19 tips for finding a great mechanic

I am a mechanic. Been one for 20 years. Certs like ASE, Big Red (Honda), GM Pro, etc are great for wall art. They DO NOT mean that the guy holding the cert ACTUALLY can do what the cert says.
I DO NOT say don't get educated but understand that the only TRUE certs come from the MANUFACTURER. Example is motorcycle and lawn and garden tools, each of the manufacturers holds week long (or longer) schools that address stages of competence through fault finding,rebuilds,ele​ctrical failures,diagnostic procedures etc. ALL OF IT HANDS ON with a master level instructor who also has to pass the same tests EVERY YEAR. If you fail them it means you are just a "yard mechanic". The manufacturers also provide update schools for the mechanics to refresh some older points of concern and touch on the new features or new models. Schools like MMI,UTI,WYOTECH do not have this.

Dealers.........some​times they can be high priced.....GET INFORMED by taking a couple of classes. THE INTERNET FORUMS ARE THE WORST PLACE TO FIND HONEST AND ACCURATE INFORMATION. You need to filter the posts for ones that show more personal favoritism, tough to do.  

Aftermarket vs. OEM.......this is a crap shoot. SOME OEM parts are good but ALLOT  of aftermarket are better. Oem is just that. A standard part that is produced with cost in mind, not longevity and not strength. Quite a number of the aftermarket parts are built for racing or heavy duty use so the materials are better the quality is higher ( so is the price sometimes) and the part has longevity in the design. This is also one were you need to have knowledge or you will get hosed.

shop supplies......NOT ALL SHOPS PAD THE TICKET....... look at your invoice....if you invoice says tire change and oil and filter change and there is nothing else like disposal fee or recycling tax, it is included in "shop supplies". Ask to see the supplies used. A quality shop will provide them for your inspection ( unless it is a waste fluid)

Mechanics and prices.......if you are thinking of trying to negotiate your repair....make sure the mechanic is not paid "commission" . If he is, talk to HIM/HER  NOT the service writer. The mechanic is paid based on shop hourly rate and his "flag" time. If you get a cut rate deal you have just taken the mechanics way to pay his bills out of his pocket...We don't appreciate having to tell our kids they can't have the new toy we promised because some cheap skate didn't want to pay for the time needed. If you ask most mechanics directly then we usually will help you out. cut us out of the loop...........not to good for the service we are doing to YOUR car.
It can fast or cheap or good. If it is good and fast it is not cheap, if it is fast and cheap it is not good. There is no cheap and good.  quality takes time, time is money.

The best way to find a good mechanic is to not need one. Do the required maintenance as your dealer/owners manual tells you and fix the problems as they arise. You pay allot less down the road. Also DO NOT modify your ride with race parts,huge tires/wheels,extra lights,etc etc and expect the vehicle to run forever and drive just like a stock version, it won't and it will need more work.

Again the best way to not get soaked, EDUCATE YOURSELF. Take classes, read the owners manual, buy the service manual and read it.

Also sites like yelp are not a good place to get accurate reviews. drive by the place, look for an organized, cleanish parking lot, take notice of what vehicles are in the lot. Are they lowered import racers? are they forklifts and dump trucks? Are they old and beat up?
A good shop has a car in EVERY bay and only a few in the lot waiting on parts or service and the vehicles in the lot are usually current models no older than 10 years (usually)

I can go on for days....    

Find a shop where you can meet the owner and get to know him ! Do not believe anything about BBB or AAA they only send you to the shops that pay them a fee so it's about sales with them ! Find a shop that is a Repair Shop instead of a Sales Store and most important be fair with what you ask shop to do for you ! Some people want a magic wond instead of a good mechanic !  ASE certified is good but time and hands on years of experience will always beat  somebody with a class certificate ! Allstar Automotive in L.E. ,ca

I will back up mr.fix-it.  Being a repair shop owner for 18 years, at one point we were urged to become AAA certified.  We did at a cost of $3500.00 per year for two years.  AAA certification means you are willing to pay them a fee and has nothing to do with your honesty or professionalism.  Meet the owners and talk to your friends and co-workers.

i am 64 yrs old been repairing cars since i was 16/ have worked at a car dealership first gm, now toyota since high school. have been a service manager for half my career. i know how to repair cars.  the comment that you should skip dealer service is misleading. here's what usually happens; the owner takes his car to an independent shop who uses the customer"s money to try to fix the car but cant,  then sends the owner to the dealer, but doesnt give the customer back the $ he already spent the dealer has the proper diagnostic equipment to properly diagnose and repair his car because the dealer is REQIURED by the manufacturer to carry the diagnostic equipment. aslo the dealer has to warrant the LABOR as well as the parts for 12 months regardless of how many miles the customer puts on his car after the repair and guess what ? if you compare prices of the repairs, the dealer is usually competitive with the independent.. . dont be misled.. its all preception.. check it out.