Friday, February 11, 2011

Friday’s Advice: Things Not to Say to Your Mechanic

In my previous post here, I mentioned some things that you should and should not tell your mechanic when you bring in your car for repair. In this post, we’ll expound more on the things you shouldn’t tell your mechanic if you don’t want to give him any chance to rip you off.

As I have mentioned before, some mechanics are on the lookout for indications that you may fall into a scheme easily, and when they see that, they grab the chance to pull their tricks on you. So, never allow them to see any opportunity to rip you off. One way to ensure this is to watch what you say to your mechanic and what you say around him.

1. I have to prepare my car for a travel. This means you want everything in good shape, and that you want to be safe in your travel, so the mechanic can rip you off by telling you there are problems with your car parts such as the brakes – you don’t want to travel with busted brakes, after all.
2. What does my car need? Don’t ask as general a question like that, because you’re giving the mechanic a huge door into which he can enter and rip you off. (More on asking questions on my post next week)
3. Any plan involving money – car related or otherwise. For some mechanics, the first criterion that will categorize a person as a candidate for rip off is the fact that he has a lot of money to spend. So, don’t give your mechanic a clue.
4. Do everything you have to do to fix the problem. Again, you’re opening a wide door for rip off. (More of this here.)
5. Give me the cheapest option available. Though this may sound valid, it isn’t. (Find out why here.)

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