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Behind
the Reputation: The Value of the Auto Mechanic
As industry images go, that of the auto mechanic certainly has it's flaws ---
dishonest, uneducated men with dirty overalls and fingernails dominate traditional
representations. As a consumer, you might be inclined to find fault---- afterall,
these are the people that keep your prized possession for hours and days on end,
leaving you stranded and in rental cars (while racking up unbelievably expensive
repair bills). They tell you that you need rooters, when you just need brake pads;
they tell you they'll call before they start repairs and then they call you when
they're finished; they look you in the eye and tell
you two hours when they
really mean two days. These are the horror stories ---you've heard them,
you've seen them, perhaps you've experienced them. Having a good, honest
auto mechanic, however is just as important as having a good lawyer or a good
accountant. When you really begin to take control of your car life, you must incorporate
a good team and a car mechanic is essential to the mix. Whether you're purchasing
a new or a used car, you'll want to locate and establish a good relationship with
a mechanic ---- this might be someone at your dealer or a neighborhood auto repair
shop. Think of your mechanic the same way you think of the other professionals
in your life because they really can make your car life easier.
Here are some
simple tools that might be helpful for you as you go along:
What to look
for in a good mechanic
A good mechanic knows their craft and is skilled
at what they do. Check credentials the same way you'd check anyone else's. Ask
if they are involved in any auto associations, have various certifications (particularly
for specialty services), where they've trained, and what type of experience they've
had. Asking a few simple questions can provide you with a wealth of information
to help you determine if this is the person you want working on your car. When
you ask questions, does he/she seem evasive, are they answering your questions,
are they overly defensive? If so, you have to ask yourself why. Even though they'll
spend more time with an inanimate object than they will with you, consider how
personable they are. Are they friendly? Do they share information with you? Do
they discuss the car and ask you questions before the repair? Keep these things
in mind when considering your mechanic and keep in mind that this is a relationship
that should sustain itself over a course of time. How to find a good
mechanic
First check with friends and relatives. Talk to them to see if
they have someone they're particularly pleased with. If the referral doesn't work
out for some reason, but you feel comfortable with the mechanic referred, ask
them if they know of other mechanics in your area or that do specialty work. In
addition, don't forget about your dealer. There are two main trains of thoughts
when it comes to dealers ---- either you're the woman that will only take your
car to the dealer (that's the only place you trust) or you're the woman that tries
to avoid the dealers at all cost (often due to higher costs, mistreatment, or
poor service). Your dealership can be a good option for a few reasons: 1) they
understand and know your car and 2) you're almost assured they'll have the part
you're looking for. Keep a good relationship with your dealership because sometimes
it may be more prudent to go to your dealer vs. someone else that doesn't understand
the problem. Ex. A friend owned a Lexus and was having some problems with the
car. For months the car was back and forth to a neighborhood mechanic while she
continued to have problems with the car. One trip to the dealer located and resolved
the problem quickly and inexpensively. When to call your mechanic
This may seem pretty cut and dry---- you contact your mechanic when you have a
problem with your car. Sure, but there are some other really good times to contact
your mechanic and one time is when you're considering buying a car. A mechanic
is a wonderful person to have in place when you're considering a used car; whether
it be from a private seller or a dealership. While you are sure to know to test
drive the car, you will be looking for some very different things than your mechanic
(see the article Test Drive: The true meaning and what
you should really be looking for.). Before your test drive, contact your mechanic
and determine their availability. See if you can bring the car to them or if they
are able to meet you somewhere. In one instance, when I was considering buying
from a private seller, I asked the seller to meet me at the mechanic's shop. On
another occasion, I contacted my mechanic to see if he would be available and
then I drove the car I was test driving there. Please take the time to do this.
Having a mechanic look at your car beforehand will cost you a small mechanic's
fee that can save you thousands of dollars down the road.
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