Ask the Car People.SM


Reputable Mechanics -- Separating Fact from Fiction

93 messages,  Last post on Jun 17, 2010 at 1:28 PM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Brakes, Electrical, Engine, Exhaust, Fuel System, Steering, Suspension, Transmission, Car Warranties, Coupe, Convertible, Hatchback, Truck, Sedan, Wagon, SUV, Van

Messages Page 9 of 10

#74 of 93 Thank you all around by celestejac

Sep 11, 2005 (8:29 pm)

Thank you all for the advice. I have asked about a mechanic from some of the neighbors (and even the people in the waiting room at the dentist's office) but so far I have mostly had referrals to the dealership. Most of the neighbors have newer model cars or trucks. I will check with AAA and I will definitely take it and have the fuel filter checked and/or replaced. Thanks again for the advice.
CelesteJac

#75 of 93 land rover shop/mechanic in southeast pennsylvania? by danielsong

Sep 05, 2006 (8:43 am)

Just got a 2000 discovery with 74K, would like to take it to a shop/mechanic (other than the dealerships) that specializes in or atleast deals with a lot of rovers.
 
I'm in Philadelphia but could drive an hours distance any direction.
Any suggestions/referrals?
 
Please advise, just got car and the TC/Hill descent/ABS lights are on!
 
Thanks

#76 of 93 Re: land rover shop/mechanic in southeast pennsylvania? [danielsong] by isellhondas

Sep 10, 2006 (2:48 pm)

Replying to: danielsong (Sep 05, 2006 8:43 am)
No LR dealer or good independant in Philly?
 
If you own a Land Rover, you will need to make good friends with a good shop because you will be there a lot!
 
I would ask other LR owners for a referral.

#77 of 93 Re: [0patience] by fossilface

Sep 20, 2007 (1:24 pm)

Replying to: 0patience (Apr 23, 2004 6:11 pm)
Things are not always as they appear to be, and there is always two sides to a situation. Sometimes it is said, that one should walk in the others shoes, and unfortunately many do not care to do that;therefore we have all kinds of issues and misunderstandings. Automobiles are complex pieces of machinery, many parts to make a whole car. The understanding of how an individual unit works or interacts with another unit and so on can make auto repair not such a frightful concept. I may be wrong but media hype plays a big part of confusing the consumer and it probably stems from the fact that dealerships do not want to loose revenue which is a large integral part of their business. Thus many insults against the indepent repair facility. It can be said that the dealership would have an advantage in repairing the make and model it sells because of direct factory sponsorship and better equipment, but this is not a guarantee that the customer's car will in fact be repaired correctly or with minimal expense to him or her. Also one to remember the franchise has a high overhead and someone has to pay for the fancy surroundings, usually the customer. The other problems that exist is that the consumer fails to educate themselves about their own vehicle,whether or not they themselves want to actually work on it, and a most do not wish to for one reason or another. Any way let me try to get to the point and not ramble on.
Very few question a doctors fee, or a lawyers fee but have no problem in questioning the mechanic about his or her fee. It takes considerable amount of time to become a good technition it doe not happen overnight a lt of scraped knuckles, banged head, burns, and so on, not to mention the constant and revamped technology to vehicles. It is wrong to expect someone to work on your car cheaply so you can save money, or deny someone to earn a living in other that you can live better. It is also wrong for a mechanic to take advantage of the consumer because of their lack of should educate understanding in the works of an automobile. Many people on this site had very good recommendations,obtaining 2 or more estimates, how a shop backs up their work,their reputation, low price should not be the only or prime consideration when choosing a repair facility, just as you would not choose a doctor or another professional on that merit only. Getting an auto repaired can be frustrating, but if the consumer educates his or herself more they will less likely to be taken advantage of. It is very easy to be accusotory,but the accusation has to be justified. Thank you. PO

#78 of 93 Re: [fossilface] by 0patience

Sep 20, 2007 (5:07 pm)

Replying to: fossilface (Sep 20, 2007 1:24 pm)
It takes considerable amount of time to become a good technition it doe not happen overnight a lt of scraped knuckles, banged head, burns, and so on, not to mention the constant and revamped technology to vehicles. It is wrong to expect someone to work on your car cheaply so you can save money, or deny someone to earn a living in other that you can live better.
 
If you are directing that statement to me, then I can assure you that I know all too well the amount of time it takes to become a "good" mechanic (I don't favor the term technician, as I am old school).

#79 of 93 Re: [0patience] by isellhondas

Sep 26, 2007 (10:08 am)

Replying to: 0patience (Sep 20, 2007 5:07 pm)
Me too.
 
Yesterday's "mechanics" knew how to fix things. Today's technicians only know how to diagnose and replace parts.
 
Not all their fault since labor rates have soared and rebild parts are often unavailable.

#80 of 93 Re: [isellhondas] by wtd44

Oct 30, 2007 (5:03 pm)

Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 26, 2007 10:08 am)
I've been reading postings by Opatience for several years, and I am convinced he is one forum member worthy of full respect. He knows this stuff! (No, I'm not his customer! Nor his brother!)

#81 of 93 Re: [wtd44] by isellhondas

Oct 31, 2007 (6:13 am)

Replying to: wtd44 (Oct 30, 2007 5:03 pm)
I totally agree with you.
 
I know a "mechanic" from a "parts changer" and he knows what he is doing. I would take my cars to him without question.

#82 of 93 Re: [isellhondas] by 0patience

Oct 31, 2007 (4:28 pm)

Replying to: isellhondas (Oct 31, 2007 6:13 am)
Wow, thanks guys!
I appreciate that.
Let's not forget guys like Alcan and kiawah.
Most likely others I am forgetting, but those are the 2 who I notice.

Messages Page 9 of 10

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement