Everyone has heard horror stories about dishonest mechanics. In fact, many people come to auto shops expecting to be cheated. Sadly, because of the deceitful in our industry, customers have reason to be wary. Knowing what could be in a shop’s bag of tricks may help you avoid a crook.

Bait and Switch: A customer goes to a shop complaining that her car is not shifting correctly. She leaves her car in the capable hands of the mechanic there—a mechanic she does not know well—hoping to hear good news. The unscrupulous mechanic diagnoses a bad solenoid (retailing for $95), but removes her entire transmission and tells her it needs overhauling. To demonstrate this need, the mechanic shows her a box of worn parts, a box he keeps in the back room for just such a demonstration. He then charges her for a full overhaul but actually just replaces her solenoid, clutches and seals, and reinstalls her lightly-rebuilt transmission. A job that should have cost her $900 now takes months to pay off. Do your homework! Check with your local Better Business Bureau and friends before you choose a shop.