Even the most confident, high powered career woman can be made to feel clueless when needing help from a garage. If you don’t know your car or what’s wrong, you are waiting to become a victim of a rip off artist.
Who can you trust? Should you get a second opinion? Should you negotiate on parts pricing? Does flirting help? Is it easier to plead helplessness or go tough bitch and no nonsense?
MTA. Remember these magic letters Motor Trade Association. Yes, even mechanics have rules that they must abide by. It’s kind of like the doctors code of ethics. But remember that not all doctors abide by their codes, so even though the local garage has MTA in their window it doesn’t mean they are above dodgy dealings.
Look for a clean service centre with facilities For example, clean toilets, free coffee, newspapers and a friendly front desk reception area. Ask to speak with the manager or foreman of the workshop. There should always be one of these onsite. If you see unsupervised apprentices feel free to run a mile. Find out what their hourly labour charge is, how long they guarantee their workmanship and parts for, and what parts they use (genuine, after market or used). Ask for a loan car while yours is in for servicing or repairs. These should be provided free of charge.
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that sweetheart, I’ll take care of your car for you” This comment is sexist, and should not be tolerated, even by a “respected” mechanic. Ask the foreman to draw you a picture of what is wrong with the car and what parts they have replaced. Education will be your power, and the more you understand, the less chance you have of being ripped off. If the foreman or service manager makes comments that you don’t feel are appropriate, feel free to complain or just don’t go back there. Don’t be bullied into items that are unnecessary just because you feel silly asking for more information.
For all general servicing, repairs or general maintenance, stick with your car manufacturer Hondas should be serviced by Honda, Holden by Holden, Toyota by Toyota…(I’m sure you get the message). Stick with the one service centre and ensure that you keep ALL receipts, invoices, parts numbers etc. Try to make sure that only genuine parts get put in your car (unless it’s an old dunger, in which case, you decide how much it’s worth spending money on!) Again, ensure that the workmanship and parts are guaranteed and get this in writing (even if you feel stupid at the time asking, it is well worth the trouble).
After your car has been serviced or repaired you have the right to go back to the same place if something goes wrong Make sure they understand that you do not want to pay for the same problem again. With your receipts and invoices you will have the backup you need if it goes any further.
If despite all your research and careful planning you end up having problems with your mechanic, those three magic words above should cover you. MTA. Call them, complain, provide your proof and demand better service. You deserve it. I know of someone who has had $1200 refunded to him because a dodgy mechanic took advantage of his ignorance when it came to his car. I also know of people who have NOT complained and walked away bruised by their experiences.
You should be able to enjoy a good relationship with your mechanic, someone who will take care of your car and treat you like the respectable woman you are.
be made to feel clueless when needing help from a garage. If you don’t know your car or what’s wrong, you are waiting to become a victim of a rip off artist.
For example, clean toilets, free coffee, newspapers and a friendly front desk reception area. Ask to speak with the manager or foreman of the workshop. There should always be one of these onsite. If you see unsupervised apprentices feel free to run a mile. Find out what their hourly labour charge is, how long they guarantee their workmanship and parts for, and what parts they use (genuine, after market or used). Ask for a loan car while yours is in for servicing or repairs. These should be provided free of charge. 
Hondas should be serviced by Honda, Holden by Holden, Toyota by Toyota…(I’m sure you get the message). Stick with the one service centre and ensure that you keep ALL receipts, invoices, parts numbers etc. Try to make sure that only genuine parts get put in your car (unless it’s an old dunger, in which case, you decide how much it’s worth spending money on!) Again, ensure that the workmanship and parts are guaranteed and get this in writing (even if you feel stupid at the time asking, it is well worth the trouble).