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Feel free to print this out and submit to your perspective new auto repair shop.

Having been a "good mechanic" for more than twenty five years, and having run my own repair shop for several of them, I find myself uniquely qualified to show you how and where to find the best mechanic for your needs.

like anything else, you need to do a little shopping, and below are some steps you can take to make sure you get the best bang for your buck.

1) Look for an empowered service writer or manager on the front desk. If they have the autonomy to take care of an issue, you will be satisfied a great deal more.

2) Keep in mind how they greet you. Something that is not very well known, is they need to deal with you when you are stressed at the very least. The fact is you wouldn't be there if you were not put out in some way. The best they can expect from you is that you are a "patient waiter". How do they accommodate for the wait?

3) Look for a family atmosphere where they introduce you to the technician who will do the work on your vehicle. You will want to give the mechanic breathing space so he or she can spend the optimal time on your issue. Once meeting the tech, communicate through the front desk, because that is where all the work gets properly registered against your account.

4) Don't be swayed by businesses that have been in business for fifty years, look for the quality of your experience.

5) Look for signs of Customer empowerment. Do they ask you questions? Do they ask for your input on the repair? Have they found a way to make your visit enjoyable? Have they offered services like a ride, a loaner, a comfortable waiting room? Have they supplied you with a contact list, A supervisor contact for escalations, or perhaps even a survey to fill out when your visit is complete with a direct ear to the business?

6) What is the mood in the shop? do you hear music, Whistling, happy banter?

7) Is your car test driven before the repair, perhaps with you along to point out the issue? Is it test driven afterwords to ensure the issue has been solved? Even an oil change deserves a trip around the block to make sure the filter and plug are secure.

7) What "over and above" services are offered? Will your car be washed? vacuumed?

8) Does the mechanic or counter-staff explain the repair, show you the parts, offer them up in a bag or box if you want them, educate you sufficiently to know what has happened and why? If they don't you are at the wrong place.

9) Do they charge by the hour or by the book? Both are legitimate unless a job takes exceedingly long, where they should be able to back the repair with a cost suggestion from a qualified automotive charging book or electronic version like Motor, Chilton's etc. If they charge more than the next guy, ask for an explanation. It could be validated by the extra service and attention you receive that takes a load off your plate, such as the loaner, dealer parts, detailing or concierge services.

10) Last but definitely not least, how do you feel in their presence? Are you with family, or are you surrounded? After the shop has seen and reacted to this list, trust your gut.

Learn more about this author, Roger Haller.
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