Is there a list of "RECOMMENDED REPAIR SHOPS" by region?

[Sparky16]

As the title says, is there a list of recommended repair shops by BITOG members?
If this subject was covered somewhere else, please direct me there and delete this post.

I used to frequent a MB forum where members post their positive(and negative) experiences with certain repair/maintenance shops by every region. Being new in this Pacific NorthWest, although I do most of the work myself, I'm in need of honest and reliable repair shop close by. The MB forum had quite a few members from all over the world, the list was very valuable for newcomers.

 

[Krieg]

That is an awesome idea! Not that I know of? We should certainly support small businesses with honest mechanics!

 

[AutoMechanic]

Not that I know of. I feel something like that could go either way you will have one person in that area that doesn’t like that shop then another member who loves it then they would start arguing that would be my concern with something like that here, but it’s always good to suggest the ideas to the staff so definitely do they might agree and add it. Always go and scope the place out though that’s what I tell people to do. I know I see people around here always asking on Facebook on the local community page wanting mechanic recommendations for a good shop. I personally don’t recommend places usually because I don’t want them coming back to me if something goes wrong there.

 

[Sparky16]

Not that I know of. I feel something like that could go either way you will have one person in that area that doesn’t like that shop then another member who loves it then they would start arguing that would be my concern with something like that here, but it’s always good to suggest the ideas to the staff so definitely do they might agree and add it. Always go and scope the place out though that’s what I tell people to do. I know I see people around here always asking on Facebook on the local community page wanting mechanic recommendations for a good shop. I personally don’t recommend places usually because I don’t want them coming back to me if something goes wrong there.

Understood and agree 100%.
Nothing, no one can please everyone. There's always naysayers everywhere. So the recommendation doesn't guarantee that particular shop is 100% honest and reliable. But if one particular place gets many thumbs up, then the place is worth a try, IMO. That gives a point to start to look, at least. There are simply too many shops that are not honest or reliable, doing unnecessary work at unbelievable cost. I have been taken for many times in my younger years, sigh.

 

[Starman2112]

Not that I know of. I feel something like that could go either way you will have one person in that area that doesn’t like that shop then another member who loves it then they would start arguing that would be my concern with something like that here, but it’s always good to suggest the ideas to the staff so definitely do they might agree and add it. Always go and scope the place out though that’s what I tell people to do. I know I see people around here always asking on Facebook on the local community page wanting mechanic recommendations for a good shop. I personally don’t recommend places usually because I don’t want them coming back to me if something goes wrong there.

An argument? On BITOG? Nah...

 

[levi]

As the title says, is there a list of recommended repair shops by BITOG members?
If this subject was covered somewhere else, please direct me there and delete this post.

I used to frequent a MB forum where members post their positive(and negative) experiences with certain repair/maintenance shops by every region. Being new in this Pacific NorthWest, although I do most of the work myself, I'm in need of honest and reliable repair shop close by. The MB forum had quite a few members from all over the world, the list was very valuable for newcomers.

In my view the best way to find a good shop is simply to ask around. I realize you said you were new to your area, but I still think that's the best way. It may take some time. Ask a lot of people. Keep doing it. On line review sites are ok, but are easily faked, pro and con.

I broke down once on a vacation hundreds of miles from home. Got a ride to the local Wal-Mart auto department that had a garage. (I can hear the groans already.) I knew it wasn't something that Wal-Mart could fix. Talked to the guy on the floor at the time. Explained my situation. Told him I just needed an honest mechanic that he personally would trust - not a buddy or hearsay. If he didn't really know of someone just tell me.

He gave me the name and location of a place he said he trusted completely. Called them, got my vehicle to them. Very reasonable price for the repair, showed/explained to me my problem. I was on my way the next day.

No it doesn't always work that way especially in a pinch, but the more time you put in to asking around in a sincere manner, the more likely you will come up with what you are looking for. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

 

[dadto2]

Doesn't the Car Talk website have a list of recommended shops?

 

[Hall]

Use Yelp, Google reviews, etc. You can tell which reviews are whiney and should be ignored ("shop replaced my brakes and a week later my battery died and they wouldn't fix it"). I actually look at the negative reviews and some I consider valid and others I know to throw out. You can also tell which ones are likely fake as they're often too generic.

 

[earlyre]

Doesn't the Car Talk website have a list of recommended shops?

https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files

 

[DougR]

Here is a list of the best shops in the Phoenix area https://salemboysauto.com/marksalem/bestautorepair/index.php These recommendations are backed up by a $5000 personal guarantee. See details to qualify for the guarantee about midway on the webpage.

 

[JimPghPA]

Sparky16, if you want members to give you good recommendations of honest and knowledgeable, and capable repair shops in your area, a good start would be to let the members know where you are located.

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Changing the subject completely, here's one for the humor section. Maybe we could start a thread about where the shops are that will lick'em and stick'em on anything that moves if you bring a cold case of beer along with the vehicle.

 

[Sparky16]

I'm in Vancouver, WA

 

[Blinker]

Probably a bad idea to have a running list of recommended shops. It could become a huge liability for this site.

 

[Sparky16]

Probably a bad idea to have a running list of recommended shops. It could become a huge liability for this site.

What liability?
Just collection of BITOG members' own experiences.

 

[Blinker]

What liability?
Just collection of BITOG members' own experiences.

I understand. Generally if someone needs a recommendation it’s best to PM that member. Having a running list of recommendations opens up liability to the site if it’s allowed to be posted.

BITOG would basically be giving their seal of approval for those shops.

Home Depot years ago used to have “contractor lists” at the stores. They stopped allowing that practice after HD was named in several lawsuits when customers hired contractors from the list and ended up having issues with the work. Come to find out most of them aren’t legit contractors and aren’t licensed.

Same thing happens in the auto repair industry.

 

[Sparky16]

Well, on this board, only the registered members are allowed to post and anyone reading that particular recommendation would know whose post it is and with a bit of search will let you know if the poster is legit or not. This BITOG forum is nothing like HD's list, no one is going to benefit from the recommendation but the user. If the recommendation is by someone with single digit post, we all know it's not to be trusted. I doubt anyone will just go to the recommended shop without due research.

 

[Hall]

Probably a bad idea to have a running list of recommended shops. It could become a huge liability for this site.

The site would have zero risk

 

[Blinker]

The site would have zero risk

That’s frankly just not true.

It’s up to the site owner if they want to run the risk of having a such a recommended shop list. But make no mistake there is definitely a risk.

 

[Hall]

That’s frankly just not true.

It’s up to the site owner if they want to run the risk of having a such a recommended shop list. But make no mistake there is definitely a risk.

How do Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc escape liability ?

 

[Blinker]

How do Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc escape liability ?

Google, Yelp, and Facebook actually some level of verification for reviews. It would be too big of a challenge ($$$) for BITOG to take on.

Also, Google, Yelp, and Facebook allow reviews for all businesses. What was proposed by the OP is a list that is strictly based off user input. It would be completely biased. It’s just a bad idea all the way around.

I’m sure this topic would be better answered by forum staff.