Trust is an important part of any relationship, not least when it comes to relations between you and the garage that looks after your car. You’ll need to be able to trust what the experts are telling you. Finding a garage that cares for its customers is well worth your time.
Is it worth asking my friends and family?
Yes, absolutely. Your friends and family members will be honest about their experiences at local garages. Let’s face it, you’ll want to find a garage nearby. Car repairs often take a while, so you could find yourself needing a lift from friends. The garage staff may even offer to drop you back home.
What to look for when searching online
It’s actually become pretty easy to sift through the good and the bad car dealers nowadays thanks to the internet. We’ve got a comprehensive list of respected dealers in our dealer directory. Have a look at what’s local to you and try asking the top-rated few for some quotes.
It’s worth mentioning that a dealer with an average of 4 stars from 200 reviews might provide a better service than a dealer with a 5 star average from just 4 reviews. Keep your wits about you.
Elsewhere, you’ll find honest feedback and reviews left on owners’ forums and websites. Both the AA and the RAC have approved garages that can be found via their websites.
You can also let the reputable dealers come to you by using a service such as WhoCanFixMyCar.com - just fill in it what work you are after and selected garages will contact you with quotes and offers.
Other things to consider
Sometimes bad experiences at garages happen due to simple misunderstandings. To help prevent this, here are some tips to help make the process easier.
- When you’ve found a garage you’re happy to use, make sure you ask for a quote upfront. This should include parts, labour and VAT.
- You can ask to watch the work being carried out – most mechanics are happy to let you do so. Equally, when the work is finished, you can ask to see what has been done.
- Before paying, make sure you ask for a detailed invoice that breaks down all the costs involved.