

Auto Repair HELP?

Is there ANY Saving Grace for the Auto Repair Customer?

Auto Repair Complaints TOP Consumer Complaint Lists...

The following article shows further evidence for the continuing total dissatisfaction with auto repair. While this piece contains some decent practical advice, the statement such as "most repair shops are honest and do a good job" is actually an absurd and uneducated remark in light of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

What's scary is that the people who are suppose to be protecting you, the consumer, know very little about car repair prices, and auto repair scams that rob car repair customers tens-of-billions of dollars annually....

Click for the full Auto Repair Help article

-Ted Olson
RepairTrust
Making Sense of Auto Repair Costs