How do you find a new mechanic?

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

I know this may sound like a silly question, but I need to look for a new mechanic. My old mechanic is good just too slow and has pissed me off one too many times with empty promises as to when my vehicles will be done, there is always an excuse. Time is $ in my household.

So...do I ask friends, "google" the new mechanic?

Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[d_squared431 0]

I just take it to (sighs) the dealership I have had too many problems with mechanics that I rather pay more to have my car fixed right the first time.

TPM Sister#130ONTIG#1
I love vodka.I love vodka cause it rhymes with Tuaca~LisaH
You having a clean thought is like billyvance having a clean post.iluvtofly

[willard 0]

I have to agree with that. As cars have become more and more advanced so have the requirements for a competent mechanic. Not that they aren't out there, it's just that a dealership knows your car inside and out, has up to date training and equipment, and wants to keep you "in the fold".

[sartre 0]

Here in Colorado there's a referral website I go to for nearly everything. It hasn't steered me wrong yet. The guy's name is Tom Martino, and he is nationally syndicated, but I'm not sure if he has any mechanics where you are on his provider list.

He's a "consumer watchdog" and actually helped one of my friends who was pregnant and being taken complete advantage of by one mechanic.

I'd see if you have someone like that in your area.

Good luck with it!! Automotive stuff SUCKS!!

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

Gulp!! Cha-ching!! There gotta be someone out there!! They may do it right the first time, BUT I have heard horror stories about dealerships too, but they charge you double, sometimes TRIPLE the price for parts. Its ridiculous!!



Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[yardhippie 0]

There are a couple forums for Subaru (what I own)
One specific here in Atlanta. I just do my research on there. Even for other brands, they're pretty sharp when it comes to who is doing a good job out there.

Goddam dirty hippies piss me off! ~GFD
"What do I get for closing your rig?" ~ me
"Anything you want." ~ female skydiver
Mohoso Rodriguez #865

[mnealtx 0]

  Quote

I know this may sound like a silly question, but I need to look for a new mechanic. My old mechanic is good just too slow and has pissed me off one too many times with empty promises as to when my vehicles will be done, there is always an excuse. Time is $ in my household.

So...do I ask friends, "google" the new mechanic?

Bobbi

KEEEEeeeelll Heeeeem and see who takes over the shop?

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[DrewEckhardt 0]

  Quote

I know this may sound like a silly question, but I need to look for a new mechanic. My old mechanic is good just too slow and has pissed me off one too many times with empty promises as to when my vehicles will be done, there is always an excuse. Time is $ in my household.

So...do I ask friends, "google" the new mechanic?

Get personal references.

I used a shop with web references after moving.

When I took it in for front brake noise they told me my rear brakes needed replacing (false), the timing belt needed replacing (false, previously replaced 15,000 miles ago. I asked why and they said "it looked worn"), serpentine belt (false), and that the front brakes were shot (true, but I didn't believe it because they lied about everything else and the outer pads had plenty of meat left). And they charged me $60 for the incorrect diagnosis I didn't ask for.

[stitch 0]

In your case, just walk in a garage and flash your BOOBIES!!!!

"No cookies for you"- GFD
"I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65
Don't be a "Racer Hater"

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

You are a real piece of work, aren'tcha??






Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[stitch 0]

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You are a real piece of work, aren'tcha??






Bobbi

Don't be a hater.

"No cookies for you"- GFD
"I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65
Don't be a "Racer Hater"

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

I don't hate ya, I just wanna give you a noogie!


Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[Buried 0]

I find the one that tends to anally rape me less

Where is my fizzy-lifting drink?

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

See, i would like that.

Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[Buried 0]

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See, i would like that.

Bobbi

wouldn't you want it more tho?

Where is my fizzy-lifting drink?

[cocheese 0]

Cleavage. I look for a mechanic with cleavage.

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

Don't. Stop. Don't stop.

Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[stitch 0]

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See, i would like that.

Bobbi

I've got an awesome set of tools.

"No cookies for you"- GFD
"I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65
Don't be a "Racer Hater"

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

What a bolt and a few nuts?!

Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[stitch 0]

I've got a bitchin' alien anal probe.

"No cookies for you"- GFD
"I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65
Don't be a "Racer Hater"

[Buried 0]

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I've got a bitchin' alien anal probe.

yeah, but to bad she won't feel it

Where is my fizzy-lifting drink?

[stitch 0]

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I've got a bitchin' alien anal probe.

yeah, but to bad she won't feel it

And you know this how???

"No cookies for you"- GFD
"I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65
Don't be a "Racer Hater"

[Slurp56 0]

Kind of depends on where you are and what you drive. The dealership is not always the best choice to go to for this kind of work, granted, they have access to all the special tools and factory train their employee's, there are some real idiots that work there. Dont get me wrong, some are good, but dont be of the opinion that having your car fixed at the dealer is going to get your car fixed right, or the first time.

I'd crack open the yellow pages and find a "specialist" in your area. I used to work at a Honda/Acura specialist and I can tell you, that its the way to go. Specialists tend to have all the special tools as well to work on specific makes of cars, and typically specific makes of cars are similar in wear/failure points. Before you do anything though, get a quote and call around to make sure you aren't being screwed.

If you happen to drive a Honda/Acura and live within the Tacoma area of WA, I can recommend a great shop, otherwise, good luck

________________________________________
I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

[Buried 0]

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I've got a bitchin' alien anal probe.

yeah, but to bad she won't feel it

And you know this how???

... a little bird

Where is my fizzy-lifting drink?

[billeisele 130]

2 thoughts:
1) start with one of the chains like Goodyear or Firestone, quite often they will have a mechanic that was trained at the dealership and left, i've had good luck with that
2) ask around the work place, there is always some old guy wrench turner that has the best secrets to share

good luck

Give one city to the thugs so they can all live together. I vote for Chicago where they have strict gun laws.