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	Choosing A Mechanic
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

• shops that offer both diagnostics and repair (conflict of interest)
• a shop that grossly underbids -- may use untrained labor and cheap parts
• mechanics that don't take the time to show you what is wrong with your car
• mechanics who don't answer your questions or try to rush you
• mechanics who have a problem with you asking for a second opinion
• a shop that has to fix the same problem multiple times
• a garage that is exceptionally filthy or disorderly
• a garage where you can't see the work area from the waiting area
• dealerships -- they almost always overcharge for minor repairs

• talk to friends, family, and colleagues about their experiences
• ask about the mechanic's competence, reliability, and honesty
• but don't take a referral at face value -- just the first step
• check the Better Business Bureau for complaints about that mechanic

• always choose an ASE-Certified mechanic
• given by the National Institute For Automotive Service Excellence
• voluntary testing that weeds out low-level mechanics
• look for other certificates and ask what classes the mechanic attends
• good mechanics take classes a year to keep up with latest technology

• What brand of replacement parts does your shop use?
• How much will this repair cost? Is that a guaranteed price?
• If your prices are not guaranteed, how much can they deviate?
• Do you offer a lifetime or 60,000 mile guarantee on your work?
• Can I have a tour of the garage or even watch while my work is done?
• Do you offer a loaner car while mine is being worked on?
• How long will it take to do this repair? Do you guarantee that estimate?

• ask for a second opinion if you think something is off or wrong
• get a technical manual and learn the basic parts of your car
• ask questions and ask to be shown exactly what isn't working
• ask to see the diagnostic read-out if it isn't a visible malfunction
• take your car to an independent diagnostic shop for a checkup
• don't let a tow-truck driver talk you into his "favorite" mechanic
• get a written estimate first before you authorize any repairs

 

Copyright Ramona Creel, all rights reserved-- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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