When you are waiting in the customer lounge at an auto shop San Diego CA to hear about the cost of your repair bill, it can be stress-inducing. That is likely because you may feel that you are at the mercy of your auto technician.
However, seeking vehicle repairs does not have to be so unpleasant. If you can arm yourself with a bit of knowledge, such as your options for repair, negotiation tactics, and tips from experts in the industry, you can maybe feel a bit more confident the next time you go in for a vehicle repair estimate.
Ask For a Discount at Your Auto Shop in San Diego
There are many ways you can potentially cut costs, but recent surveys have found that many consumers fail to take advantage of these discounts. For instance, few customers try to negotiate a lower price for repairs that are not covered by a warranty. Only around 21% make the effort to haggle, but when they do, they have the chance to save some money.
The success of haggling at independent shops is usually higher, at 76%, compared to other types of San Diego auto repair shops. Dealers are the least likely to offer a discount, and the success rate for hagglers at these facilities is around 61%. The average amount saved by customers who negotiated can be on average $100, according to recent studies from Consumer Reports. When it comes to brands, customers who negotiated the cost of their vehicle repair at BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus dealerships were able to save the most, likely due to the higher cost of repairing luxury cars.
Best San Diego Repair Shop Strategies
You should always compare pricing. Ask the mechanic what components were used to repair your vehicle. Those that use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts can be more costly, but you may save money, in the long run, using OEM-equivalent parts. Be sure that you understand the warranty terms for each component, whether it is from the manufacturer or from the repair shop. If an auto repair will cost you almost as much as the value of the car, like a transmission replacement, you can often save a significant sum of money by looking for used parts for your repairs if you are willing to do a bit of research. However, you should check to see if the mechanic is willing to use them.
Some other auto repair strategies you should follow include:
- Make sure the repairs are correctly completed the first time
- Get quotes from other shops before having repairs done
- Follow your owner’s manual for recommended repairs
Auto Body Repair Shops in San Diego
Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated business that has provided quality car service in San Diego for years. We offer you hassle-free estimates and repairs in San Diego starting with a precise assessment of your vehicle’s current issues. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process by providing quick and easy auto repair San Diego. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today at 1 (619) 330-0862 to see how we can help.