Getting affordable quotes from mechanics

An unexpectedly high quote or bill from the mechanic can be a cause of stress. However, reducing the cost of your car repairs is possible. Follow these car repair cost tips to make sure your next trip to the mechanic doesn’t cause your bank balance angst.

Find a reputable mechanic you can trust

A mechanic who will always do the right thing by you – only doing necessary repairs, charging a fair price, communicating clearly and honestly, and trying to reduce your costs where they can – is worth their weight in ball bearings.

If you don’t already know such a mechanic, try to find one. Word of mouth can be the best recommendation, so ask friends and family for referrals. Or head online and look for reviews to find a reputable mechanic – it’s a good idea to check reviews on more than one platform.

Get more than one car repair quote

Even if you have a regular mechanic, it doesn’t hurt to go out and get a second – and third –opinion. Mechanics can make different diagnoses, offer different approaches to repairs, charge different hourly rates and source differently priced parts. So get a few quotes from mechanics with good reputations – especially if it’s a big job

Ask questions to understand your car repair quote

If you don’t understand what your mechanic is telling you about what’s wrong with your car, and what repairs need doing, ask. Don’t be scared to show your ignorance; you wouldn’t be the first customer who doesn’t know a catalytic converter from a coil spring, and you won’t be the last.

Knowledge is power, as they say, and understanding your car repair quote can put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to doing the best thing for both your car and your bank balance. Having an understanding of what’s involved also helps ensure you’re comparing like with like when you’re looking at different quotes.

Communicate your money concerns

Your mechanic may not know you’re on a budget. They might think you want everything done right now to get your car into tip-top shape, whatever the cost. If you let them know you’re keen to save money where possible, they might look at things a little differently. Perhaps they’ll say certain repairs can wait a while, or look into using cheaper, after-market parts. And if your mechanic doesn’t volunteer any ways in which you can save money, don’t be scared to ask directly: Does all this need doing now or can some of it wait? How can we save money on parts? And simply: Is there any way you can do this cheaper?

Request a call

After you’ve done all the hard work in finding a reputable mechanic, whittling the repairs down to what’s essential, and negotiating a fair price, the last thing you want is to get a shock when you turn up to collect your vehicle.

If an unexpected problem surfaces during a repair, most mechanics will call a customer, and explain what they’ve found and what needs to be done before they go ahead with any unplanned work. Before you hand your over your car, it doesn’t hurt to clarify with your mechanic that they will make that call should it be needed. Communication is key.

We understand that with the burdens of the current cost of living, every dollar counts. That's why we're here to help you be smarter with your car maintenance. By following these tips, you can reduce the financial stress of car repairs and make informed decisions that keep both your vehicle and your budget in good shape. Whether it’s finding a trustworthy mechanic, asking the right questions, or negotiating the best price, a little extra effort can go a long way in making your car maintenance more affordable.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}