Finding an Honest Repair Shop

Due to some lingering old cliches about the honesty of auto repair shops, finding an honest repair shop can often seem like it is a more of a quest for some mythical beast, rather than just the simple trip down the street that many of us would like. While there may be at least small some veracity to these old cliches (after all, if there wasn't then how did they become cliches?), this does not have to be the final answer in automotive repair shops.

As you now doubt have guessed by now, finding an honest repair shop is possible if you are willing to put in a little bit of skull sweat. This means that you are going to have to do just a tad bit of homework. But, that being said, when you have completed your homework, you are going to be pleased with the results that you have received. Here are a few guidelines that can help you in finding an honest repair shop that is right for you.

• Interview. When you are looking for any type of automotive repair store, remember that you are the one that is interviewing them. They are the businesses that are trying to compete for your money, not the other way around. Call and talk to them, do not jump the gun. Ask questions, and go with your first impression of the business, these first impressions are usually right.
• References. While it is great to go with the friendly tips from people like Joe Bob from down the street, you might want to ask around a little more. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints, talk to others who have gone to that particular shop. One of the best ways is to ask their competitors (while doing the same to the competitors). Get as many references as you can.
• Certification. Ask if they are certified with any organizations, like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Such organizations require all prospective members to adhere to specific guidelines, and pass stringent tests in order to become a certified member. If they do not, or they are show to have not, then they lose that certification.