Getting 2nd opinions from mechanics

[Greenie]

I'm having lots of problems with my PT. Also with the mechanic who was working on it. Bad service, replacing parts that aren't bad, damaged the interior and left candy wrappers in the side panel buckets, typically without my car for at least a week, and never returns my calls about status updates. So I found a new mechanic.

I've noticed people say "get a 2nd opinion". How do you do this when the car won't start and was towed to a shop already?

[crusierdad76]

well id say tow it to a different shop???? or if you can trailer it

[Greenie]

Hmmm. So people actually tow their car to multiple shops to get opinions before having it fixed?

[Pat1USMC]

If that was the case I wouldn't think twice about having the car towed to another shop. Get it off their property ASAP and never bring anything back to them. Spread the word as well, there's no excuse for that behavior and poor service.

[crusierdad76]

i don't know about where you are but here in mid mo if i have my car at a garage and i want a different garage to work on it they will tow it for me Im not saying to do this multiable times but to get ti some place else that's about all you can do

[Mean Green]

Originally Posted by Greenie

Hmmm. So people actually tow their car to multiple shops to get opinions before having it fixed?

Sometimes, if they are getting overpriced work done, are getting terrible customer service and are very unhappy with the shop overall. Have you asked friends where they get their cars worked on? The shop I have now I allowed to do some minor work and they proved satisfactory so when I had some other work to be done I went to them. They are now my regular shop.

[Greenie]

Thanks for the replies. I wasn't very clear in my 1st post. I did tow it to a different shop ($100!) today after I was once again stranded yesterday and mechanic #1 didn't return my voicemail (again) to arrange a tow. I won't be going back to mechanic #1.

I'm not sure about the new shop either, though, so posted this question about 2nd opinions. Towing around to different places is really expensive at $60 hookup and $3/mile. I thought there might be some other way that I just hadn't heard of. Guess not... darn.

...and Pat1USMC, OORAH! I'm guessing you're a Marine or have 1 in the family. Thank you for your service! I was trying to buy inauguration day papers and other goodies for care packages for "adopted" Soldiers, Marines and Airmen when my car died again yesterday. I'm going to stop and pack some boxes now to cheer myself up and take my mind off the never ending car problems and disappointing mechanics. I call it Care Package Therapy. Work will wait til tonight.

[Pat1USMC]

Thanks! I am a Marine. And we appreciate the care packages more than you can imagine! Its amazing what a package in the mail can do for morale after a frustrating day. Thank you for everything you're doing!
I hope everything works out with your car. It took me a while to get mine fixed but its worth it.

[crusierdad76]

hey pat1 i never made it but have several really good friends who are marines and i have learned this this Once a Marine you will ALWAYs be a marine even if you are 80 years old and had 1 leg and 1 arm you would be ready to give it all- Thanks

[Pat1USMC]

Thats exactly right. There are no ex-Marines.