How to Negotiate Auto Repair Estimates

Know What You Need
Learning to negotiate auto repair estimates is something anyone can do. If you own a car, at some point you’re going to need repair work done, even if it’s only routine maintenance. Many auto repair shops have set prices for certain types of work like a brake job or oil change.

As a consumer you have the right to request a detailed, written breakdown of repair charges you may incur, as well as the option to negotiate a better deal. Most people don't realize they actually can negotiate auto repair work. While some charges are set in stone, like the cost of parts, other fees leave room for negotiation. Some things on the estimate may not be essential and can be changed or eliminated. Unless you're truly desperate (like being stuck in a strange town with one car mechanic), some car problems can wait to be repaired, giving you the chance to do some research, shop around for the best deal, or save money to have the repair done right.

Since knowledge is power, keep these tips in mind to help you negotiate an auto repair estimate:

• All auto repair cost estimates should include a written breakdown of the parts to be used (know if they will use original equipment from the manufacturer – OEM – or not), labor charges, miscellaneous charges (like shop supplies), flat fees (not broken down into parts and labor), and a summary of the total cost.
• Never ask questions such as "Do I need a tune up" or "Do I need new tires." These questions imply that you don't know what you need and may be an open invitation for a mechanic to recommend services or parts you don’t really need. Know when your car’s recommended tune-ups, oil changes and tire rotations should be performed.

• Answer any questions the mechanic may have, but don‘t volunteer any unnecessary information. Avoid saying things like "My son is taking this car to college," "We're going on a road trip," or worst of all, "Just do whatever you think is best." This is like giving someone your charge card and a permission slip.
• Always ask if the recommended repair is necessary or if it might be able to be postponed. Some things are a must in order to keep you safe and prevent further damage to your vehicle. But separating those things from services you can wait on or forgo altogether could save you hundreds of dollars. Keep this list of priorities in mind: engine and suspension work first, comfort issues next (A/C, stereo), appearance last (dents and dings).
• Labor rates are billed in fractions of an hour. Know the shop's rate and do the math yourself to make sure you are billed correctly for service.
• Find an auto repair estimate database or go online for an auto club or similar resource. It always helps if you can go into the estimating process as an informed consumer.
• One of the best negotiating tools is a second itemized estimate from another repair shop. Unless your car died in the auto repair parking lot, or was towed there, you don’t have to have the work done by the first place you go to. And even then, you may find another shop willing to tow your car to their facility and do the necessary work for less money.

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