Scared of being ripped off by garage for repairs

Brian8888

Hi - I own a 6 year old Corsa which makes strange engine sounds. I have been ripped off by a garage before and am looking for places where I can see feedback for garages. Does anyone know of any good places to go and see comparison and experiences of other car owners? I am scared just thinking about driving to any other garage in my area who then will tell me all the things that need to be replaced. And I got no idea if that's the truth or another get money from me trick.

Thank you!

artbaron

http://www.goodgaragescheme.com/

No idea if it's kosher so don't think I'm vouching for it

victor2

You could go to a main dealer. Less likely to get ripped off, but will pay through the nose anyway.
The only other alternative really is to ask around your friends if they can recommend an independent they use. Don't go alone to take the car in if you're worried and don't understand what they may say. Get someone a little more knowledgeable to accompany you if you can. They don't have to be an expert, just need to appear to be understanding.

Brian8888

Thank you Artbaron - I will start with that. In the meantime I'll use the car of my wife. I really want to get it right this time. I will let you know how I did it in the end.

Brian8888

victor2 wrote: »

You could go to a main dealer. Less likely to get ripped off, but will pay through the nose anyway.

They don't have to be an expert, just need to appear to be understanding.

Victor - thanks for that advice. Both of your points are very valid. I can't afford the main dealer prices but as you said I'd might go for the taking a friend along route.

victor2

artbaron wrote: »

http://www.goodgaragescheme.com/

No idea if it's kosher so don't think I'm vouching for it

That's an interesting one. Mind you I haven't found any garages with less than 90% rating.
Thought I'd search for a Kwikfit to challenge that.
There aren't any listed though. It seems garages have to sign up to be included in the scheme. Guess the cowboys know there's little point.

Foxy-Stoat_3

Please do not go to a Kwikfit....you'll be on here in a months time saying "ripped off by Kwikfit!"

Best bet is to ask friends who dont use the main dealers, there are good and bad garages, best to speak to them to get some quotes and ask them to explain what they work they have quoted for and how firm the price is....they may find other things that are wrong with it while they are sorting out your problem.

I would try and suss out whats wrong with your car first...what noises is your engine making that are strange?

Strider590

artbaron wrote: »

http://www.goodgaragescheme.com/

No idea if it's kosher so don't think I'm vouching for it

Garages pay to be on that scheme, I wouldn't trust it at all.

The best thing to do is find an independent, someone that's so busy they struggle to get you booked in. They're not going to rip you off if they've got customers waiting 2 weeks to get in.

Brian8888

Engine is making a clacking sound and from time to time just shuts itself off. Thanks for all the advice. I'm surprised that there is nothing like yell just for garages.

Joe_Horner

Strider590 wrote: »

Garages pay to be on that scheme, I wouldn't trust it at all.

The trouble is, even Trading Standards charge a membership fee for their various "good trader" schemes around the country. It seems to be becoming the norm now that you don't just have to be honest, you have to pay someone else to say that you're honest.

Sounds like a protection racket to me!

Strider590

Brian8888 wrote: »

Engine is making a clacking sound and from time to time just shuts itself off. Thanks for all the advice. I'm surprised that there is nothing like yell just for garages.

Join an owners forum, do some searching for your problem, learn as much as you can and then go to a new garage armed with at least some idea of whats happening..