By
Sandy Mitchell

Your car is a major investment. Even the most basic car today costs upwards of $15,000 dollars. How do you find someone with whom to trust this investment when you need car repairs? Thousands of auto mechanics vie for your business, but how can you find one that’s most qualified to work on your model of car? Consider the following suggestions:

Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until your car won’t start to look for a mechanic. Not only are your choices more limited when you are stranded on the side of the road, but your judgment may be clouded by your need to get your car running. Start shopping for a mechanic when you move into an area, just as you would shop for a dry cleaner, dentist, or florist.

Get References
Don’t be afraid to ask for references and to check them. Is the shop listed with the Better Business Bureau? Call and get their feedback. Ask also for individual customers and call them. Ask whether the shop’s mechanics are certified by the National Institute for Automobile Service Excellence (ASE) or if the shop is accredited by the American Automobile Association (AAA). Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family, or co-workers for a recommendation, especially those with cars similar to yours. Often, this is the best way to find a mechanic.

Don’t Rule Out the Dealer
Dealership service bays sometimes get a reputation for being the mechanics of last resort. That is often unfair. Not only do dealerships have access to all of the latest information on and parts for their particular cars, they are able to offer compensation packages that attract the most qualified workers. Dealerships will also, often, give you a longer warranty on your repair work than can an independent shop.

One size Doesn’t Fit All
Do you drive a foreign car? A sports car? A hybrid car? If so, it makes sense to find a mechanic that has experience with your type of car. Not all cars are the same anymore. Ask what special training the mechanic has had to work on your type of car.

Get it in Writing
As with any major purchase, get a written estimate with a detailed explanation of the work proposed. Ask also about any warranty that might apply to the work you’re having done. Six months is great; 90 days is good; 30 days may be suspect. Find out whether the warranty includes both parts and labor. If you are unsure if the price is fair, take the estimate to another mechanic for a second opinion. He may even offer to beat the bid in order to get your business. Unfortunately, many drivers, desperate to get their car back just leave the car with any mechanic and say, “fix it.” I know; I’ve done it myself.

Trust Your Instincts
Take a look around the shop. A little grease is to be expected. It is an auto shop, but is there dust all over the tools? Are things just thrown in a pile? Is the waiting area a little grungy? Are you greeted promptly and with a smile? All these things will give you an idea about how the owners and the workers feel about their business.

Convenience
Lastly, consider convenience. Is the mechanic on a bus line or within walking distance to your home or office? Are they open hours that make it easy for you to drop off and pick up your car without taking time off work or inconveniencing friends and family? Does the repair shop accept your preferred credit card? Do they have a car rental outlet so you can get a loaner car while yours is being worked on? Though none of these points may be “deal breakers,” they are certainly things to keep in mind and, if applicable, will support your choice of a mechanic.