Car Help

[-b]

I need to know which is better.....to take my car to get fix too.

A Dealer
Canadian Tire
Or just a person who owns their own garage....

Ok, I know it sounds silly but I never had to do it before.....

 

[SillyGirl]

It's not silly at all, Bliss. I went through the same issue when I moved.

I googled "car repair" and my zip code, and read the reviews of different places. I chose my mechanic largely because of a review from a single woman who brought her car in thinking she needed extensive repairs, and he told her she did not.

Ask your friends at the gym where they take their cars, that's the best referral you can get. If you bring your car there make sure you mention who referred you to them.

As a rule I avoid the dealers if I can.

 

[LickingGravity]

I think you should just trade it in :wink:

Depends on your car - how old it is, if it's special in some way ( maserati) or whether it's a warranty issue (or likely to be covered by warranty). If it's fairly new and still under warranty I'd be inclined to take it to the dealer. If it's just an oil and filter change you can take it anywhere.

 

[catherine st.claire]

It depends where you live. I avoid dealers at any cost as a background in automotive has taught me. Online reviews are an excellent source. An independent garage is the way to go only if the mechanic is trustworthy. The problem is finding an honest mechanic is like finding an honest lawyer. They exist but don't have it branded on their foreheads. I usually find a wrecking yard as that is who I'm most comfortable dealing with. Their insight into make specific issues is excellent and they use recycled parts when possible. The yard here in Ottawa offers excellent service, very competitive hourly shop rates and usually same day turn arounds, even on major repairs if they have the parts in stock. If I am in an area with something unexpected then I will go to Canadian Tire but only because I know enough about my car that I can call bullshit if they try to pull an unreasonable quote out of their ass.

cat

 

[Dan]

Avoid Canadian TIre, the mechanics are on a commission. The more the repair bill the more they make. Dealers are very expensive per hour. Sillygirl has it right, getting a referral from a friend is the best route.

 

[Guido]

Avoid Canadian TIre, the mechanics are on a commission. .

I totally agree, the only thing I would have done at Crappy Tire is an oil change.

 

[tboy]

Avoid Canadian TIre, the mechanics are on a commission. The more the repair bill the more they make. Dealers are very expensive per hour. Sillygirl has it right, getting a referral from a friend is the best route.

sorry, but unless things have changed (and I doubt they have) the mechanics are NOT on commission, they are on flat rate like every other mechanic in Ontario.....

Every CTC garage is individually owned and operated therefore each and every one is run differently. Do some try to upsell parts and service? Of course...but one thing everyone has to understand: if any garage sold you something that you didn't need, their licence to operate can be revoked and they'd be out of business.....

There are numerous stories about CTC stores/garages who travellers break down in BF ontario and not only do the stores get them on their way, the one up here did it NO CHARGE.....(the fan belt became loose and the car ran on the battery until it died, they re-installed the fan belt, charged the battery and sent them on their way).

To lump all CTC stores into the same basket is no different than saying all men are misogynists....

Avoid dealers? I don't know what the beef is, they too have more to lose than CTC stores....if they're caught doing things underhanded they can not only lose their ability to repair vehicles, but lose the right to sell......

A LOT of corner garages are good, but that is where you will get ripped off the most. Now they won't rip off their regular customers, but joe schmo who comes in once? You're a golden goose to them. As stated, a referral is the best because then if you tell them So And So sent you, they could lose that regular business as well as yours.

The chains have the most to lose by ripping you off.....so what does that tell you?

There is also a misnomer that dealerships cost more than everyone else. Well, if you compare pricing, you'll find that they are competitive. Also as stated, if the vehicle is under warranty, you won't be paying for the repairs anyways and many OEMs insist on genuine OEM parts.....

 

[Transient]

Labor rates at dealers are generally more per hour than a local garage. Finding a guy you trust is tough, but will save you lots of money in the long run. I was lucky to find a guy that is an Audi/VW mechanic and he started his own place. When I have work done there vs. the dealer, the savings are enormous.

 

[tboy]

Labor rates at dealers are generally more per hour than a local garage. Finding a guy you trust is tough, but will save you lots of money in the long run. I was lucky to find a guy that is an Audi/VW mechanic and he started his own place. When I have work done there vs. the dealer, the savings are enormous.

One way the independant can save you money is give you deals. I had a starter go on me and was referred to a guy up the street. He didn't charge me tax or for the new cables etc he installed......

 

[Guido]

Labor rates at dealers are generally more per hour than a local garage. Finding a guy you trust is tough, but will save you lots of money in the long run. I was lucky to find a guy that is an Audi/VW mechanic and he started his own place. When I have work done there vs. the dealer, the savings are enormous.

True very true. I don't trust any of the big chains. I remember years ago going into a Midas store to have my muffler done. I was sitting in the waiting area but I could see my car on the hoist. The guy didn't even take off my tires off but I get approached by the service manager explaining to me I need rear brake pads. I asked him how did he know this when they are hidden by a drum and I seen that my tires were never taken off. He stuttered and told me I can probably go a little longer but too not wait too long.

Asshole, I drove 25000 km more before I actually needed to have them done!!

 

[Transient]

Here's an ad for Canadian Tire in Hamilton, looking for an automobile mechanic. Salary listed is based on commission. But like T said this could be how this location charges.
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/detail-en...rp=GON004&Sources=JobBank,&OpPage=50&Stdnt=No

 

[Wanker]

Call 9052810202. His name is Eugene, one of the most honest mechanics I know.

Just don't tell him how you got his number :biggrin:

 

[-b]

Thanks all......I have a 1998 Rava and I have only put $1200 into it...It runs great
but I think the timing belt needs to be changed and when you do that the water hose or
whatever needs to be changed too....plus a few other little things....I did changed the head lights
myself...and as a guy told me just make sure to put oil in it when needed.....I was running it once
and it did not have oil...:fool: She is a wonderful car.....I do not want to trade her or buy a new car..
I was even offered more for her then she is worth......

Thank you all....

 

[train]

What's a Rava ? A Toyota Rav IV ?

 

[a 1 player]

Bliss, message me...

I know a great mechanic, honest, good service, very reasonable price and close to you. (I think). I use him for quite some time and have never been disappointed, overcharged or felt ripped off.

 

[God]

Bliss, message me...

I know a great mechanic, honest, good service, very reasonable price and close to you. (I think). I use him for quite some time and have never been disappointed, overcharged or felt ripped off.

Sure sure, you just want to get closer to her skirt :biggrin:

 

[a 1 player]

Sure sure, you just want to get closer to her skirt :biggrin:

Nope, just helping out a friend.

 

[-b]

What's a Rava ? A Toyota Rav IV ?

Yes, today I am very Slow...or just plain Slow...whichever....

Rav 4.....

 

[tboy]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if it is in fact the timing belt, you could be looking at $1000 to replace to replace it......there is a lot that has to be removed to get to it...

how many kms are on it? running it without oil probably cut the life of the engine in half....and probably why you need a timing chain/belt. timing chains/belts are usually good for a couple of hundred thousand kms.......

 

[-b]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if it is in fact the timing belt, you could be looking at $1000 to replace to replace it......there is a lot that has to be removed to get to it...

how many kms are on it? running it without oil probably cut the life of the engine in half....and probably why you need a timing chain/belt. timing chains/belts are usually good for a couple of hundred thousand kms.......

It was not running long without oil.....I realize it may cost me but I figure around...$3000
just encase...I love the car...and when you figure the cost into the age of the car it
is worth it to me......
I think just a overhaul is what is needed and it will put my mind at ease.....