Dodgy mechanic scams
Many Queenslanders are unsure if they are getting ripped off by their mechanic or not. If you have any doubts, here’s a scam list of what to look out for.
Firstly, it’s important to know that the clear majority of licensed mechanics are trustworthy and do their job to the highest standard. But unfortunately, there are some dodgy mechanics out there who intentionally rip off their customers by up-selling and repairing components that don’t actually need fixing. Keep an eye out for the following scams:
Does your mechanic bring forward scheduled parts replacements before they’re due?
Loads of parts in your car will eventually need to be replaced. The critical point is either the number of kilometres your vehicle has driven or the time. A mechanic who wants to rip you off will often bring forward these major parts replacements unnecessarily.
Does your mechanic charge you for parts not replaced?
Have you had your car serviced but still feel it’s not running 100%? Usually it’s because the parts that were charged were not actually replaced. This is the oldest trick in the book.
Does your mechanic create fake repairs?
There are some mechanics who will create repairs out of thin air in order to upsell you. And to make matters even worse, because there wasn’t a problem in the first place, they don’t actually do any work for the extra charge. That’s a double rip off.
Has your mechanic lured you in with a cheap service?
The automotive repair industry is super competitive. One of the most common scams is to get customers in the door by advertising a cheap service. They lure in first-time customers with a bargain price then you’ll notice prices going up and discovering you’ll need extra work done or parts replaced.
What can you do about it?
The thought of questioning your mechanic can be daunting. Sometimes it’s easier and less confronting to just accept their assessment and pay the bill. But if you want to stand up for yourself, here are a few tips to make sure everything is above board.
- First do your homework, read customer reviews to find a reliable, trustworthy mechanic.
- Stick to your maintenance schedule.
- Avoid cheap services, anything below $120 should send warning bells.
- Get everything in writing.
- Keep records in your logbook, so you can keep track of what’s due and when.
- Ask for your old parts back.
- Get a second opinion.
Once you know what to look out for, it is easier to avoid getting ripped off.
Trusted team in Dayboro
You can always be confident our dedicated, licensed mechanics at Mainstreme Automotive, are 100% reliable and trustworthy. We’ve earned a reputation for delivering the highest quality service without compromise.
Call our friendly staff on 07 34251503 and we’d be happy to answer your questions and arrange a free quote.
