Unnecessary repairs recommended by the body shop
By felice369
@felice369 (239)
United States
December 29, 2009 6:04pm CST
Do you get that a lot? When you try to get an oil change service from one of your nearby auto shop, after the oil change service done, the mechanic would strongly recommend you to do this service, and that service. Some of those services are quite expensive, at least $500 fork over before you can take your car home.
Once a mechanic wanted me to do the transmission service, and the timing belt altogether. But I remember that I done my timing belt service somewhere else just a few months ago. Now, I have to do it again? Sorry, I don't have that much money to waste. A replacement of oil filter might be justified from his demand. Did you get that a lot?
2 people like this
5 responses
@maezee (41988)
• United States
30 Dec 09
Well, mechanics gotta put bread on the table, don't they? 
. Of course they want to make as much money as they can. They're not paid on commission, but the more work - the better. Plus, it's not as though they aren't legitimate repairs that you need to eventually make on your car. I think mechanics tend to leave out the actual importance of the repair though. Not all problems with cars need urgent attention. For example, if you don't NOT get your car repaired at THAT instant, it's not going to burst into flames. Yanno? For example, a few weeks back, I found out my radiator was busted, and I needed a new one. But the only problem having a broken radiator did was make all of the fluids in my car leak. But as long as I check the fluid levels about once a day, it was all good and safe to drive. It was something that needed my attention SOONER or later, but not something that I had to get repaired ASAP "or else". Luckily my dad is an auto mechanic, so I start to learn all of the 'tricks of the trade'.
. Of course they want to make as much money as they can. They're not paid on commission, but the more work - the better. Plus, it's not as though they aren't legitimate repairs that you need to eventually make on your car. I think mechanics tend to leave out the actual importance of the repair though. Not all problems with cars need urgent attention. For example, if you don't NOT get your car repaired at THAT instant, it's not going to burst into flames. Yanno? For example, a few weeks back, I found out my radiator was busted, and I needed a new one. But the only problem having a broken radiator did was make all of the fluids in my car leak. But as long as I check the fluid levels about once a day, it was all good and safe to drive. It was something that needed my attention SOONER or later, but not something that I had to get repaired ASAP "or else". Luckily my dad is an auto mechanic, so I start to learn all of the 'tricks of the trade'. 1 person likes this
@felice369 (239)
• United States
30 Dec 09
I understand that mechancis need to make a living, and what about me? Should I just spend all of that hard earning money I made. I as consumer, also need to protect my wallet, and not to get rip - off. So, That really depends on the situation like yours. I would definitely go back to my mechanic friends for advise if necessary.
@callarse1 (4783)
• United States
30 Dec 09
Sometimes repair shows will do that. You have to be careful with them. Make sure you actually need the service, and you are right. If it was just done then you probably don't need it. If you go there to just get the oil done then if they ask for you to repair other things you should not have to do that.
@felice369 (239)
• United States
30 Dec 09
I absolutely agreed. I had it done already, and they should know better whether the I got that service or not. They are mechancis, and they are working with cars day to day, and they should know better. An honest mechanic deserve respect.
1 person likes this
@callarse1 (4783)
• United States
30 Dec 09
Yes, you are right. An honest mechanic is worth his/her weight in gold. Hehehe. I agree what was stated by the other myLot user, that the mechanic is there to make money so they are going to suggest all these costly procedures.
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
3 Jan 10
Hello felice my dear, you know your sister Clorissa was always having the same problem with being ripped of by her car mechanic too which just proves what I said all along to Clorissa, she'd be much better off just taking the bus. I can't believe you fall for the wicked schemes of this mechanic as a good mechanice would suggest no such thing and would especially ensure that two nice sucn young ladies got cheaper treatment.
@Linebacker53 (29)
• United States
2 Jan 10
I would reccomend looking up what could happen if you do or dont get those services. Some mechanics will just try to get the extra money out of you, but other times there could actually be something to what they are saying.
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
9 Feb 10
Hello Felice, Oh I know what you mean. They are in business for the money you know? Im lucky that I now have a great garage to go to. My mechanic is honest and will do only the work that needs to be done. Im so blessed. But, it didnt used to be this way. I had to buy a car book for my specific car and learn about the workings so that when the mechanic would say something was wrong, I could argue with him. They finally got the message but Im not going to that place anymore since I have an honest mechanic.
The best way to find a good mechanic is to ask around. Ask your friends and family if they're satisfied with their mechanics. Ask if they try to make more money off them. Maybe someone in your circle of friends or family or even workers will be able to recommend a great place to go. Good Luck !!
