Dear Drive Guys,
If you go to the garage and they tell you that your car needs $500 in repairs, how can you be certain they’re being honest and not just ripping you off? I know that you recommend getting to know the garage that services your car, but that’s not always possible when you live places short amounts of time.
Signed,
Katie, Silver Spring
Ed: This is the question heard most often. Getting to know the people who service your car is always your best bet. Just like getting major surgery, if the vehicle requires high dollar repairs, then get a second opinion. Be aware that many shops charge a “diagnostic fee” and you would be responsible for that at both garages probably.
My job at AAA requires me to act as go-between for members and our AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities when the Member feels they have been taken advantage of. In many cases the problem turns out to be miscommunication on the shop’s part to the member. If you don’t understand what the shop is telling you, ask them to repeat it in more understandable terms. If you are a AAA member, we can try to do that for you also.
Jeff: Katie, The only thing I can add to Ed’s comments is DITTO! You can always check shops in the area for involvement in AAA’s Approved Auto Repair program or other similar programs.
