topic Re: Automobile REPAIRS in Community Chat

Automobile REPAIRS

Katcat1 — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:09:15 GMT

Everytime I step on brakes, my steering wheel vibrates. I did a search online and it could be the rotors. I called the dealer and they quoted me $324 w/labor and then I called Midas and they told me $200 w/labor plus they have coupons $20 off $200. Why is it that the dealers are always more expensive than anyone else? I will be going to Midas tomorrow. I like saving money. How about you? Any auto repair price stories?

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

Mominohio — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:17:25 GMT

My husband is a mechanic, so I'll offer up this information.

Dealerships have people trained by the actual manufacturer of your car , they know and service your brand extensively, and should be using parts manufacturers recommend.

Other shops tend to (but not always, you can ask) use lesser quality parts, their mechanics might not have the training and certifications the dealerships do.

That said, there are many good independent shops. Look for warranties on the parts and labor, look for the brands of parts they are using, and see if they can prove their technicians are ASE certified (and maybe some states have state certifications necessary as well).

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

queendiva — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:21:44 GMT

@Katcat1: it could also be something else...

There is a lot between Midas and a dealership. Once my car is out of warranty, I take it to a well- respected and highly rated independent auto service technician. They can diagnose most anything, often have the same diagnostic equipment (new and $$$$) as the dealership and charge a much lower hourly rate.

I drive a German luxury car. I found out through experience that I needed to find a tech who specializes in such cars. I did and he is great.

Midas would not be my first choice to diagnose and correct a problem with my car. At least near me, their techs and equipment are not the best. FWIW.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

Katcat1 — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:22:32 GMT

@Mominohio Thank you for the excellent information.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

millieshops — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:27:16 GMT

@Katcat1In addition to having someone actually checking out your car (you didn't say you'd already done that), I'd look for reviews on my local Midas and my dealer's service.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

sunshine45 — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:47:33 GMT

i would not take my car to the dealer (unless it is under warranty) and i would not take my car to a "chain shop." i think it is important to find a mechanic and independent repair shop you can trust and pretty much stick with them. they will become familiar with you and your cars. look on nextdoor or yelp or google to find places that people recommend. you will probably find that their pricing is somewhere in between the chain shop and the dealer......and almost ALWAYS cheaper than the dealer.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

Lipstickdiva — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:55:52 GMT

I personally would never take my car to a chain shop like a Midas to be repaired. That's just me.

Yes dealerships notoriously overcharge for the exact same thing (same parts included) as other independent shops. But sometimes, there is something to be said for being loyal to a dealership. Twice now I have had my dealership call GM about repairs that needed to be done to my car. Because I have had all my oil changes and repairs done at this dealership, GM has picked up a large chunk of the repair bill.

Right now my car has a minor oil leak because of a bad seal. My dealership has quoted me arou nd $1,200.00 for the repair. I am going to look into a local shop and see what they would charge because I doubt GM is going to pick up the tab a third time.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

nunya — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:04:01 GMT

Usually when replacing rotors, you also replace the brakes. Without anyone looking at your car yet, there could be added costs.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

occasionalrain — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:10:58 GMT

Midis will give you a lower quote but once there they will find other repairs that they will say are needed and they may not be needed.

My experience: I took my car to Midis some years ago because it was loud and I thought it was the muffler. I was told I needed a whole new exhaust system, expensive. I left to get a second opinion and stopped at a local independent shop. All that was wrong was a clamp, cost around $20.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

VaBelle35 — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:11:41 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
My husband is a mechanic, so I'll offer up this information.

Dealerships have people trained by the actual manufacturer of your car , they know and service your brand extensively, and should be using parts manufacturers recommend.

Other shops tend to (but not always, you can ask) use lesser quality parts, their mechanics might not have the training and certifications the dealerships do.

That said, there are many good independent shops. Look for warranties on the parts and labor, look for the brands of parts they are using, and see if they can prove their technicians are ASE certified (and maybe some states have state certifications necessary as well).

@Mominohio Excellent explanation.

I will say that where I live, there is not much difference in price between dealer and independent mechanic.

Geniune manufacturer parts are so key. I remember when the gas station replaced my brake pads on my 1982 Chevette. They never felt right, made horrible noise. I went back at least 5 times and then I think they went and purchased Chevy brake pads the last time.

I like going to the Toyota dealer because they get it right the first time. I never have to go back 3-6 times until they figure it out. I have argued with my sister so many times about this. The shop will keep her car for days. DAYS.

I also get a loaner for free, I can wait if it's just an oil change, or I can get a ride home and a ride back.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

x Hedge — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:20:29 GMT

@Katcat1,

I use an excellent, trustworthy independent auto repair shop. It's a lot of work to find a place that does a good job for a fair price, and doesn't exploit those who don't know anything about cars.

My husband did auto repair for fun, in his spare time. He and his friends restored classic cars for an auto museum, and rebuilt classics for street & track racing. For a short time he was teaching auto repair in night school plus working his 'real' job during the day.

He insisted I know enough about cars so no mechanic could ever double-talk and bamboozle me into unnecessary repairs.

I had a mechanic trying to convince me I needed an expensive repair. My car was up on a hoist. (there were certain repairs my husband would rather pay someone else to do.)

I walked under my car to look at what the mechanics wanted to fix. I said That's a 15¢ piece of hose, and you want to charge me hundreds to replace it?!!

My husband was so proud of me!

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

Scooby Doo — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:41:29 GMT

Is that $200 for just turning the old rotors? The dealer may be quoting for new rotors.

Midas may charge you more when they tell you that your rotors are too far gone to just turn them. If you are getting vibration you probably need new rotors.

Brakes and rotors are basic repairs. Every car tech probably starts out by doing those repairs and changing out batteries. My grandson is a tech at Midas. He trained at a small repair shop for 5 years before working at Midas. I wouldn't have a problem with him doing those repairs. More complicated diagnosis would have me going to the dealer.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

x Hedge — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:49:26 GMT

Since Midas is a chain franchise, your experience will only be as good as that location's manager.

If he staffs the place with unqualified buddies, or is unwilling to cut out the incompetent mechanic, you may have a lousy outcome ... while the Midas 10 miles away has well trained, honest, careful staff.

Just saying, you can't judge a chain, good or bad, by any one place.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

fourpaws56 — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:52:24 GMT

What is the make of your car? Normally the front brakes have rotors and pads, rear brakes have drums and shoes. If the rotors or drums are not too far gone, they can be resurfaced for about 40 dollars a piece , but definitely the pads or shoes need replaced...I would find a local repair shop that is ASE certified and get a quote.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

CrazyDaisy — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:55:06 GMT

You may be comparing apples and oranges. Do not think you can just replace the rotors, there are other parts (and labor) involved in a brake job. The dealer may be giving you a complete price while Midas may not. You are not even sure the problem is the rotors.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

mimomof4 — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 20:00:50 GMT

Dealerships charge a higher labor rate. I have been able to negotiate with my local dealer. When they quote me a price for a list of repairs, anytime I respond with i will do all or X # of those repairs for $X, they always work within the amount i have told them. On the other hand my hubby will just accept whatever price is quoted to him and never questions it.

That being said, I do also have a local repair shop that has been in business for years and offers excellent service which i will take my vehicles to. Their prices are always lower than a dealership, however, i may have to wait a few days before they have an available appointment.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

Lipstickdiva — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 20:29:51 GMT

About a year ago my car needed brakes all the way around and new rotors. The dealership found the problem when they were doing an oil change and tire rotation. They quoted me very close to $800.00 to do new brakes and rotors.

Drum brakes are pretty archaeic aren't they? I didn't think most cars had drum brakes anymore. I thought most had disc brakes and rotors.

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

nunya — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 20:30:15 GMT

Just reading thread makes me appreciate my husband, the gearhead

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

Lipstickdiva — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 20:32:58 GMT

@nunya wrote:
Just reading thread makes me appreciate my husband, the gearhead

My DH is a gearhead too and he can do some work but cars now with all the computers are pretty much out of range for him.

He was able to do my brakes and rotors and nearly flipped a lid when I told him what the dealership wanted to charge me. But he said there is no way he can fix the oil leak i have because of where it's located. I wasn't happy about that. LOL

Re: Automobile REPAIRS

nunya — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:03:40 GMT

@Lipstickdiva wrote:
@nunya wrote:
Just reading thread makes me appreciate my husband, the gearhead
My DH is a gearhead too and he can do some work but cars now with all the computers are pretty much out of range for him.

He was able to do my brakes and rotors and nearly flipped a lid when I told him what the dealership wanted to charge me. But he said there is no way he can fix the oil leak i have because of where it's located. I wasn't happy about that. LOL

Yep. Mine can do repairs but not all on the computerized stuff. I just broke a spring on my strut...thankfully on my street. The tire was rubbing the inner fender and literally burning rubber immediately after it happened. I went to the parts store where he does business and bought 2 new strut assemblies while he was at work. He put them on in in maybe an hr. It would have cost way more than the $160 I spent on parts.

My daughter's car was acting up. She took it to the dealership. They couldn't find anything wrong but tried to sell her a battery. For $268. He would have flipped his lid over that one LOL. I drove her car to the parts store, bought one for 1/2 that price and they installed it