Wednesday 14 October 2009

Did The Repair Shop Do The Work They Said They Did?

One of the most common auto repair shop scams, and also one of the most dishonest, is charging for work that just wasn't done at all. It's not complex, but it's still disgusting.

If you suspect a repair shop or auto mechanic has charged you for a repair that wasn't performed, the best weapon at your disposal is your mouth. You should never be afraid to ask questions, especially when it comes to your money or your safety! There are questions you can ask that will alert you to a possible no-work-performed scam.

  • Ask to see what was done. Ask your mechanic to pop the hood and show you what they worked on. Were you charged for a new part? Then ask to see it. Don't be afraid to ask to have every step pointed out to you. After all, you're paying for it.
  • Ask your mechanic to save your broken parts.If you were charged for a new part and the labor to replace it, there's no reason they shouldn't be able to show you the old one. Compare it to the new part to be sure you got what you paid for.
  • Ask other mechanics. Before you go to the front desk of the repair shop, poke your head around back and ask a random worker what they did to the '99 Maxima today. If there are any dishonest practices at work, chances are not everybody is in on the overcharging.

Remember, ask as many questions as you want! If your mechanic doesn't like answering your questions, it's probably time to find a new repair shop.

(Source: autorepair.about.com)

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