http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018250990Oh my.
LynneSin (89,444 posts) Fri Dec 7, 2012, 04:05 PM
I can't stress this enough - it pays to have a regular car mechanic!
You know for years I was wretchedly horrible to my cars. I'd try to get the oil changed on a regular basis and I was always rough on brakes. I would go to whatever mechanic I could find at the last minute to fit me in because of some do-or-die situation (Like last day before inspection was due). And trust me, my brakes I was always buying rotors for them because I would drive them until they started crunching (and I'm a hard braker).
Since I bought my house I started using this lil gargage right around the corner. I local business. His sign says 'We specialize in foreign cars' which at the time I had a Toyota. Mind you I probably could save $5-10 an oil change if I shopped around to one of those chain places but this place has been worth those $33 oil changes I get.
First, he gives me an idea about what might be needing fixed soon. This guy doesn't have a hard-sell bone in his body. Today I got my car back and Ernie is like 'You've got about 6-12 months left on those brakes.'. No push to get them now, just letting me know he's aware of the situation so I can plan ahead. And I looked at my records and noticed that since I got this car back in 2010 the brakes were never replaced (it was a used car I bought) so I figured he's about right on the money.
My garage will also do lil extra things. I had a cut in my tire. Wasn't affecting the tire, just like a tiny flap near the wheel. Another place where they don't know me probably would have pressured me to replace it right away but my guy is like - 'Nah that tire is good, I've seen stuff like this before. Just keep an eye out for bubbling else you'll be fine.'. No charge. Another time I knew I was soon due for an oil change and it turns out I left the glove box open all night. Since the place was local in 10 minutes he had someone over to charge my car up and then they drove it back the garage for an oil change. Made sure my battery was good to go.
He was even happy to check out my car before I bought it and I saved another $400 because of the things he found on it (minor things but still noteworthy).
Sure I pay $33 for my oil change but it's a real mechanic that is working on it. And knowing that I haven't had to buy anything more than just break shoes/pads for my cars that has saved me a TON of money over the years.
We use the same doctor again and again and the same with things like dentists, hair dressers etc etc. Well if you aren't seeing a regular mechanic for your car it's only going to cost you in the long run.
BTW for those who live near me a need a good mechanic recommendation just IM me!
The usual primitive responses, none worth bringing over here.
Life must be considerably different in blue states than in red states.
franksolich's local mechanic, from the first time we met and there was no assurance I'd be a repeat customer, has always extended the same courtesies.....and extended them to everybody, including those from other states.
I'm at a loss to figure out why it's so "special" to have a mechanic like this; yes, it's good, it's great, it's wonderful, but at least in red states it's hardly exceptional.
