Well, how would you (besides the obvious asking people in the area about their experiences).

Before You Choose a Car Repair Shop
First off I would start shopping for a repair facility before actually needing one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.

Then I would check with my local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the shop in question.

If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in advance so I would not feel forced to choose a facility solely on the basis of location.

Once I chose a repair shop, I'd start off with a minor job; if I am pleased, I'd trust them with more complicated repairs later.

At the Car Repair Shop
You want to look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.

Professionally run establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff. The service writer should be willing to answer all of your questions.

All policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction

Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Some facilities specialize. For instance, you obviously don't want to take your Hyundai to a mechanic who only specializes in Buicks.

Ask if the shop usually does your type of repair, especially if you need major work. Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards.

Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications - a national standard of technician competence.

The backbone of any shop is the competence of the technicians.

After the Car Repair

Keep good records; keep all paperwork.

Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.

If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.


Word of mouth doesn't neccessarily mean anything either. I took my old car to a local mechanic in Newport, because someone told me they were really good. I needed a tune up really bad so I didn't bother researching them. It cost me $300- and the guy did nothing. I went back and complained.

The guy claimed he did do a tune up. Why do you think it took 2.5 hours for? My dad told him it should not have taken that long. (my dad went with me). My dad knows an awful lot about cars. He told him he didn't do anything for the tune up. They guy asked my dad if he was calling him a liar. We demanded to speak to the owner. The owner was a jerk as well. He backed up the mechanic who claims he did the work, 100%. Stupid me, I didn't take it any further with them.

I took my car somewhere else. They told me it never had gotten the tune up. So this time I Really got the tuneup done. And at half the price too.

I have since learned to follow the steps above and deffinatly DO NOT look for one at the last minute. If I have a last minute repair, I go to someone I have had before. There are 2 places here in town I will goto. If it is tires, shock, struts etc..., I only take my car to Les Schwab. If it is mechanical, I take it to Car Care Specialists. I prefer a Hyundai dealer though, because they specialize in my car. At a price of course... A Hyundai dealer if I am out of town. (there aren't any nearby. I think the closests is 45 mniutes away. The dealer I bought it from is 3 hours away)


You also kinda wanna be careful about taking your car to a different dealer. I mean if you have a Ford, I don't recommend taking it to a Jeep dealer. I did that. When I had my Ford Taurs SHO several years ago, I took it to the Power Chrysler,Dodge, Plymouth & Jeep dealer in Newport. There is a Ford dealer in Newport but my dad said to take it to the guy at the Jeep dealer. Because that is where he took his Jeep and his PT Cruiser and the guy was reliable.

They guy knew next to nothing about the parts from a Ford. I ended up having to take it to the Ford dealer because the Jeep guy messed it up, because, and he even admitted, of his lack of knowledge in Fords. But because HE messed up, I got my repair free. (The Ford dealer was also a Power dealer so they are all in conjunction with each other)