Happier Abroad Forum Community

Yes, I would say they are. They are not just going to be honest and charge you for the repair you need and you are on your way.

They will always find some way to jack up the bill so that you pay more. They will replace a part that doesn't need replacing and charge you for the labour.

I recently had a repair which cost $2300. I would say $1300 of that was unnecessary.

Some will outright damage your vehicle so you bring it back to them for repair. I have had this happen. In that instance don't bring it back to them. Don't reward them for their vandalism to your vehicle. Bring it to anther shop.

I have been learning to do my own repairs by watching YouTube videos. Often you can avoid mechanics by doing the repairs yourself

I have no driver's license, car, and take the city bus in Edmonton.

I've been doing my own car repairs now and it gives me a great sense of satisfaction to effectuate my own car repairs plus 99% of all auto-mechanics are dishonest. In other words you bring them your car for one problem and they'll find another.

I think @Winston has some experience with this with home repair people doing the same, overcharging, etc.

Yes and no. They overcharge but America is expensive. Car repairs are far cheaper in Asia. But there is an industry standard. You have to find a mechanic with a good reputation. But even if you do they can lie occasionally. Even a good mechanic doesn't tell the truth 100 percent of the time, maybe only 80 percent of the time. You have to know about cars too or else they will rip you off. Note that they don't lie 100 percent, they give you partial truths but exaggerate it. Like they show you a part that is worn out and make you afraid and feel that you have to replace it soon or your car could break down. They exaggerate little risks with partial truths. Even if they show you the worn part under the car and you can see it, they still exaggerate. You should always get 2 or 3 opinions. There are so many sharks out there with no conscience.

In my experience if there is a China town near you, go there because Asian auto mechanics are less likely to lie and scam you then American ones are. You can also bargain prices with them too.

TruthSeeker wrote: ↑

May 26th, 2025, 8:14 am

I've been doing my own car repairs now and it gives me a great sense of satisfaction to effectuate my own car repairs plus 99% of all auto-mechanics are dishonest. In other words you bring them your car for one problem and they'll find another.

I think @Winston has some experience with this with home repair people doing the same, overcharging, etc.

I saw videos on YouTube on how to repair your car, but it's way too complicated and not something most people can do. It's not recommended at all unless you have a knack for car repairs. It's not something anyone can do. There is also an app now that brings mechanics to your house who will repair the car for you and give you a quote in advance.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... anic&hl=en

https://www.theautomonkey.com/

You can also search on Yelp for the mechanics near you with the best reputation and ratings.

Winston wrote: ↑

May 30th, 2025, 6:47 am

There is also an app now that brings mechanics to your house who will repair the car for you and give you a quote in advance.

We have the same where I live. They call them mobile mechanics, but many repairs can't be done unless they put your car on a hoist. They are unable to do that if they come to your house.

The key would be to find an honest mechanic or shop which is very hard to do now. They are all out for the $$$

This is one of the best investments I've made. NEXPEAK NC101 Car Battery Charger, Smart Battery Trickle Charger 12V 6A Automotive Battery Maintainer Desulfator with Temp Compensation for Car Truck



You can buy them for cheap on Amazon