Anyone see the "Today" show hidden camera investigation segments the past two days on auto repair shops? Very eye opening to say the least. Be careful where you go to have your truck/car serviced.

 

I had to head off to work, but nothing new. Those exposes have been done for years. Another reason to do your own work as much as possible and have reasonable knowledge of what's going on in there.

 

DIY. that way if it's rigged back together, im the only one to blame

 

What I got from it was the Manager of the shop probably has alot to do with how they treat you. A manager generally can pressure his technicians to add in more to treat his customers fairly.

Im 23 and seen it happen numerous times. My fiance and her mom will run in for an oil change and end up paying 150 or 200 for random crap. The worst was when my Grandmother died, my fiances mom took her car in because of her brakes squealing and ended up paying $1500 for a catalytic converter, $800 for a CV axle, and then about $500 for brake pads. All that including labor, but seriously? I always take the cars in now.

 

I know these investigations are nothing new. This one caught my attention because on day 1 they went after Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealers around NYC. Makes me wonder if someone at NBC, or a relative, was ripped off at one of the places mentioned. Definitely never send your wife/girlfriend/daughter, etc. to a dealership without backup support.

 

Everyone should use this concept with unfamiliar construction contractors as well. Having someone with you that knows at least a little about construction can help a lot. Also, always get more than one price quote with detailed info on each so you know what you are comparing. It is sometimes easier to spot the BS when it all has been written down.