When it comes to your import car, you do not want to trusted to just anyone to fix it. You need a Houston import car repair technician who specializes in servicing and maintaining a luxury, imported vehicle such as yours. Import cars require specialized tools, extra training and a different skill set and body of knowledge are all needed to do the job right.

It pays to find the right mechanic. Be diligent in your search. Most shops specializing in Houston import auto service are good, law-abiding businesses. However, just as there are bad apples in nearly every other industry there will always be a few mechanics that are not so scrupulous. There are scams and rip-offs that you should be aware of so that you can avoid them.

The largest number of consumer complaints stem from people who have had car repair problems. Unwitting consumers can end up paying thousands in unnecessary repairs and poor or unfinished work. If you aren’t schooled in automotive repair, it can be difficult to tell when someone is lying or padding their bill. It’s also hard to tell if they’ve really done the work that’s on the invoice. Familiarize yourself with some of the most common scams so you will be able to recognize the techniques and avoid getting ripped off.

The Bad Samaritan

Some con artists will sneak over while you are paying for gas and dribble oil or fluids under your car. The “helpful stranger” points it out, telling you he’s a mechanic and that it’s a serious problem. He’ll try to get you to go to his import car repair shop right away, before you’ve had time to research or even think.

Thank him and move your car to another location. Stay with your car and look for any additional signs of the “leak” after he is gone. You probably won’t see any. The rule for this scam is: always do your homework and don’t trust your car to a stranger.

The Hook and Load

With this scenario, you bring your car in for an advertised service that has a great price. After a brief exam, the technician returns with bad news. Your small service visit turns into a major repair as he lists one necessary fix after another. He keeps loading on the repairs till the bill is huge.

Again, thank the technician for his time and inform him that you need a second opinion. Ask for a written copy of the “necessary” repairs and take your car to another mechanic. The warning on this scam is: don’t panic; think before you pay.

The Padded Bill

This one is much more difficult for the average car owner to discern. Some crooked mechanics will pad their bill with services not actually performed or charge top dollar for off-brand import car parts. If you aren’t familiar with the inner workings of your car, this one is easy to miss.

The main issue to look for is repeated visits. If you keep taking your car back for the same thing, then something may be amiss. Off-brand parts are notorious for being lower quality and wearing out far faster than name brand parts. Ask the technician to point to the parts that were repaired or replaced.

Ask to have the removed parts back once the work is done and have him show you what was worn or broken on them. An honest person won’t have anything to hide and will gladly help educate you. The lesson here is: trust your gut instinct.

Read up on auto repair scams before your next service appointment. An educated consumer is a con artist’s worst enemy.

View all Jeff Anderson's articles

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Article Source: EuroCare

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