I get ripped off when I have maintenance done to my car...?

Check with the better business bureau. Ask friends and co-worker for recommendations.

This is a business of perception. People have their guard up when they take their car in to get serviced because for the most part they know little to nothing about their cars. Therefore you probably think you are getting ripped off because you go in with the expectation you are going to be ripped off. It is a defense mechanism. It then inevitably becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you think your going to get ripped off you will believe you are getting ripped off no matter what the reality is. A good service writer will be able to explain what they are recommending and why on any vehicle system to even a complete novice in such a way as to eliminate the self-fulfilling prophecy. If you are not getting that level of service you may wish to take your automotive service business to someplace that does offer that comfort level.

Ok I work for a dealership (and I'm a girl), my dad's a mechanic, I've been around cars my whole life. My first memories are of my dad's shop. Now he works in a dealership. There is a couple of things you can do to not be ripped off. First if by the slightest incline you feel you being wronged, talk to the service manager. If you still feel you are not getting anywhere, go to the GM. And even though I do work at a dealership, I would still recommend an indenpendant shop. The only problem with that is they aren't as regulated as dealerships (dealerships are required by manufactures to complete courses to work on vehicles). Independants ask if they are ASE certified (tell them you want to see the paperwork prior to any work done on the car), then make them give you the estimate first and not to touch any part of the car before you check out the estimate. Don't feel pressured or pushed. Don't let them rush you. If at any moment you feel you are being ripped off then tell them you are taking it somewhere else. More then likely they'll help you would for fear of losing your business and help you out on the price. Wish you lived near me, I would say visit my dad, he is probably one of the most honest mechanics you'll ever meet. He'll only fix what is needed, even if it means he loses money.

I worked in several different GM dealerships as a repair technician. I have to say that I nor anyone I worked with would intentionally try to cheat a customer out of their money. Yes, we would often try to upsell maintenance items that were not crucial to keeping the car running but never outright cheat a customer. Now warranty, I've seen a lot of warranty companies try to get out of paying for repairs. It's the warranty adjuster's job to try to get out of paying any claims. Anything that can be dismissed as customer neglect will be dismissed. the best piece of advice I can give you is to try and find an independent repair facility by reference from a friend or family member. Most independent repair facilities work hard to get customers in the door and to keep them coming back. this means doing good, honest work for a reasonable price. Usually if you explain that you don't have a lot of money to work with, they will try to fix up your car enough to make it safe and dependable. If you have any doubt about taking your car to a repair shop, ask for a written estimate for parts and labor, then take it to another shop and get a second opinion. You can always contact the better business bureau and check to see if there are any complaints that have been filed against them. this is something that most people don't do (file a complaint with the BBB) because it is a long answer when they are looking for something short term. Also, next time they tell you your car needs a bunch of work, ask them to show you what is wrong and explain it to you. Maybe you could take a family member or a friend with you and have them explain it to them instead.

Yes Ma'am, I would be happy to give you sound advice, I have run a shop for 17 years and I NEVER, repeat NEVER, pull the wool over a customers eyes. (especially a woman) my wife would kill me then divorce me, I also like the reputation I have and I will go the extra mile to make sure you understand what I am about to charge you and why, I give an education. Here's the deal. You don't have to go to the dealer. your local little garages are equipped to do the work. So here is what you look for, sincerity, I use it all the time. Heck no you don't know about your car so you are trusting me to work on it for you. Go in to a shop, is it clean (the waiting area) then ask to talk to the owner or manager, ask them if their mechanics are ASE certified, this is ongoing training mechanics do to make sure they are up on new skills. See if the shop is certified, AAA certifies and they are serious about it, go to AAA.com and look for a certified shop in your area, start there it will eliminate a lot of trial and error. Go visit the shop and tell the manager/Owner you concerns, If they are sincere about your business they will acknowledge that there are schmucks out there and will put your mind at ease, if they shrug it off go to #2 on your list. You will find one who is more than willing to show you his business, I actually have a competitor who is female, she however thought that would bring in the business, it does to a point but guys walk in and see a female manager & owner and walk out so there are issues there too. the AAA site is a great place to start. Good luck, If you want more info let me know I am really sorry to hear you found a jerk in the auto business.... They do exist..

well i agree with the others but to add to it, when you get parts changed ask to have the old parts back.They may ask why tell them you have your reasons. it will ensure you that they are changing what they say.

TRY FINDING AN INDEPENDENT AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP INSTEAD OF THE DEALER OR ANY CHAIN STORE BECAUSE YOU WILL BE OVERALL MORE PLEASED WITH THE PERSONAL SERVICE THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE.

First ask around and see who has an independent mechanic that they really trust and feel that they're fair . Then take your car there. It helps to have a friend that is mechanically inclined to go with you. And get a written estimate. I have an excellent one in Canoga Park that I take my late model car and truck to that backs up what they do as well as taking care of something that you complain about without blaming you for causing the problem.

When you bring it in for repairs there are parts that are covered under warranty but the maintainable items will not be covered like the tune up as discussed is not covered. You should ask them to provide a list and cost of you're repairs before you commence work. depending on the age of your vehicle you may be able to buy an extended warranty for 800--1800 that will cover everything, the cheaper one has a very high deductible and don't cover anything