Theodore P. Olson (Ted) holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, and ASE. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry. RepairTrust
Making Sense of Car Repair Prices
I enjoy reading the tips and suggestions on finding an honest or good mechanic. These can be found on various government and consumer websites, and in a variety of auto repair articles. I think the same guy wrote all the suggestions, and for all 50 states!
You'll be advised to check around by word of mouth (WOM), and make sure that you see ASE or AAA posted somewhere. Check out the facility—make sure it's clean. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You'll be acronymed and common-sense-suggested to death. Unfortunately, none of it will really help either for quality or price.
I know AAA certified shops that can barely change oil. I have worked with ASE certified technicians that frightened me with their diagnostic theories. I know shops that are considered great that have serious BBB scars.
And WOM is the worst method. I have heard clients rave about how wonderful a particular shop is when "I KNOW it's run by a thief!"
The sad fact is that very few people know what goes on with car repair, and even less comprehend repair pricing—even shop managers and purported experts in the field know very little.
Tips and suggestions only scratch at the surface of the automotive underworld. Sure, some tips might help. But what's really needed is experienced insider information.
The consumer needs to know what really goes on with repair "pricing" in order to make sense of auto repair costs. With the right guidance and information, the playing field can be leveled, and the automotive customer can easily take charge of car repair prices.
Traditional tips and suggestions are only a band-aid on an open, gaping wound. Relying on these is like trusting a blind man to lead you across a major interstate. You might make it, but wouldn't you rather follow a traffic cop.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Pricing your Software
- Comparing the Best Social Network Software
- How to Choose the Best Photo Editing Software
- How To Choose Audio Recording Software
- Why Should You Compare CRM Software Systems?
- Microsoft Oem Software, a Usual Victim of Scams
- Microsoft Oem Software-victim of Scams!
- Selecting Small Business Accounting Software




Auto Parts
By: Thomas Dury | 10/11/2009Comparison shopping for auto parts is a great idea.
2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Test Drive - Z06 Attributes without the Z06 Price
By: Gary Witzenburg | 10/11/2009If you crave a serious sports car that is more capable and more visually aggressive than a standard Corvette—but far less costly than a Z06—the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is the one. With four-second 0-to-60 acceleration capability and near-supercar one-g cornering grip, why pay the premium for the fixed-roof, manual-only Z06 unless you really, really need 75 more horses.
A DUI And Its Implications
By: gregchapman | 10/11/2009There are often questions about what you can and can't do when driving under the influence.
houston auto insurance rates
By: Brent Farley | 10/11/2009Most careers have several different ways of getting started. When I made up my mind to become an insurance agent I checked out the different possible methods to start. First I investigated the programs that the big insurance companies offer. I chose Farmers Insurance because they have got a full product line, have very good rates in my area, and permit some selling of outside lines of insurance ( semi-captive ). I was also impressed with the district staff, they were enthusiastic a...
Automotive Electrical Repair and Information
By: Frrancisco Fonseca | 10/11/2009From early conveniences like power windows to today's computer controlled vehicles, auto mechanics have had to learn a wide variety of electronics - has your mechanic kept up?
Paintless Dent Removal - A Hot New, and Lucrative Field
By: Will Williamson | 10/11/2009Paintless dent repair is a new technique for removing small dings and dents from your car. It is perfect for repairing damage made from by the impact from things like a shopping cart left in the parking lot by a customer who was too lazy to put it away, or the dent in your door from the guy who parked too close to you and opened his door into yours, or from the hail that fell during the big storm last night. In all of these cases there is an unsightly dent, but it is still a relatively minor a
Car Loan Tips: How to Check Your Credit Report
By: Noel Johnston | 10/11/2009Keeping tabs on your credit report gives you many advantages when it come time to getting a loan. Here's how to do it.
CO2 Reduction Campaign Introduced
By: Jessica Haynes | 10/11/2009A new advertising campaign has been launched by the Department of Transport that is aiming to spread awareness about the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the use of cars. The initiative aims to persuade motorists to drive five miles less a week.
Car Maintenance: Will it Really Help Gas Mileage?
By: Theodore Olson | 07/08/2008 | CarsAs gas prices continue to rise, the auto industry is touting the benefits of car maintenance. While maintaining one’s car is indeed important, does it really save gas?
Auto Repair Costs - Should I Change My Oil Every 3,000 Miles?
By: Theodore Olson | 01/02/2008 | AutomotiveFor decades mechanics have been telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles. Interestingly, no automotive manufacturer agrees with this maintenance schedule - not in the last 20 years any way. So why are we being told to change our oil every 3,000 miles if it's unnecessary? First, let's look...
Auto Repair Estimates And Car Repair Prices - The Real Information To Avoid Car Repair Scams
By: Theodore Olson | 13/06/2007 | AutomotiveWorrying whether or not you were overcharged for your car repair is an awful feeling. There's tons of advice on how to avoid getting ripped-off, but few discuss the actual car repair prices. We really need to look at the charges on a car repair estimate or auto repair invoice...
Nada Used Car Prices, Edmunds Used Car Prices, And Kelly Blue Book Used Car Prices - Whose Prices Are Right?
By: Theodore Olson | 13/06/2007 | AutomotiveThe Internet has been touted as the greatest resource for the used car buyer. Prospective buyers can find trade-in, private party, and retail values in a heartbeat. The question to consider, however, is what Internet source is right? The three major sites: NADA, Edmunds, and Kelly Blue Book are clamoring...
Ask A Mechanic: Wading Through The Mess Of Car Repair Prices And Auto Repair Estimates
By: Theodore Olson | 22/04/2007 | AutomotiveIf you were handed an estimate to replace a water pump on your car, would you know if the price was fair? Could you trust the price? How about for a tie rod end, mass air flow sensor, or an evaporative emissions sensor? Most of us don't know what these...
Used Car Pricing: The Insanity Of Used Car Prices!
By: Theodore Olson | 20/01/2007 | AutomotiveUsed car prices are elusive, despite numerous attempts to harness them. We've all heard of Retail, Private Party and Trade-in values. But do these "help" in determining a vehicle's real value? When we turn to the web for prices, it gets even more elusive. One web site places a retail...
Used Car Prices: Myths And Facts About Web-Based Used Car Values
By: Theodore Olson | 09/01/2007 | AutomotiveEighty percent of car buyers are using the Internet to research cars and used car prices. For vehicle research, the Internet's great! For vehicle prices, the Internet sucks! It sucks because the prices do not reflect reality for the buyer or the seller. Web sites that place values on vehicles...
Car Repair Prices: There Are No Honest Mechanics!
By: Theodore Olson | 09/11/2006 | AutomotiveI enjoy reading the tips and suggestions on finding an honest or good mechanic. These can be found on various government and consumer websites, and in a variety of auto repair articles.