Many car enthusiasts are fairly handy, with the mindset and toolset to DIY most repairs. However, every so often, you end up with a job that you can’t or don’t want to tackle at home. Maybe you don’t own tire mounting and balancing equipment, maybe you don’t have time to rebuild an automatic transmission, or maybe access to a particular part is such a pain in the butt that you’d rather pay a pro. There’s no shame in any of that, but there is difficulty in what comes next — choosing a repair shop.
This can be an absolute minefield. Some shops are better than others, and at the end of the day, we all just want to know our cars are being cared for by trustworthy professionals who won’t pull any shenanigans on the work or the bill.
One way I’ve done it is through recommendations from friends. If they’ve had good experiences and you trust them, chances are I’d be more comfortable sticking with their recommendation. It’s also worth noting that model-specific forums can be an excellent resource. Sure, some might look at forum frequenters in 2024 like they’re cave-dwelling soldiers unaware that the war was over years ago, but these message board messiahs are actually smart. They believe in permanence, searchability, sharing knowledge, and maintaining a reasonable standard. They’re obsessively into cars, so if they recommend a shop, chances are it’ll be alright.
Of course, other factors need to be weighed as well. Proximity to work or home, Google reviews, hourly labor rates, all that stuff. So, how do you choose a repair shop? Let us know in the comments below, because I’m ready to read your responses.
(Photo credits: Thomas Hundal)
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In addition to all the great thoughts offered thus far, I’m a big fan of trying a new place with some reasonably small repair/issue, and seeing how they do, overall.
That’s how I found my motorcycle shop – they sorted what turned out to be ethanol-clogged carbs (yeah, I got religious about ethanol-counteracting additives thereafter) with speed, communication, and solid work at a good price.
And I knew they were a keeper when they asked if I could pick her up before the weekend, as they were campaigning a bike at the Daytona 200 so needed to close the shop for awhile. “There’s just going to be some kid here answering the phones, so…”
I like the use of a ‘minor test job’ a lot.
I open the medicine cabinet so that the mirrors reflect each other, and then I choose between the two people before me.
I open the medicine cabinet so that the mirrors reflect each other, and then I choose between the two people before me.
I’m going to stop in and talk to the shop staff. Usually, I’m trying to get a specific thing done that I don’t have the tools, knowledge, or time to do myself. I probably know how it’s done and what’s involved, so a quick discussion of what I need will tell me most of what I want to know. If they know a better way to do something, great, but if they’re going to tell me that I need X+Y done when I only need X, I’m done. (If they suggest something, I’ll listen. If they notice something else I need, I’m glad they’re looking. But don’t charge me for unnecessary work and try to convince me I need it.)
Unless it’s warranty work. I don’t care if they decide my car is the Ship of Theseus, as long as they don’t charge me for anything, do shoddy work, or give me back my car with the work incomplete. I’ll take all the new parts they want to give me.
I’m going to stop in and talk to the shop staff. Usually, I’m trying to get a specific thing done that I don’t have the tools, knowledge, or time to do myself. I probably know how it’s done and what’s involved, so a quick discussion of what I need will tell me most of what I want to know. If they know a better way to do something, great, but if they’re going to tell me that I need X+Y done when I only need X, I’m done. (If they suggest something, I’ll listen. If they notice something else I need, I’m glad they’re looking. But don’t charge me for unnecessary work and try to convince me I need it.)
Unless it’s warranty work. I don’t care if they decide my car is the Ship of Theseus, as long as they don’t charge me for anything, do shoddy work, or give me back my car with the work incomplete. I’ll take all the new parts they want to give me.
Proximity and reviews to get a general sense, then I go there in person for something small if possible, like an oil change.
If they:
– communicate about issues well
– run an organized shop and appear to be running smoothly
– are upfront about any issues they spot
– are willing to explain them without judgement (a fun test as someone who usually knows about the issues prior)
Then I’ll consider them as a primary resource. Price isn’t a huge factor, as quality work isn’t cheap, and that’s okay.
For some things, dealership/repair centers are the only option–hopefully right to repair laws help with that. Polestar isn’t great on the service end, for example.
Finally, and possibly most importantly, do they treat me seriously as a trans-femme person? Do they treat my partner with respect and consideration when she drops stuff off, has an issue, or picks the car up? Honestly, I could probably tell you about how good the work will be, and how honest they’ll be about it, based mostly on this factor. It’s frankly incredible how well dismissive sexist attitudes correlate with not properly repairing a vehicle (probably cause listening to the daily driver is an important part of it).
Proximity and reviews to get a general sense, then I go there in person for something small if possible, like an oil change.
If they:
– communicate about issues well
– run an organized shop and appear to be running smoothly
– are upfront about any issues they spot
– are willing to explain them without judgement (a fun test as someone who usually knows about the issues prior)
Then I’ll consider them as a primary resource. Price isn’t a huge factor, as quality work isn’t cheap, and that’s okay.
For some things, dealership/repair centers are the only option–hopefully right to repair laws help with that. Polestar isn’t great on the service end, for example.
Finally, and possibly most importantly, do they treat me seriously as a trans-femme person? Do they treat my partner with respect and consideration when she drops stuff off, has an issue, or picks the car up? Honestly, I could probably tell you about how good the work will be, and how honest they’ll be about it, based mostly on this factor. It’s frankly incredible how well dismissive sexist attitudes correlate with not properly repairing a vehicle (probably cause listening to the daily driver is an important part of it).
The shop I use for things I either don’t want to deal with, or don’t have the skillset to deal with, was recommended by two different people who don’t know each other, years apart.
The shop I use for things I either don’t want to deal with, or don’t have the skillset to deal with, was recommended by two different people who don’t know each other, years apart.
I’m still having a tough time with this one. My “home shop,” Hauser Automotive, ended with Mr. Hauser’s retirement (and eventual passing, sadly), and now I take it to a close friend of his who has an excellent shop, but it’s a pretty long drive from my house. It’s worth it since there aren’t many shops I would trust with my ’68 Olds.
For my newer cars, I’ve been using a shop closer to my home – mainly so I can walk there and drop off/pick up my car if necessary. They’ve been pretty reliable and ethical, but my ’93 Miata did recently stump them and I ended up having to take it to the other place.
Since I tend to daily drive older cars, I definitely rely on recommendations. I also ask up front if they are ok working on something old or different. You’d be surprised how honest some shops are about not wanting to attempt something they don’t know enough about. Finally, I do look for a little excitement when I bring the car. Showing a little love for my weird taste in cars means the tech is likely to let that respect show in how carefully they treat my car in the shop.
And I always look for the red flags. You’d be surprised how many mechanics still smoke cigarettes over your engine bay.
I’m still having a tough time with this one. My “home shop,” Hauser Automotive, ended with Mr. Hauser’s retirement (and eventual passing, sadly), and now I take it to a close friend of his who has an excellent shop, but it’s a pretty long drive from my house. It’s worth it since there aren’t many shops I would trust with my ’68 Olds.
For my newer cars, I’ve been using a shop closer to my home – mainly so I can walk there and drop off/pick up my car if necessary. They’ve been pretty reliable and ethical, but my ’93 Miata did recently stump them and I ended up having to take it to the other place.
Since I tend to daily drive older cars, I definitely rely on recommendations. I also ask up front if they are ok working on something old or different. You’d be surprised how honest some shops are about not wanting to attempt something they don’t know enough about. Finally, I do look for a little excitement when I bring the car. Showing a little love for my weird taste in cars means the tech is likely to let that respect show in how carefully they treat my car in the shop.
And I always look for the red flags. You’d be surprised how many mechanics still smoke cigarettes over your engine bay.
You covered the personal and forum recommendations, so we’re good there.
If I’m not familiar with a shop, I’ll stop by and have a look around. I don’t expect operating-room levels of lighting and organization, but if a place is a complete charlie foxtrot it makes a not-great impression. Ditto if they’re taking a sloppy attitude toward safety, which makes me think they might take shortcuts elsewhere, too.
Sometimes finding a shop happens by accident. One of our vehicles was hit a few years ago, and the insurance company approved a nearby body shop that is part of an unrelated brand’s dealership. They were fantastic and I’ve used them for other work since then.
You covered the personal and forum recommendations, so we’re good there.
If I’m not familiar with a shop, I’ll stop by and have a look around. I don’t expect operating-room levels of lighting and organization, but if a place is a complete charlie foxtrot it makes a not-great impression. Ditto if they’re taking a sloppy attitude toward safety, which makes me think they might take shortcuts elsewhere, too.
Sometimes finding a shop happens by accident. One of our vehicles was hit a few years ago, and the insurance company approved a nearby body shop that is part of an unrelated brand’s dealership. They were fantastic and I’ve used them for other work since then.
There are very few things I don’t do myself. Of those things it is mainly specialized stuff like mounting and balancing tires or machine shop work. I do it based on friend referrals, perusing local car group pages, and online reviews.
There are very few things I don’t do myself. Of those things it is mainly specialized stuff like mounting and balancing tires or machine shop work. I do it based on friend referrals, perusing local car group pages, and online reviews.
Had some body work done recently at a shop that was recommended to me by 2 coworkers seperatley and was pleased with the work, they even went back and fought with insurance to fix things missed in the original quote the insurance did. Only downside was a long wait time to get my car into the shop.
I had some tuning and transmission work done by a place I picked because it was close to my home. They took forever, messed up/couldn’t figure out some basic things, and I’m still fighting with them to try to get back money for parts I was double charged for. (amount paid is over what the final invoice was)
So I guess personal recommendations are what I would stick with/recommend.
Had some body work done recently at a shop that was recommended to me by 2 coworkers seperatley and was pleased with the work, they even went back and fought with insurance to fix things missed in the original quote the insurance did. Only downside was a long wait time to get my car into the shop.
I had some tuning and transmission work done by a place I picked because it was close to my home. They took forever, messed up/couldn’t figure out some basic things, and I’m still fighting with them to try to get back money for parts I was double charged for. (amount paid is over what the final invoice was)
So I guess personal recommendations are what I would stick with/recommend.
I used to use shops that were recommended to me by my dad, which worked out well once, and poorly the other time. The good one was also close to my house, so when I needed to take my Probe GT to get the timing belt done before I jumped another tooth, I was able to push it there with the help of a couple friends, instead of paying for a tow.
Now I just go based on proximity and reviews. I still do most of the work myself, but for stuff like wheel bearings that are a huge pain, there’s a place down the street that I go to. They can’t do alignments or tire stuff, so I have another shop that’s farther away, but that I can still walk home from in less than an hour, that I go to for that stuff.
I had a couple other places that I used for tire mounting/balancing, but they’ve either closed, done stupid things to family members’ cars, or hiked their prices, so they’re off the list.
I used to use shops that were recommended to me by my dad, which worked out well once, and poorly the other time. The good one was also close to my house, so when I needed to take my Probe GT to get the timing belt done before I jumped another tooth, I was able to push it there with the help of a couple friends, instead of paying for a tow.
Now I just go based on proximity and reviews. I still do most of the work myself, but for stuff like wheel bearings that are a huge pain, there’s a place down the street that I go to. They can’t do alignments or tire stuff, so I have another shop that’s farther away, but that I can still walk home from in less than an hour, that I go to for that stuff.
I had a couple other places that I used for tire mounting/balancing, but they’ve either closed, done stupid things to family members’ cars, or hiked their prices, so they’re off the list.
I try to do most work myself. If it isn’t something I have the time or tools for I normally try to look at google reviews and make sure they are legit and also ask family, friends and co workers if they know any decent shops. Only time recently I brought a vehicle in was for an alignment anything else my dad and I have done the work. Also exhaust work unless it is a bolt on kit I bring to shops as I have not learned how to weld or have a welder (would like to learn at some point before I die hah)
I try to do most work myself. If it isn’t something I have the time or tools for I normally try to look at google reviews and make sure they are legit and also ask family, friends and co workers if they know any decent shops. Only time recently I brought a vehicle in was for an alignment anything else my dad and I have done the work. Also exhaust work unless it is a bolt on kit I bring to shops as I have not learned how to weld or have a welder (would like to learn at some point before I die hah)
For me it’s most important if the place is run by people who are knowledgeable about what they do. I really hate having to explain to someone how to properly fix my car.
If they are also honest, fair, and passionate about cars in general, that’s basically the perfect shop. I’m lucky enough to have stumbled upon a place like this by accident, and I still drive there today even though I’ve moved out of the area.
A great shop is worth the drive.
For me it’s most important if the place is run by people who are knowledgeable about what they do. I really hate having to explain to someone how to properly fix my car.
If they are also honest, fair, and passionate about cars in general, that’s basically the perfect shop. I’m lucky enough to have stumbled upon a place like this by accident, and I still drive there today even though I’ve moved out of the area.
A great shop is worth the drive.
I have a local shop that is close enough I could easily bicycle home from in a pinch (or walk, but that’s much more effort) that will let me both:
A) buy parts myself that they install
and
B) finish up my half-done work that I can’t finish (either I broke something, ran out of time, or ran out of skill)
All without any complaints, “I told you so”, or warnings of my own shortcomings. And often with constructive feedback of “here’s what went wrong”. And their work has been solid, with a fair rate (hourly).
Having a shop like that nearby is pretty lucky!
I’m very fortunate that they are so good to me, and close by.
I have a local shop that is close enough I could easily bicycle home from in a pinch (or walk, but that’s much more effort) that will let me both:
A) buy parts myself that they install
and
B) finish up my half-done work that I can’t finish (either I broke something, ran out of time, or ran out of skill)
All without any complaints, “I told you so”, or warnings of my own shortcomings. And often with constructive feedback of “here’s what went wrong”. And their work has been solid, with a fair rate (hourly).
Having a shop like that nearby is pretty lucky!
I’m very fortunate that they are so good to me, and close by.