Car Care for the Smart “Driver”
QUESTION
Dear Boomer,
How do I choose a repair shop for my automotive needs? I am recently divorced and was left with a six-year old luxury car that my ex always took care of.
Carol Strong
Phoenix, Az
ANSWER
First of all Carol, if you still have a factory warranty on your luxury vehicle, you will want to bring your car to your local dealership to make sure the problem is covered under warranty. If not, you will need to locate a certified auto repair shop near your home or office that you are comfortable with.
To create a relationship with a repair facility, you will want to interview them in person. Yes, interview; the same way you would a plastic surgeon or divorce lawyer. Certification of technicians is standard in the industry, but there are other things that factor in to your decision besides a framed piece of paper on the wall.
Unlike auto repair facilities in my day, where the mechanic in his dirty jumpsuit, greeted you with a grunt and a greasy hand shake, today’s auto repair facilities have come a long way. If the desk staff greets you politely, and treats you with respect as you explain your problem, that is a good sign. Now ask where the bathroom is? A clean bathroom and attention to details throughout the front office is a good sign they run their entire business that way. Too fancy isn’t good either, it makes you feel like your last brake job was overpriced in order to afford the “Feng Shui” décor.
Always ask up front what the estimated cost of the repair might be, and insist they call you first before they go forward with the procedure. Once you have a price for a particular “repair” ask them their hourly rate. You now can call around to a few other shops asking them their labor rate. and what they charge to repair the same problem. This way you know whether you are being charged fairly.
Does the repair shop provide transportation to and from your home or office? Are there discount programs for organizations you belong to? Is the owner on the premises or is it run by managers and staff? Does the waiting room have a nice feel to it? Are they approved by organizations like AAA and Better Business Bureau? Do any of your fellow employees or neighbors use the repair shop?
I advise men and women alike, find a facility before you need it, put the number in your cell phone directory and record the name of one of the staff you felt confident talking with.
Auto repair facilities will generally cost less than a dealer repair facility and that is because of the fully staffed brand factory trained technicians. When you establish yourself with a qualified auto repair facility, they can be a lifesaver, and you can check one more thing off the list you don’t need the ex for.
Boomer & X
Boomer and X - Two generations of women offer car-care advice to readers each month. This Mother Daughter team of Cathy and Melanie Droz are automotive journalists and manufacturers “test drivers.” Boomer shares years of knowledge and experience while our generation “X” contributes and shares a trendier, more-technically hip solution to automotive questions.
Send your questions to Boomerand X@GPPPS.com
