Honest Mechanic recommendations?

[blazindave]

Okay, so I know its a longshot, but hey, it's worth a shot...

I'm all for DIY, but it seems that some jobs I am just not quite cut out for... I need to take my 98 GTP to a shop sometime soon and have them do a compression check to see if they can determine why I'm getting oil into cyl. 1, which is causing oil consumption and a decrease in power, as well as rapid foul of that plug...

SO, I figured I'd start a thread asking if anyone knows of any honest, knowledgable mechanics or shops around LAWRENCEVILLE, GA that they might recommend...

while you're at it, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to use this thread for people to post their recommendations wherever they are? Just include the name of shop/mechanic and location, possibly a phone number and/or address if you got it?

[richtazz]

If anyone has a suggestion, send Blazindave a Private message. I'm pretty sure that's how the moderators would prefer it to be done. Is that correct guys? I live in Flint MI, so I won't be any help for you, sorry.

[GTP Dad]

Sorry, I live in PA and can't help you. Just stay away from dealers if you can.

[DonSor]

I'm sure that there are honest reliable car mechanics someplace somewhere. But in general, like politicians, doctors, journalists and lawyers, I am skeptical about their honesty. My fair knowledge of automobiles gives me an advantage in dealing with car mechanics. Best bet is through references, acquaintances who know automobiles. Good luck.

[regalfriend]

I cant suggest any mechanics in G.A....I live in NY....a few things 1) ask for a written estimate before the work is done...2) ask for any old parts that were removed, to be returned to you, and ask this before the work is done...Dont rely on the Better Business Bureau to give advice...any business that is a member has to pay to join them, and BBB may be partial to them-...Honest mechanics are hard to come by....Some will blatently rip you off by telling you your motor is blown, while the problem is just a vacuum line..Others will tell you you have a loose vac line but it caused more damage and will cost 350 to fix...In my area there is 1 completely honest mechanic...problem is it takes about 1 to 2 weeks to get the car in there for work....

[regalfriend]

I cant suggest any mechanics in G.A....I live in NY....a few things 1) ask for a written estimate before the work is done...2) ask for any old parts that were removed, to be returned to you, and ask this before the work is done...Dont rely on the Better Business Bureau to give advice...any business that is a member has to pay to join them, and BBB may be partial to them-...Honest mechanics are hard to come by....Some will blatently rip you off by telling you your motor is blown, while the problem is just a vacuum line..Others will tell you you have a loose vac line but it caused more damage and will cost 350 to fix...In my area there is 1 completely honest mechanic...problem is it takes about 1 to 2 weeks to get the car in there for work....

[blazindave]

Thanks guys, I just thought it might help everyone out a little in the future maybe if everyone put recommendations they might know about

pm is okay too.

I'm sure I'll be fine

[jessep28]

This is sort of off topic, but I was talking to m dentist during my last cleaning and I asked him what HE woudl look for in choosing a dentist.

I guess you could apply some of this to auto repair as well.

1) Years experience is key. I would stay away from places where the staff either has a high turnover or very low experience.

If they don't like their job, they won't care about you and trash your vehicle/give a poor diagnosis.

2) Education

Just going form backyard to shop may have been fine through the 80's and a good gear head can still get things done. However, cars as we all know are complex, advanced hybrids of machines and computers.

I would see if the staff or mechanic has either ASE certifications or other educational experience. I don't know the ASE requirements for continuing education but you can tell a lot from either a doctor or dentist if they either do the bare minimum (easy) in continuing education or they go to the better schools and demonstrate a passion for the field.

A 2 year degree from a community college may be fine for simple things, but maybe a more advanced program at a school for the field may be more appropriate for your problem.

3) Word of mouth

Highly skeptical positions where the expert (mechanic) has undue influence over you will have either a good or poor feedback from other people. Ask around work and other public forums to see who they go to for their work and what is their opinion.

Also, try to stay away from the big ads in the phone book. Just because they are the biggest with the largest advertising budget doesn't mean they are the best. My experience is that the people without a phone book ad (number just listed) tend to do the best. T hey put their money into their work.

But that is just my two cents. Every body's experience may very.

[Flatrater]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Sorry, I live in PA and can't help you. Just stay away from dealers if you can.

I also live in PA. I know some techs in the Atlanta area.

GTP and why should he stay away from dealers? I hope it has nothing to do with the skill level of techs! I know some of the best techs in the country working for GM dealers and I consider myself one of those good techs.

[DonSor]

From experience. A few years back I took my 1983 Ford Ranger to a Ford dealer because it was idling rough. I did everything I knew about cars and came to the conclusion that I had a defective module which cost $110.00. But to be sure, I took my truck to the dealer. With their expertise they could quickly determine what's ailing the car. When I was summoned by the "advisor", I was told that I will need a complete engine overhaul at a cost of $1400.00 citing that my cylinders were below par. I kept my cool and said OK if and a big if that after the overhaul it will solve my idling problem. And if it does not the overhaul job is at no cost. For a while until I got a hold of the manager I was a persona non grata at that establishment. Later I found out that the adviser was summarily dismissed.