How to get the best price and avoid scams on auto repair?

Ever hear that one where the unassuming woman walks into the auto shop to get a quote on a fender bender and she walks away with a bill five times the real price, plus new rims?

Ever hear the one about auto repair shops making customers sign blank work orders so they can charge customers and insurance companies for repair work that never happened in the first place?

How can you get the best price on your auto repair and avoid being scammed in the process?

Going to the mechanic is one of the most loathsome activities a driver can face. Mechanics are notorious for trying to upsell you for unnecessary work, and sometimes, you have no idea if the work is required or not.

No matter how much you try to avoid the auto repair shop, you’ll have to go eventually. Here are some ways to avoid the hassle and get the best price.

Customer service matters

When you’re looking around for an auto repair shop, do some preliminary research online for the ones that are closest to your home or work. Next, read the reviews (Yelp or Google are good places to start) and look for any comments that go along the lines of “they treated me so well here,” “I felt right at home,” or “great, quick service.” 

If the customer service is poor, don't even bother. You don’t have to spend your money at a company that treats you like scum, like you don’t know what you’re talking about, or like a walking dollar bill. If you can find somewhere that appreciates your business, you won't mind paying for the great service.

Do some snooping

You should call ahead and try to get a preliminary quote or price range on what you need to be fixed so you can comparison shop before you show up. If you’re able to cruise by the lot ahead of time, see if the cars on their property look good; see if it’s busy; see if it’s welcoming.

If it isn't busy, it's likely the shop isn't getting much work and that employees are going to try their hardest to get the most profit out of you.

You could be snooping at the gas station repair shop, Canadian Tire, CAA or anywhere, really. Check if your friends have any recommendations. Once you find the place that treats you the best and offers fair service, never let go!

Get written estimates and shop around

When you find the repair shop that you like, bring your car in to get a written estimate and tell them you’ll be back once you shop around. Now’s the time to get a second opinion from another auto shop nearby, perhaps it was second to check out on your list.

Make sure the estimates you get don’t have a deadline and do not share the price you got from the first shop with the second. See if the second shop says there are additional problems with your vehicle, and how much their quote is.

If you want to debate after you get the second quote, feel free to flash that initial estimate you got and ask if they can do better. You can do the same with the second quote at the first garage to see if they're willing to negotiate.

If the first auto shop was the one approved by your insurer, you still have every right to shop around, especially if the quote is level with your deductible.

Learn, learn, learn!

This is a no-brainer, but lastly, knowledge is power! Doing research on your own–on the internet, at the library, by talking to friends or by taking beginner mechanics courses–will arm you with some confidence when you inevitably walk into the auto repair shop. The more you know, the less likely you’ll get scammed.