Mobile Mechanics on Craigslist... mostly a ripoff?

[2civics]

Are any of these guys legit? If so, why not work somewhere legitimate?They claim to be able to save you at least half off what you would pay at a regular mechanic.

Would you trust one to work on your car? Curious if anyone has had experience, good or bad, with a mobile mechanic....

 

[3800Series]

It depends on the individual. We can't say 100% are honest good mechanics. At the same time we can't say 100% are going to do poor work and rip you off.

Shops have a lot of overhead. Its not uncommon for mechanics to make $15-$25 (a work hour) at a shop while the shop charges $80-$100 a hour. So yes in the sense there is room to cut some fat and both can win on the deal.

Ultimately tho you just don't know if they are honest or not. Personally I've always tried to befriend mechanics. Doesn't hurt to get to know them and they tend to give you a lot better rates.

 

[2civics]

I didn't realize shops paid so little....

 

[Wolf359]

I usually search for an ASE mechanic. I think if you know enough about cars, you can talk to them to see if they know what they're doing. I kinda know what I'm doing, but I don't have the space or all the tools or energy to do all the work. I've found one for $20/hr, but what he really does is quote you a price based on how long the job is supposed to take and then he blasts it out, had him do brakes once for $40 which should have been 2 hours, but it only took him an hour. Some of them are good and some aren't.

 

[JustinH]

Check yelp for a mobile mechanic, this way at least you have reviews of their previous "jobs".

 

[Vikas]

Check around with your friends, colleagues, neighbors and find a good honest independent instead. If you establish good rapport with the place, they will work with you and you will save money and aggravation.

 

[raytseng]

I personally wouldn't trust it, unless it's for routine maintenance that is pretty much foolproof.

If they get stuck they may disappear on you and you are screwed.

 

[Stregone]

I remember reading a story about mechanics that setup shop in the parking lot of an autozone and did would work on people's cars right there with a floor jack, jackstands, and a trunk full of tools. Everyone interviewed that had used their services was happy. There were multiple mechanics there and they would chase off other mechanics that tried to screw people over. Obviously it eventually got shut down, but it seems like a win/win if you can find one you trust.

 

[splinter]

Sometimes you get what you pay for. "Half off" is a no-go with my ball joints and lug nuts.

I sublet non-DIY work to a trusted independent shop with whom my family has done business for more than ten years.
Don't need an estimate and never been taken. Cultivating relationships like ours is built on trust and professionalism.
"Danny, here are the keys...please text me when you're done."

Isn't Craigslist is mostly for hookers and their lookers?

 

[threeputtpar]

Recently, I was shopping around CL for someone to do a torque converter replacement for me, since I didn't have the space to DIY. There was one guy who renewed his ad every 2-3 days and then there were other people who renewed their warning ad about this guy at the same pace. It was a good indication to steer clear of him.

I did find a local that did the job for exactly half of what the independent mechanic quoted me, plus he did it over the weekend so I could live without the car. The work was great and he answered any question I had for him without any grief. Well worth the time invested to find him and speak with him before the job was performed.

 

[surfstar]

Had my last Tbelt for my Civic done with a mobile guy.
I had all the parts and told him I only expected a warranty on his labor, and figured out a price beforehand.

They were fast. Two guys did a full Tbelt, waterpump, tensioner, belts, job in ~90 mins. I would find out later that meant too fast. Engine didn't warm up enough to fully burp the cooling system and they lost or forgot to bolt my dipstick tube back on. Quite annoying. Otherwise, they were fine. I know enough to fix their issues, but a normal non-car person might have had follow-up trouble.

It was still much cheaper than a shop, b/c I bought parts online for a great price, so I can't complain overall.

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: surfstar
Had my last Tbelt for my Civic done with a mobile guy.
I had all the parts and told him I only expected a warranty on his labor, and figured out a price beforehand.

They were fast. Two guys did a full Tbelt, waterpump, tensioner, belts, job in ~90 mins. I would find out later that meant too fast. Engine didn't warm up enough to fully burp the cooling system and they lost or forgot to bolt my dipstick tube back on. Quite annoying. Otherwise, they were fine. I know enough to fix their issues, but a normal non-car person might have had follow-up trouble.

It was still much cheaper than a shop, b/c I bought parts online for a great price, so I can't complain overall.

There are some really good mobile guys here, sell to almost all of them. There are some questionable ones also that use us for diag.

 

[InfmousCornholio]

It really is hit or miss, and depends on the individual.

I have one lined up to help me, shortly. In my case, I have some big work in store, and I will get to judge how they do, including if they are comfortable with a helper. Some guys don't need one and prefer to do it themself. I look for the way they respond to texts, I attempt to ascertain if their statements of "I do this on the side from a reputable shop" or "I have 10 years as an ASE Certified Master Tech" etc etc et al are true.. Since anyone can type anything.. I also think of the price, in relation to the work being done. It either means true experience, or a hack.

Basically.. If you feel the work being done is not professional, you may have to step in and pay them for what they did and thank them for their time. If they are good, then let them go all the way.

Also see what they say if you offer to use your own parts. If they say "I won't guarantee it if we use parts I don't get," I feel more confident. If they say "Yeah, cool, we can use that," then that would have me question someone's commitment to the job.

Hit or miss. 100%.

They CAN be extremely useful, though, primarily for totally disabled vehicles where a tow would cost about as much as the repair.

Quote:

Isn't Craigslist is mostly for hookers and their lookers? smile


No more escorts on Craigslist. Gotta go to backpage.com for that now.