I'm tired of being screwed over by mechanics

[syrenn]

How can a common man find a reputable shop where the mechanic's salary doesn't depend on his sales? I am constantly being bombarded with things they say I need done when I only want to car to keep the car running. I am not rich. Most places charge 80 bucks an hour for labor. They want 80 bucks just to check an engine light on the dash and that does not include fixing it. I know I'm getting screwed because I go from place to place and every prognosis is different.

I guess I'm lucky. I work at a huge corporation with about 5000 people on site. There is an auto shop right next door. I take my car there. They know that if they screw me over I'm gong to tell 5000 people that they screwed me.

i knew it.... you kiss and tell!!!

 

[JustTheFacts]

How can a common man find a reputable shop where the mechanic's salary doesn't depend on his sales? I am constantly being bombarded with things they say I need done when I only want to car to keep the car running. I am not rich. Most places charge 80 bucks an hour for labor. They want 80 bucks just to check an engine light on the dash and that does not include fixing it. I know I'm getting screwed because I go from place to place and every prognosis is different.

I guess I'm lucky. I work at a huge corporation with about 5000 people on site. There is an auto shop right next door. I take my car there. They know that if they screw me over I'm gong to tell 5000 people that they screwed me.

That is something that many business ownefs fail to understand. A happy customer will tell one person about you. An upset customer will tell ten.

 

[syrenn]

How can a common man find a reputable shop where the mechanic's salary doesn't depend on his sales? I am constantly being bombarded with things they say I need done when I only want to car to keep the car running. I am not rich. Most places charge 80 bucks an hour for labor. They want 80 bucks just to check an engine light on the dash and that does not include fixing it. I know I'm getting screwed because I go from place to place and every prognosis is different.

I guess I'm lucky. I work at a huge corporation with about 5000 people on site. There is an auto shop right next door. I take my car there. They know that if they screw me over I'm gong to tell 5000 people that they screwed me.

That is something that many business ownefs fail to understand. A happy customer will tell one person about you. An upset customer will tell ten.

Oh that's not just in business... it works here too.

its sad and amusing when some don't learn that lesson.

 

[alan1]

How can a common man find a reputable shop where the mechanic's salary doesn't depend on his sales? I am constantly being bombarded with things they say I need done when I only want to car to keep the car running. I am not rich. Most places charge 80 bucks an hour for labor. They want 80 bucks just to check an engine light on the dash and that does not include fixing it. I know I'm getting screwed because I go from place to place and every prognosis is different.

I guess I'm lucky. I work at a huge corporation with about 5000 people on site. There is an auto shop right next door. I take my car there. They know that if they screw me over I'm gong to tell 5000 people that they screwed me.

i knew it.... you kiss and tell!!!

I don't kiss my mechanic.

 

[JustTheFacts]

I guess I'm lucky. I work at a huge corporation with about 5000 people on site. There is an auto shop right next door. I take my car there. They know that if they screw me over I'm gong to tell 5000 people that they screwed me.

i knew it.... you kiss and tell!!!

I don't kiss my mechanic.

I generall do not want my customers kisses.

 

[retro]

My lovely Mazda MX-5 has suddenly decided to flash it's lights and sound the car alarm whenever I lock the doors - even though there's no-one around.

I've had it two years and didn't even know it had an alarm ..

So I took it to the local garage.

After checking and lubricating the door closing mechanism, they could find nothing wrong.

So I picked it up - and found I now had an Engine Warning light up on the dash.

They connected a tester to the wiring loom - but it diagnosed that the diagnostic equipment was faulty .. So I have to go back tomorrow.

Driving home, with the orange Engine warning light still on - I found the radio had no power to it either

How I hate these modern computerised cars. A car should have an engine, brakes and steering - that's it. Keeping things simple is best.

Maybe I should buy a classic car pre-dating useless computers ..

 

[JustTheFacts]

My lovely Mazda MX-5 has suddenly decided to flash it's lights and sound the car alarm whenever I lock the doors - even though there's no-one around.

I've had it two years and didn't even know it had an alarm ..

So I took it to the local garage.

After checking and lubricating the door closing mechanism, they could find nothing wrong.

So I picked it up - and found I now had an Engine Warning light up on the dash.

They connected a tester to the wiring loom - but it diagnosed that the diagnostic equipment was faulty .. So I have to go back tomorrow.

Driving home, with the orange Engine warning light still on - I found the radio had no power to it either

How I hate these modern computerised cars. A car should have an engine, brakes and steering - that's it. Keeping things simple is best.

Maybe I should buy a classic car pre-dating useless computers ..

The computers in cars are far from useless. Use to be the car needed the tune up every 30,000 miles or so. Now engines are more efficient more powerful cleaner and last longer. modern engine can easily go 100,000 miles between tune ups. Just 20 years ago a engine was pretty much wore out at that mileage.

And that is not even to mention the obvious safety improvements computers have made 2 cars.

 

[Papawx3]

Mazda's computers have always been known to show a series of error codes when the vehicle reaches a predetermined mileage. This was designed into the vehicle for one reason: so that the owner would have to take it to a dealership. I bought a new B2200 p/u back in 2000 and this was my sole dissatisfaction with it. However I learned how to disable these error codes on mine.
Most "local garages" don't have the proper equipment necessary to correctly diagnose these issues. As much as I hate it, I'm going to have to recommend that you take it to a Mazda dealership.

 

[JustTheFacts]

Mazda's computers have always been known to show a series of error codes when the vehicle reaches a predetermined mileage. This was designed into the vehicle for one reason: so that the owner would have to take it to a dealership. I bought a new B2200 p/u back in 2000 and this was my sole dissatisfaction with it. However I learned how to disable these error codes on mine.
Most "local garages" don't have the proper equipment necessary to correctly diagnose these issues. As much as I hate it, I'm going to have to recommend that you take it to a Mazda dealership.

Again, untrue. If a service light comes on it is for a reason. Now that reason could be that the light or computer itself is faulty, but I can assure you no manufacture is designing vehicles to turn a light on for no reason. What incentive would there even be to do so? So that a person would take a newish vehicle into a dealership and the manufacture would have to pay for warranty work performed? That's counter productive. As for out of warranty vehicles, manufactures do not make any percentage off repairs done at dealerships. They just don't. So , again, no incentive.

Not to mention the regulatory standards that they must meet.

As for most your comment about most local shops don't have the right diagnostic tools, you are absolutely correct, most don't and you should avoid those shops like the plague. With the latest J2357 standard the government has mandated that all manufactures who sell vehicles in the US must provide access to ALL factory level diagnostics to consumer. Now that simply means they have to conform to ODBII standards as far as diagnostics and they must make their data available. Each shop is of course responsible for buying its own diagnostic equipment , and also each manufacture charges a subscription fee to access their data (except Hyundai who gives free access)

So yes, it's expensive, I just bought a new OTC Genisys Touch which is capable of factory level diagnostic work as well as flash programming on every vehicle on the market today ( providing of course that it is new enough to have such technology) The device cost me $5000 , but is a necessary investment if you want to provide professional service.

Also, as I said in an earlier post, IF I have to get into a manufacture's database I have to pay for that access. So don't come griping when I charge you for diagnostic time.

 

[Toronado3800]

Mazda's computers have always been known to show a series of error codes when the vehicle reaches a predetermined mileage. This was designed into the vehicle for one reason: so that the owner would have to take it to a dealership. I bought a new B2200 p/u back in 2000 and this was my sole dissatisfaction with it. However I learned how to disable these error codes on mine.
Most "local garages" don't have the proper equipment necessary to correctly diagnose these issues. As much as I hate it, I'm going to have to recommend that you take it to a Mazda dealership.

It probably does seem like a conspiracy but at after a certain time things just wear out.

Many urban legends persist in automotive circles. Just trust me, my old Toronado was really inexpensive to operate but it was not the same car with 250k miles as when I grabbed her with 94k. Touch Screen still worked but she was in need of a refit in naval terms.

Last thing that got me on line was reading about folks confused by the air ride in their MarkVIII and then meeting a fellow shade tree who couldn't get his air ride right. So when my MarkVIII rear bags started leaking I installed a 4 wheel spring conversion kit. She might even handle better but man, them bags were EASY to swap.

 

[JustTheFacts]

Mazda's computers have always been known to show a series of error codes when the vehicle reaches a predetermined mileage. This was designed into the vehicle for one reason: so that the owner would have to take it to a dealership. I bought a new B2200 p/u back in 2000 and this was my sole dissatisfaction with it. However I learned how to disable these error codes on mine.
Most "local garages" don't have the proper equipment necessary to correctly diagnose these issues. As much as I hate it, I'm going to have to recommend that you take it to a Mazda dealership.

It probably does seem like a conspiracy but at after a certain time things just wear out.

Many urban legends persist in automotive circles. Just trust me, my old Toronado was really inexpensive to operate but it was not the same car with 250k miles as when I grabbed her with 94k. Touch Screen still worked but she was in need of a refit in naval terms.

Last thing that got me on line was reading about folks confused by the air ride in their MarkVIII and then meeting a fellow shade tree who couldn't get his air ride right. So when my MarkVIII rear bags started leaking I installed a 4 wheel spring conversion kit. She might even handle better but man, them bags were EASY to swap.

Here's what I worked on this morning

All for a simple headlight bulb change.

Charge the customer $100 labor for the entire job of pulling the bumper off the car , pulling the headlights, replacing the bulbs, and replacing everything. Took like 3 hours.

But yeah , "mechanics" are out to screw their customers.

PS This was a lady who knows nothing about cars.

 

[Toronado3800]

My goodness! What kind of vehicle WAS that?

My MarkVIII has some impossible to find replacement bulbs I understand so I can't pick on them w/o admitting that but that procedure seems ridiculous.

Hopefully you have video of all the stuff you had to do in case she complains lol.

 

[JustTheFacts]

My goodness! What kind of vehicle WAS that?

My MarkVIII has some impossible to find replacement bulbs I understand so I can't pick on them w/o admitting that but that procedure seems ridiculous.

Hopefully you have video of all the stuff you had to do in case she complains lol.

2008 chevy malibu.

oh no, I NEVER do any work without giving an estimate up front, she was well aware of the cost. Besides her dad and her grandad before him have been doing business with my me and my dad before me for 30 years. She trusts us, as we've earned.

 

[freedombecki]

My lovely Mazda MX-5 has suddenly decided to flash it's lights and sound the car alarm whenever I lock the doors - even though there's no-one around.

I've had it two years and didn't even know it had an alarm ..

So I took it to the local garage.

After checking and lubricating the door closing mechanism, they could find nothing wrong.

So I picked it up - and found I now had an Engine Warning light up on the dash.

They connected a tester to the wiring loom - but it diagnosed that the diagnostic equipment was faulty .. So I have to go back tomorrow.

Driving home, with the orange Engine warning light still on - I found the radio had no power to it either

How I hate these modern computerised cars. A car should have an engine, brakes and steering - that's it. Keeping things simple is best.

Maybe I should buy a classic car pre-dating useless computers ..

​

Yeah, baby!
​

 

[JustTheFacts]

My lovely Mazda MX-5 has suddenly decided to flash it's lights and sound the car alarm whenever I lock the doors - even though there's no-one around.

I've had it two years and didn't even know it had an alarm ..

So I took it to the local garage.

After checking and lubricating the door closing mechanism, they could find nothing wrong.

So I picked it up - and found I now had an Engine Warning light up on the dash.

They connected a tester to the wiring loom - but it diagnosed that the diagnostic equipment was faulty .. So I have to go back tomorrow.

Driving home, with the orange Engine warning light still on - I found the radio had no power to it either

How I hate these modern computerised cars. A car should have an engine, brakes and steering - that's it. Keeping things simple is best.

Maybe I should buy a classic car pre-dating useless computers ..

Did they ever find anything on your Mazda?

 

[Toronado3800]

My lovely Mazda MX-5 has suddenly decided to flash it's lights and sound the car alarm whenever I lock the doors - even though there's no-one around.

I've had it two years and didn't even know it had an alarm ..

So I took it to the local garage.

After checking and lubricating the door closing mechanism, they could find nothing wrong.

So I picked it up - and found I now had an Engine Warning light up on the dash.

They connected a tester to the wiring loom - but it diagnosed that the diagnostic equipment was faulty .. So I have to go back tomorrow.

Driving home, with the orange Engine warning light still on - I found the radio had no power to it either

How I hate these modern computerised cars. A car should have an engine, brakes and steering - that's it. Keeping things simple is best.

Maybe I should buy a classic car pre-dating useless computers ..

I have owned cars dating from 1968 to 2010. Trust me, the computerized ones are better. Even something as simple as spark plugs in a new car last the life of an old car.

Now it does present a whole new slew of challenges to your mechanic. Find a good one.

 

[JustTheFacts]

My lovely Mazda MX-5 has suddenly decided to flash it's lights and sound the car alarm whenever I lock the doors - even though there's no-one around.

I've had it two years and didn't even know it had an alarm ..

So I took it to the local garage.

After checking and lubricating the door closing mechanism, they could find nothing wrong.

So I picked it up - and found I now had an Engine Warning light up on the dash.

They connected a tester to the wiring loom - but it diagnosed that the diagnostic equipment was faulty .. So I have to go back tomorrow.

Driving home, with the orange Engine warning light still on - I found the radio had no power to it either

How I hate these modern computerised cars. A car should have an engine, brakes and steering - that's it. Keeping things simple is best.

Maybe I should buy a classic car pre-dating useless computers ..

I have owned cars dating from 1968 to 2010. Trust me, the computerized ones are better. Even something as simple as spark plugs in a new car last the life of an old car.

Now it does present a whole new slew of challenges to your mechanic. Find a good one.

Yup, for all the reminiscent about "the good old days" its kinda funny that half a dozen manufactures build sub $25K cars that get 30MPG or better and will absolutely smoke even the baddest of 60's muscle cars in just about every conceivable performance category, all the while providing better quality, more comfort, and just generally a better car all around.

 

[retro]

My lovely Mazda MX-5 has suddenly decided to flash it's lights and sound the car alarm whenever I lock the doors - even though there's no-one around.

I've had it two years and didn't even know it had an alarm ..

So I took it to the local garage.

After checking and lubricating the door closing mechanism, they could find nothing wrong.

So I picked it up - and found I now had an Engine Warning light up on the dash.

They connected a tester to the wiring loom - but it diagnosed that the diagnostic equipment was faulty .. So I have to go back tomorrow.

Driving home, with the orange Engine warning light still on - I found the radio had no power to it either

How I hate these modern computerised cars. A car should have an engine, brakes and steering - that's it. Keeping things simple is best.

Maybe I should buy a classic car pre-dating useless computers ..

Did they ever find anything on your Mazda?

Hi JTF ..

Well it's back working for the moment - they cleaned and adjusted the door closing mechanism, found a blown fuse to the radio (coincidence maybe), and did a 'reset' (whatever that is) to get rid of the panel light. The car alarm hasn't gone off again so far.

And it only cost me £50 ..

It's a really nice car when it's behaving itself ..

 

[JustTheFacts]

My lovely Mazda MX-5 has suddenly decided to flash it's lights and sound the car alarm whenever I lock the doors - even though there's no-one around.

I've had it two years and didn't even know it had an alarm ..

So I took it to the local garage.

After checking and lubricating the door closing mechanism, they could find nothing wrong.

So I picked it up - and found I now had an Engine Warning light up on the dash.

They connected a tester to the wiring loom - but it diagnosed that the diagnostic equipment was faulty .. So I have to go back tomorrow.

Driving home, with the orange Engine warning light still on - I found the radio had no power to it either

How I hate these modern computerised cars. A car should have an engine, brakes and steering - that's it. Keeping things simple is best.

Maybe I should buy a classic car pre-dating useless computers ..

Did they ever find anything on your Mazda?

Hi JTF ..

Well it's back working for the moment - they cleaned and adjusted the door closing mechanism, found a blown fuse to the radio (coincidence maybe), and did a 'reset' (whatever that is) to get rid of the panel light. The car alarm hasn't gone off again so far.

And it only cost me £50 ..

It's a really nice car when it's behaving itself ..

A reset is simply going into the computer and turning off the triggers that turned the light on in the first place.

 

[Papawx3]

Mazda's computers have always been known to show a series of error codes when the vehicle reaches a predetermined mileage. This was designed into the vehicle for one reason: so that the owner would have to take it to a dealership. I bought a new B2200 p/u back in 2000 and this was my sole dissatisfaction with it. However I learned how to disable these error codes on mine.
Most "local garages" don't have the proper equipment necessary to correctly diagnose these issues. As much as I hate it, I'm going to have to recommend that you take it to a Mazda dealership.

Again, untrue. If a service light comes on it is for a reason. Now that reason could be that the light or computer itself is faulty, but I can assure you no manufacture is designing vehicles to turn a light on for no reason. What incentive would there even be to do so? So that a person would take a newish vehicle into a dealership and the manufacture would have to pay for warranty work performed? That's counter productive. As for out of warranty vehicles, manufactures do not make any percentage off repairs done at dealerships. They just don't. So , again, no incentive.

Not to mention the regulatory standards that they must meet.

As for most your comment about most local shops don't have the right diagnostic tools, you are absolutely correct, most don't and you should avoid those shops like the plague. With the latest J2357 standard the government has mandated that all manufactures who sell vehicles in the US must provide access to ALL factory level diagnostics to consumer. Now that simply means they have to conform to ODBII standards as far as diagnostics and they must make their data available. Each shop is of course responsible for buying its own diagnostic equipment , and also each manufacture charges a subscription fee to access their data (except Hyundai who gives free access)

So yes, it's expensive, I just bought a new OTC Genisys Touch which is capable of factory level diagnostic work as well as flash programming on every vehicle on the market today ( providing of course that it is new enough to have such technology) The device cost me $5000 , but is a necessary investment if you want to provide professional service.

Also, as I said in an earlier post, IF I have to get into a manufacture's database I have to pay for that access. So don't come griping when I charge you for diagnostic time.

I'm not going to get into a pissing contest with you over this. That's not my style.
I do know though that I bought a 1990 Mazda B2200 (brand new from the dealership) and the "Check Engine" light turned on every 60,000 miles, just like clockwork. The first couple of times I took it to the dealership for service and paid them $250+ each visit.
Then I was told about a switch that's activated by the gears in the odometer. (Which makes it not only intentional, but actually designed into the original manufacture of the vehicle.) I was also told how to turn the switch back off. Using this knowledge, I figure I finally saved myself about $1000 before I finally sold it.
So, say what you will to deny my claim, but I know what I know, hence your words fall far short of my personal experience.