Description of service
All the electricity in my car went out. We had roadside repair come and they replaced the battery (for $100), but apparently when they started it up the electric system went out as well. We brought it to a mechanic who said the starter and alternator both needed to be replaced, and he could do it for $400 (we were also quoted $800 by another mechanic).
In the end, it cost $550 total for both replacements plus labor. There were also other problems that persisted, such as the radio being out and the CD player not opening, but he fixed those for free a few days later when I complained.
Review of Service
It was very frustrating that the amount we were eventually charged ($550) was much greater than what we were quoted ($400), though it was still less than what the second mechanic quoted ($800). Also, it took several days for him to finish, even though he originally told me it would take a day. The fact that he also fixed the extra problems with the radio and CD player for free, despite the fact that it probably wasn't his fault, was nice.
I know I could have gotten better service (faster and closer to what was quoted) if I had been willing to pay more, and I don't think I could have done it for much less in my area.
Tips
It's probably best to go to a trusted mechanic, as anyone will tell you. This can either be a big company (though they don't do everything a mechanic will do), or someone you've gone to in the past who has given you good service and accurate quotes.
I would also push them to make sure their quote is accurate. This was the most frustrating part of my experience. Had he just told me it would be $550 from the beginning, I probably would have decided to go with him anyway, but I wouldn't have felt that he was lying to me and I would have trusted him more in the future.
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