Cost of fixing your cars!!!

[Flatrater]

I read this article out of a trade magazine and this article made a valid point about the cost of labor and parts. I am reposting the article for you people to read and think about it.

All comments are welcomed!


You have probably seen the ads: A young man calls the plumber as the water gathers around his ankles. When the plumber arrives and is ready to go to work, the customer stops him and says, “Oh I’ll need to see your prices and the prices of some of your competitors.”

In another version, a young man calls the drywall guy to fix his wall. It seems his buddy is sticking through it, having gotten overzealous in an indoor basketball game. Again, the customer insists on having the contractor’s prices and the prices of some of his competitors before liberating his friend.

These ads would be unremarkable if the message wasn’t so insidious. Even so, I don’t blame Progressive Auto Insurance for wanting to spotlight what they consider their strength. But I’ll be happy to blame our society for fostering the idea that the lowest price is some kind of ideal. In my experience, it is nearly always an excellent predictor of disappointment.

In my experience, the lowest price rather than an ideal, is nearly always an excellent predictor of disappointment.

Imagine the scene in the specialist’s office: “I hear you are the best in the East at these heart valve operations, doctor. But I’d like to see your prices, and the prices of some of your competitors. I’ll be going with the cheapest surgeon.” Or, “We’re having a party for some very special guests. Your catering service comes highly recommended, but we also have to know that you are the absolute cheapest in the area. We really want the best possible food for a very, very low price.”

Is it me, or is this contradictory?

So when it comes to automotive service, some people — no doubt influenced by advertising — will think they can get quality for very little. After all, a brake pad’s a brake pad, isn’t it? I once made that mistake with several hand tools I bought. After a short time, I noticed they were rusting and decided they were inferior and didn’t belong in my toolbox. The sting of poor quality lasts long after the “bliss” of a good price.

I don’t think you can have your foot in both camps. The reason is that respect, contrary to popular belief, is not something anyone can give you; it’s something you insist on being given. The best automotive shops have a look, a feel and an atmosphere of quality. Some of these shop owners are even – dare I say it? – proud of owning a shop that is considered one of the more expensive ones in town.

I would never tell you to let paying customers go lightly. However, if you have some that would go down the street for a couple of dollars off on a given job, perhaps you should give them directions and wish them a nice journey.
Returning to those ads for a moment though, I think they may have gotten to me. I’m going to need a respirator to deal with some toxic fumes on a home project soon. I plan to ask the hardware store for the prices of their competitors so I can be sure to get the cheapest mask.

Just want to get the best deal, you know?

[Dan_in_WA]

You have a very good point. I'll always spend the extra cash to get a quality part over a cheap knock-off.

I think what makes people balk is the incredibly high cost of repairs, with no guarantee that one's problems are solved!

Cars plummet in value as they age, my neighbor's 1994 LHS would have cost him $3000 to $3500 for a new engine (the lube shop left the oil filter loose) and the car was only worth about $5000. He recently had the transaxle gone through, and it leaks like a S.O.B.

The junk yard offered him $350 for the car. I'm helping him overhaul his engine. This guy's not about to go back to another shop with this car! It ain't worth it.

People just patch 'em back together for as few $$$$$$$ as possible, because if they spent a whole barrel of money on a given repair, another repair would simply come up for them to take out a loan on the house on.

If I was advertising a shop of my own, I'd use your arguement plus say that I'll take care of all routine maintenance. If I were to be the guy watching the oil changes, lube jobs, etc. I could prevent a lot of problems and cut a lot of repair costs - e.g. "Let me do the maintenance on your car for a nominal fee, and I'll give you a break on price for the major stuff if/when the time comes for engine/trans overhaul, etc."

I'd think that could result in one very happy customer, and a shop with a loyal, and LARGE, clientele!

In fact, the ONLY reason I haven't tried this is that I live in WA state, where the taxation and regulation Will Kill You.

[GMMerlin]

If I was advertising a shop of my own, I'd use your arguement plus say that I'll take care of all routine maintenance. If I were to be the guy watching the oil changes, lube jobs, etc. I could prevent a lot of problems and cut a lot of repair costs - e.g. "Let me do the maintenance on your car for a nominal fee, and I'll give you a break on price for the major stuff if/when the time comes for engine/trans overhaul, etc."

I'd think that could result in one very happy customer, and a shop with a loyal, and LARGE, clientele!

Only in a perfect world!
I work for a GM dealer (as does Flatrater).
The dealer tries to build a relationship with you from day one. We sell you an automobile and offer you service to go with it.
The manufactor offers a warranty to go with your purchase in case there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
The dealer I work for offers service discounts and specials to keep the car owners loyalty and so help keep the relationship.
Lets take this senerio.
Dick and Jane both buy cars from Dealer X
Jane has some warranty issues with her car and returns to the dealer for repairs and also has the car serviced regularly at the dealer.
Dick takes his car to Jiffy Tune and Wally lube for his services and never goes to the dealer.
After a couple years both of their cars are out of warranty and both have to be towed because the car wont start.
The repair bill is 600.00 dollars.
Since Jane is a regular customer and has built a relationship with the dealer, the service manager reviews her warranty and repair history and due to the fact that she is a loyal customer, he offers to warranty the part and she agrees to pay the labor...her bill is now 300.00
Dick on the otherhand goes complaining to the service manager about the high cost of his bill and the service manager reviews his history..."I'm sorry" says the SM."There is nothing I can do to help you, but here is a 10% off coupon for your next visit"...Dicks bill 600.00

I do this in my own business also...my loyal customers are cut breaks for their loyalty. Usually give them a break on parts and don't charge a diagnostic fee on difficult repairs.
People who come to me after every low buck mechanic in town has worked on their car....they don't get a break.

Hate to be so blunt, but that is the fact of life......I deal with 3 autoparts stores in town (besides the dealer I buy most of my parts from). Because I give 1 store 75 to 80%of my business, they cut me better breaks on part prices and will even deliver them to me. The other 2 stores I'm treated just like anyone else.

[peeface]

The cheapest repair is the one you do properly yourself. *With a few exceptions* mechanics are the skum of the earth. worse than carnies.

[Dan_in_WA]

I see your points, GM Merlin and Flatrater.

I suppose it all boils down to money, and priorities. Cars are replaceable, human body parts aren't. There are times that cost is no object.

I've been burned by auto mechanics before. They butchered my Chrysler. I had to fix it.

A good reputation is GOLD. If you guys earn a rep for honesty and quality, the whole freakin' state you live in will beat a path to your door!

There are a couple of shops I've used, when I'm in over my head or just don't have the tools. (Example: Body and Paint, and A/C)

Don't worry about being blunt, GMMerlin! I'm that way myself. Saves a lot of time and BS. I like it that way.

[kenwood guy]

Hmmm...... so what would make a good mechanic a .....well good mechanic???? it takes loyalty as a customer to get a good deal?? in my opinion That ok but how about the people that show up once in while how do they get the word??