Would you go with the mechanic recommendations?
By clorissa123
@clorissa123 (4926)
United States
October 29, 2009 7:24pm CST
Yesterday, after work, I bring my car to the local shop for oil change, it was "Merlin". After the oil change done, the mechanic recommended me to get the timing belt service done as soon as possible, and also the water pump, spark plug, and camshaft. The totaly cost approximately $1,000. What a huge number that I have to carry to get my service done. I simply rejected the offer, and nicely told him I might think about it next time I come back. I also worried that I might need that service to fix up my timing belt. Should I go with the mechanic recommendation, but I have to wait until next week, my paycheck come, and I might not have that much money on hand though. What is your suggestion?
5 responses
@Stevensitu (217)
• United States
30 Oct 09
umm. i wouldnt be so sure of regular company owned stores. they want nothing except your money. If you have any personal friends that you know aremechcanics, ask them. my father is a mechanic although he doesn't do much with his old hands anymore =(, he stil knows lots about cars.
@clorissa123 (4926)
• United States
30 Oct 09
I am sure that is what other people advised me to do right now. I am somewhat skeptical on what they are saying, and I really worry about what if what they said was true. So, Thanks here.
@Wizzywig (7847)
•
30 Oct 09
I dont know much about cars but I would get another opinion from different mechanics and a few more quotes for any work that they all think needs doing. If you have a friend who knows a bit about cars, you could take him/her with you as unscrupulous people will try to take advantage if they think you dont know. I hope you can get a better deal to make your car safe. I am lucky that I now have a mechanic that I feel I can trust as I've been ripped off in the past.
@clorissa123 (4926)
• United States
30 Oct 09
Once, I went to Pep boy, the guy ripped me off with $400 for something that I don't think that really need to do. But that experience really haunted me. I can't pay simply $1,000 for that service, which I am not sure if my timing belt is really that bad.
@doryvien (2284)
• United States
30 Oct 09
Hi Clorissa,
Since I don't know anything about cars, I often rely on mechancs' recommendations. I cannot validate anything they say so I normally go to 2-3 machanics just to compare notes, before acting on it. I also prefer to go to mechanics referred by friends, if they trust him them I'm okay with getting their services.
@snoopyfan (1312)
• United States
30 Oct 09
I am so glad I saw this post. Clorissa please listen to what happened to me. I have a 95 Oldsmobile I went to Jiffy Lube for a oil change. The guy there said he wouldn't do it cause I needed a water pump and my car was leaking coolant. Well like you that made me upset. I only have two part time jobs and not a lot of extra cash. I was thinking maybe it's time to get rid of this car and try and get a newer car. I was waiting for my cousin and I took the car over to his house. The guy was lying to me. The car only needed a tune-up, and oil change. There was nothing wrong with the water pump and it wasn't leaking any coolant. My advice to you is get a second opinion. Whether it's a friend or just another mechanic. If you do go to another mechanic don't tell him what that guy told you so you can get a honest answer. Not sure if you have a regular car repair shop you go to where you get honest feedback. Or ask your friends and family members if they know anyone who can take a look at it. Good luck and hope you get a happy ending like I did.
@clorissa123 (4926)
• United States
30 Oct 09
Well, I really don't know. I want to get a second opinion like you said here. I might later on bring it to precision tune up to let them check for me. I just can't spend that much money for my car right now. I just don't have that much extra cash on hand to have it done. I need to feed myself too right? Thanks for your advise.
@snoopyfan (1312)
• United States
31 Oct 09
I don't understand if everyone has told you the same thing why you responded with you are still not sure and if we are telling you the truth. I don't have a lot of money to spend on repairs either Clorissa but my story and I actually believe the others who have already responded to your question have been nothing but honest with you. We are all telling you the same thing get a second opinion. Once again good luck and hope things work out. Don't know what else to tell you.
