In the book Blue Highways, the author shared his advice. The dirtiest, greasiest shop with 4 year old calendars on the wall were usually the best mechanics.
You should always ask you mechanically minded friends to work on your car for free even though you can easily afford going to the dealer. We enjoy hearing from people we haven’t heard from in six months ask if we can change their clutch.
Befriend one. I developed a friendship over fifteen years with someone who was first a neighbor (his garage across from my apartment). Later I would take my car to him sometimes, then over the years I bought a house and moved away, but he was still my mechanic and friend. Our friendship grew, and I always try to bring my business and others to him and he has treated me like family.
Would it not be even MORE manly if I were to fix my own car?
Never hire a mechanic. Just trade-in and buy a new vehicle.
Stealership mechanics are trustworthy because they won’t try to sell you parts and service you don’t need.
They’re also ASE certified.
Good mechanics are paid to do the work and dishonest mechanics are paid to work for the lowest possible price.
If a shop doesn’t have respect for its mechanics skill and talent, it won’t have respect for its customers.
If you find a good mechanic it doesn’t hurt to show your appreciation. I’m loyal to my chainsaw mechanic. When he turned around a job in four days, after saying the shop was booked out for three weeks, I brought fresh donuts from krispy Krems for the whole service department. Ten bucks with a coupon and I get exceptional service every time I come in.