MyCarlady’s 10 tips to protect you from auto repair ripoffs. Ladies be warned and don’t fall prey to misleading, high pressure tactics and auto repair ripoffs including false car repairs and auto service claims made by dishonest auto mechanics. 85% of women I polled told me, “[they] hate taking their cars in for routine car maintenance because they always
get pitched for additional work, necessary or not,” and who knows the difference? Finding an honest car repair technician is in the MyCarlady’s top Ten list of women driver must-haves including a reliable manicurist, ironing lady, house-cleaning service,
Ob-Gyn and baby/pet sitter. Pool and lawn care services don’t come close to the dread most women drivers experience at the thought of servicing their car, never mind having to buy a new one. (I can help you with that.)
TRUE STORY: Last week my daughter (23) took her car to a popular, national auto and tire car care service center for her seasonal oil change and tire rotation. Immediately the older gentlemen (over 50 in her eyes), told her he was the “manager” and her car (3 years old, 30k miles) needed a new battery. Without telling him this was the same thing they told her the last time she was there (and further review deemed otherwise), she calmly explained her mother was in the car business and she would discuss the battery issue with me, and get back to him later in the day but to do the work she committed to; the oil change and tire rotation (which is the freebie hook this chain promotes). The manager wouldn’t let up. He proceeded to respond; “Mommy’s girl huh?” to which my daughter replied, “Well considering my mother is a car dealer and this is a car issue…”, to which he responded, “I’m the father of 7 children and sooner or later kids have to fly the coop and make decisions on their own.” My daughter was dumb-struck. Her status as a professional in the community gave her the poise I would not have had, as her reaction was far more adult than mine would have been, but nevertheless, his behavior was appalling and disconcerting to say the least. When she again refused to budge on the battery purchase, he huffed, turned on his heel and walked away. She called me. I asked if he volunteered to show her the diagnostic printout, scanner tool or anything justifying his assertion or attempting to prove his claim of a failing battery was anything but fake? He hadn’t offered nor had she asked, already wary of the situation. Needless to say, after paying for the oil change, she took her car to the dealership where the battery read full charge, no replacement necessary. (now before you aask why she returned there after the last visit, well, she’s 23 and didn’t really “think about it would happen AGAIN!” what can I say?)
These practices of dishonest auto repair claims, charges for no service performed and/or no service necessary, continue today. Here are the MyCarlady ten tips to protect yourself from auto repair ripoffs.
1. Demand to see the actual proof of the broken or failing part.
2. Get the entire estimate including diagnosis in writing before approving the work. If they call you after you have left to request authorization for more work, ask to have the paperwork faxed to you for a signature, make sure the costs are noted on the estiomate before signing for more expense.
3. Ask to have all removed/replaced parts kept for you, make sure the parts are listed with serial numbers on the bill just in case a warranty claim is involved. Keep the parts until the warranty claim is paid.
4. Ask if this necessary repair deems the car unsafe to drive, get it in writing.
5. If the car is unsafe to drive, ask if you can have a second opinon see the car while on the rack. (You are taking up their space, so they may prefer to remove the car to the outside or suggest it be towed to another location. Your call, (usually made based on the attitude of the service provider and expense involved. If your are feeling undue pressure to make a decision of considerable expense, take the car and leave, a women’s intuition is her best instinct.)
6. If the car is safe to drive, take it to the brand’s dealership or to a AAA recommended mechanic for a second opinion.
7. After the work is completed and BEFORE you pay; look over the area where the work was done. Tools, rags and plugs have been known to be left behind.
8. Drive the vehicle with the mechanic BEFORE paying, to be sure the problem is resolved to your satisfaction.
9. Get the warranty for parts and labor on the work performed in writing on your dated receipt.
10.Pay by credit card.
Preparedness is a great Plan A, so, ask your friends, family members or MyCarlady for an honest automotive service car repair center and a trustworthy/ reputable body shop referral before it becomes an emergency. An honest car repair guy is worth his weight in gold.
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at CAR DEALS
