Mechanic anxiety: it’s a thing, and you’re not alone.
Millions of us face the daunting trip to the garage to get our cars fixed at least once a year, and for many it can be a moment of serious worry.
There’s nothing easy about stepping into a minefield of confusing words and constantly fearing that you’re being ripped off.
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One survey of UK drivers found that 23% felt they were taken advantage of when getting their car serviced, while another 25% felt anxious just entering a garage.
Ovoko, an online marketplace for used car parts, has compiled a list of seven red flags that scream “dodgy mechanic”.
1. Failure to explain the problem simply
If a mechanic can’t explain a problem in language that you can understand, that’s a red flag.
Using overly technical jargon without breaking it down, or seeming evasive when you ask for clarification, is a big no-no.
Watch out for super patronising phrases such as “it’s complicated” or “you wouldn’t understand” when you ask for details about a repair.
2. Refusing to provide a written estimate
Big red flag! Any reputable mechanic should provide written estimates for work costing more than a basic service.
Verbal quotes leave room for “misunderstandings” that always seem to favour the garage.
3. Estimates vary wildly between visits
If you return to the same garage for a similar issue and receive a drastically different quote, question why. While parts prices can fluctuate, dramatic variations in labour costs or repair approaches suggest inconsistent pricing practices.
“Professional shops maintain consistent pricing structures,” Kazimieras Urbonas, supplier excellence manager at Ovoko, explains. “If they’re quoting you £200 for a service one month and £500 for the same work the next, something isn’t right.”
Keep records of previous repairs and quotes to help identify these discrepancies.
4. Pushing for immediate repairs
Legitimate urgent repairs do exist, but be wary of high-pressure tactics that don’t allow you time to think or get a second opinion. Dishonest mechanics often create false urgency to prevent you from shopping around.
Be especially cautious if they claim your car is “dangerous to drive” but still let you drive it off the lot after paying for their expensive fix.
5. Not showing you the parts
When you’re paying for replacement parts, you have every right to see what’s being removed from your car. Mechanics who refuse this request or claim they’ve already disposed of the parts might not have replaced anything at all.
6. Finding ‘urgent’ problems in a routine service
“A good practice is to ask them to show you each problem they’ve found,” advises Urbonas. “Take photos if possible, and don’t feel pressured to authorise everything immediately.”
Consider getting a second opinion, especially if the additional work costs more than your car’s value.
7. Expensive parts
While mechanics deserve fair profit margins on parts, some inflate prices to unreasonable levels. Research common part costs online to get a baseline understanding of fair pricing.
Ask for itemised estimates that separate parts costs from labour, and don’t hesitate to question prices that seem excessive.
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Been ripped off? Here’s what to do about it
There’s a template available via the Citizens Advice website to formally complain to the garage – but if you’ve read this far, we’re guessing you’re looking for more clout than that.
It’s important to note that if you’re in a dispute, the garage can keep your car until the bill is paid.
To avoid this, you can “pay under protest” and continue the dispute by writing those words clearly on the garage’s copy of the repair order sheet and any copies of receipts it makes.
If you don’t, the garage could later argue you accepted the charges by paying the bill.
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Dispute resolution services
Your next port of call could be to contact the garage’s trade association, if it is a member of one, which may offer free dispute resolution services.
Failing that, you can ask the garage if they are a member of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme, in which a third party will decide the outcome.
Keep hold of the garage’s response – or lack of – if it won’t use an ADR and you intend to go to small claims court.
Going to court (England and Wales)
If you get the car repaired at a new garage, you can try to go to court for the cost of carrying out extra repairs, though this can be risky.
First, check your eligibility, such as the upper monetary limit for claims, £10,000, or the time limit since the incident, six years.
Evidence is vital, and without the likes of letters, receipts, photos and estimates, it may not be a good idea to start a court claim, according to Citizens Advice.
Review the court fees – if you win your case, you might get these back. If you lose, you might have to pay them.
If you want to go ahead, you’ll need to write a formal claim letter to the garage and fill in a claim form, as well as deal with the defendant’s response. Further details and help with these steps can be found here.
Before your case goes to court for a hearing, you’ll have an appointment with the free court mediation service to try to reach an agreement.
Going to court (Scotland)
The process differs slightly in Scotland, where you can use the “simple procedure” to apply to the sheriff court for claims of £5,000 or less.
You can apply here and, just like in England and Wales, you’ll have to pay a fee: £22 for claims under £300, £123 for any more valuable claims.
If your claim is for more than £5,000, it would usually fall under ordinary procedure rules.
The procedure is quite complex and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service advises applicants to seek legal advice. Rules can be found here.
