['97ventureowner]

A big part of the problem is that those who know very little about their vehicles are the biggest targets of these unscrupulous mechanics. I used to work for a shop here the owner had an "agreement" with the service advisor to push extra, unneeded repairs to owners of cars who brought them into the shop. The service advisor then had his own "agreements" with a couple of mechanics to go along with the whole charade. The ones who were targeted the most were women and the elderly. I left that shop shortly there after, and the garage closed a short time later. That is why I think it's important for everyone to get acquainted with their vehicles and if they aren't sure about work that a shop says needs to be done, should get a second opinion. There are classes available (some at no charge) that teach basic concepts about your auto and how not to get ripped off.