I've heard about this. Wonder if it's true.

After having my car fixed and being dinged for $700 bux when I figured it would be in the $200 - 300 range. I am starting to feel it's true.

Here's my related thread about my car repairs http://prince.org/msg/100/289478

Discuss.

I wouldn't say it's black or white like that, but I think some mechanics try to rip off everyone.

I do feel like some mechanics talk to me (a man) as if I know something about cars, which I don't. My girlfriend got scolded by her mechanic for waiting too long to change the oil. Same one I use, never happened to me.

Yes.

Because they assume they are ignorant about their own vehicles and in most cases - they are.

I think so luv..

So now when I HAVE TO go to a mechanic...I wear my holeiest jeans that look like I have been under the car and know what I need before hand always helps too...maybe I don't know what I need but, I just keep talkin about this and that on the car and I make sure to go to the garage with them as well....gotta play it up sometime a bit.

NDRU said:

i this is the case.

i think that when its a woman then everyone is like,
OMG! nooo! Ill rescue you little weakling woman.

a simple solution is to listen to or call into Car Talk on NPR

luv4u said:

yes!!! Ive been ripped off just for being a woman

I think that anyone who walks in with the look when describing whats wrong with their car is prime beef to some repair shops...not necessarily just women...I know probably less than any man I know about cars, so when I go in, I feel like I'm about to be bent over and ...

I think it's true. I also think if they know a guy doesn't know to much about cars they rip him off as well.

No...my Dad is a mechanic and it's not so. You have to remember the cost of parts and labor. Not all jobs are easy as 1, 2, 3!

Women need to be smart, take a class on car repair, if you do, you might be surprised how you are NOT getting ripped off.

Another thing, shop around, you can find cheaper prices from different mechanics.

Yes

I managed a garage/parts store, the service managerwas always talking bullshit to women. Usually I wouldn't find out until it was too late. The most common thing he did was to pad up a bill with stuff that was actually done, but not 100 percent necessary. Brake jobs would quickly become every single componet being replaced.

Counter to this was that the company felt women were what we needed to attract demographicly, they are more likely to say yes to a repair if they feel they can trust the shop

they exposed several on a current affair, charging to replace parts that didn't need replaceing at all

MoniGram said:

Your family is cool. But I'm not saying all mechanics are dishonest. You have to shop around and ask people. I found an honest mechanic and I will be his customer for life

no

horatio said:

I am not a weakling

No, alot of the women I know are knowledgable about cars and mechanics. I always check with my cousins when I need to have something done just to ensure that I don't get taken. I also have them tell me what the bullshit lines are regarding what else doesn't need to be fixed or touched in order to repair the problem. If it's something I can do myself or they can do of to Autozone we go.

And to think the mechanic I went to is someone my parents recommended. They are pensioners and they take there car there for repairs and stuff.

Oh wait..... maybe there is a different cost rate coz they are seniors?

luv4u said:

i know, it so sexist.

horatio said:

It doesn't happen across the board, but it definitely does occur. Thoguh not just with car mechanics. I've been talked down to by plenty of builder or fixer or handyman types because they assume I don't know shit. My rental manager (thank God, I'm moved out of this craphole in a week!) actually told me the reason he never got around to fixing my bedroom door -whihc is made out of particle board, mind -is because it weighs 300 lbs.

Some men just think women are idiots.

meow85 said:

i was going to say that.
anymore you need to know what needs to be done to fix it, or your going to get ripped off cause you dont know.
its like you have to tell everyone how to do their damn job or they will cut corners.

JustErin said:

So are a lot of men... self included

...Thank God I found a very reasonable one

meow85 said:

and they think all other men AREN'T

It happens, but not if you go to a mechanic that you know and trust.

Some mechanics would rip off some women ( and men for that matter )

Some wont

I usually know just as much as my mechanics about my vehicals

some people dont

Yes.
The only way to prevent it from happening is to read up on info about taking care of one's car.
There's this one technician that always criticized my car's mileage. He would say that I didn't drive my car enough. He was disppointed that there werent that many things to fix. What he wanted is to charge me more $$$$. He felt rather miffed.

horatio said:

The thing that pisses me off is that I do actually know how to do most of the repairs that need to be done around here, but it states in my rental agreement that it's the job of the property manager, so I can't do anything.

Yes... I know I've been ripped off plenty of times

kpowers said:

That is how my Dad thinks...he feels it's wrong to cheat someone. You are right...look around...ask other's. That is one area of business people are willing to speak up about.