Do i owe a mechanic anything for an estimate?

MithrilHawk

the chain service centers (Firestone or whatever their names might be now) usually state that if they look at your car, there is a minimum charge. I think this is a rip off designed to force you to let them fix your car or pay them money for doing nothing.

local mechanics usually do not charge for estimates.

I do not feel the need to tip or pay for estimates. It is in the mechanic's best interest to give you a fair diagnosis and fair price if he wants to work on your car.

you don't pay for estimates of home improvements or yardwork or anything else that I can think of.

Estimates are an opportunity for the service provider to win your business. They are not supposed to generate income.

Vultureman

The only reason you should have to pay for an estimate is if you have them do tear down on a vehicle but decide not to finish the work there.

If he charges you it should not be much, because there is not much labor in pulling the wheels off and looking at the breaks
And if he charges you too much money , then he is ripping you off and should not get the rest of your business.

John B

a good mechanic shouldn't charge you for that.

Kiara K

no you shouldn't

UNITool

Most garages will charge a fee for giving an estimate if you do not have them do the work. It varies place to place.

pixie22406

Something like that should be discussed up front. Usually, large chains will give the estimate for free even if you decide not to have the work done. However, small places like that probably will charge you something for their time or storage. He may try to get you because he wanted the brake job. Tell him that you need to discuss the work with someone else before making a decision, perhaps a wife or relative. Also mention something to him about a budget for repairs and you only have so much set aside. Perhaps he will drop the price, perhaps not. Most likely he will want some kind of fee for you. If it is outrageous, consider it a lesson learned and take the car somewhere more reputable. Or have a friend help you do it yourself. Brakes are not hard to do and the parts are not that expensive.

Barry auh2o

I live near a garage. His fee for an opinion is a pizza.
For an estimate he charges, $ 25.00, but it is a credit if you have the work done there.
He explained, he does too many insurance estimates, but seldom gets the work. People are shopping for the lowest price. He does good work, not cheap work.

Quiet.Buck

the fact he didn't charge you for the estimate, CLEARLY shows he is a reputable shop.

edit: since he was nice, no charge for his time.... just basic morals should tell you do return the favor. referr his shop to friends and co-workers. that will be his tip, more work.

chuck t

Did he say anything about an estimate? what did you sign to let him start work? Find out what his labor rate is and to check the brakes he shouldn't charge you over a 1/2 hour. Anything over that will be gouging and you are probably correct to let someone else do the work. How long has it been since you bought the car? Did He treat you right when you bought the car? If you bought it recently it seems he would cut you a deal on the brake job.

MSAD

The mechanic spent time looking at your car and diagnosing the problem. If you were going to have him do the repairs, he probably would not charge you for that. However, since you are going to take the car else where and he will not be doing the repairs - it is not unreasonable for him to charge you for his time.

Mechanics in my area get paid $60.00-$90.00 per hour. So if he spent 1/2 hour looking at your car - he would be justified in charging you 1/2 of his hourly rate.

Your mechanic gets paid for his time - it's how he feeds his family. He spent his time looking at your car and diagnosing it - so you owe him for that.

mbrcatz

Typically, he'll charge you for the estimate.

I love my baby boy!

If it's a free estimate place, you're good. If not, he might charge you for the diagnostic.

dionysus

you shouldn't be charged for the estimate. As far as I know no mechanic charges. However he can charge you for storing the car. Make sure he doesnt charge an exhorbinant rate. ask otehr mechanics and see if they charge if at all. Usually they don't for a day or so. If your car has not been been there overnight you owe him nothing. Did he tell you he charge for an estimate, did you sign something to that effect ? I doubt he has any legal standing to make you pay a dime. If he does make you pay, do it on a credit card so you can do a charge back as soon as you leave his slimly shop. You never tip mechanics.

meat puppet

How many of you people work for free?? Please if you do work for free, post your phone # because I have things I need done..... An estimate and a diagnosis are two completely different things.. one is like going to your dentist and asking how much it costs to extract a tooth the other is like asking the dentist to determine if it really needs pulling.

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