Mechanic Fear: A Common Concern

Millions of people face the daunting journey to the repair shop to have their car repaired at least once a year, and for many, this can be a moment of great concern. It’s not easy to find yourself in a minefield of confusing words and constantly worrying about being scammed.

The Problem of Being Taken Advantage Of

A survey of British drivers found that 23% felt they were being taken advantage of when servicing their car, while a further 25% felt anxious just entering a garage. This fear is not unfounded, as many mechanics use tactics to take advantage of their customers.

Warning Signs of a Shady Mechanic

There are several warning signs that indicate a mechanic may be shady. These include:

1. The Problem is Not Simply Explained

If a mechanic can’t explain a problem in a language you can understand, that’s a red flag. Using overly technical jargon without breaking it down or appearing evasive when asking for clarification is a big no-no.

2. Refusal to Provide a Written Estimate

Any reputable mechanic should provide written estimates for work that costs more than basic maintenance. Oral quotes leave room for “misunderstandings” which always benefit the workshop.

3. Estimates Vary Greatly Between Visits

If you return to the same repair shop for a similar problem and receive a completely different quote, ask yourself why. While part prices can fluctuate, dramatic differences in labor costs or repair approaches indicate inconsistent pricing practices.

4. Urge Immediate Repairs

There are legitimate urgent repairs, but be wary of tactics that put you under high pressure and don’t give you time to think or get a second opinion. Dishonest mechanics often create a false sense of urgency to discourage you from shopping.

5. I Won’t Show You the Parts

When you pay for parts, you have the right to see what is removed from your car. Mechanics who deny this request or claim they have already discarded the parts may not have replaced anything at all.

6. Find “Urgent” Problems in a Routine Service

A good approach is to ask them to show you any problem they find. Take photos when possible and don’t feel pressured to approve everything right away. Consider getting a second opinion, especially if the additional work will cost more than the value of your car.

7. Expensive Parts

While mechanics earn fair margins on parts, some drive prices to unreasonable levels. Research common parts costs online to get a basic understanding of fair pricing. Request detailed estimates that separate parts costs from labor costs, and don’t hesitate to question inflated prices.

What to Do If You’ve Been Ripped Off

If you suspect you’ve been ripped off, there are steps you can take. You can make a formal complaint to the garage, and if that doesn’t work, you can contact the garage’s professional association or use an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system.

Dispute Resolution Services

Your next port of call could be to contact the garage’s professional association, if it is a member of one, which may offer free dispute resolution services. Otherwise, you can ask the workshop whether it is a member of an ADR system, where a third party decides the outcome.

Going to Court

If you have the car repaired at a new workshop, you can try to claim the costs of carrying out additional repairs in court, although this can be risky. First, check your eligibility, e.g. the cap on claims, £10,000, or the length of time since the incident, six years. Evidence is crucial and without letters, receipts, photos, and estimates, it may not be a good idea to file a claim in court.

Court Procedure

Check court fees – if you win your case, you may get these back. If you lose, you may have to pay them. If you wish to proceed, you will need to write a formal claim letter to the garage, complete a claim form, and deal with the defendant’s response.

Scotland

The process is slightly different in Scotland, where you can use the “simple procedure” to apply to the sheriff court for claims of £5,000 or less. You can apply and just like in England and Wales, you’ll have to pay a fee: £22 for claims under £300, £123 for any higher value claims. If your claim is for more than £5,000 it will normally fall under the normal procedural rules.