Auto Mechanic Search

[Albuquerque Commentator]

Goal: Find a reasonably priced auto mechanic ( independent is ok opposed to dealer ) for front end work for an older out of warranty FORD Explorer. Preference would be someone who would not object to parts acquired via the net ( lower price ) or reasonable price match locally on parts. We already know what the FORD dealers will charge and the parts cost both via dealers and the net.

Yes we are cheap but not "penny wise and pound foolish".

Who would you recommend?

Thanks in advance

[jim]

I'm afraid my experience is very dated and from a different market area as well. As I recall we would purchase parts at 25% to 40% below retail and charge the customer full retail. A good mechanic can often beat the flat rate book time but from what I hear they will bill at whichever is the greater. As I'm sure you know there are often problems encountered that warrant more time than the flat rate book time.

I have noted over the past decade or so that it has become harder for an individual to buy from local auto parts suppliers at discounted prices. When I was a kid we would just tell the local parts store that we were from a fictitious, Joe's Garage, and get the full shop discount with a smile. I guess you can get better pricing on the net now a days but of course returning them would be a hassle.

I have a number of small trucks and trailers and try to do as much work as I can myself. Some jobs are just too time consuming to take on and continue to run my business and have a life at the same time. It has definitely gotten harder in recent years to find reliable mechanics but I have had pretty good luck with several small local shops by keeping a close eye on the job. This would be the hardest to do at a dealership where they don't want you in the shop and are under pressure to sell you additional work.

[Tere]

I recently had my car worked on at Westside Automotive. They were really honest, the price was reasonable, and they finished it very quickly. They are located a little north of Rio Bravo on Coors.

[mombat]

Wheel Align It- on Second street would be a good place to consult 247-2531
1300 Second Street-

[Tricross]

I have had excellent service form Money's Worth Automotive on McCleod.

[Albuquerque Commentator]

I want to thank everyone so far on your suggestions and insight. I'm gradually compiling the list. I have heard good things about Moneysworth and Waltons.

Anymore out there?

[Flaca]

Have a good one and may your wheels last.

[Donny Ozmund]

My "Check Engine" dummy light just came on in my '05 Ford Taurus... Anyone have other/ different suggestions for an honest, reliable, fair-priced mechanic? (Or better yet, simple ideas of possible fixes on what the problem might be?)

[tenelson]

Go to Autozone. They can hook up a handheld computer to analyze the problem, for free. It's probably a sensor of some sort. Then, buy the sensor and a Haynes manual to figure out how to install it yourself.

[Barelas Babe]

I had a car once where the "check engine" light would come on when the odometer hit mileage markers that corresponded to certain service recommendations - 60,000; 90,000; 120,000. Could that be it?

[Flaca]

If that's the case, the light will go back off. I guess if it doesn't go to AutoZone as recommended. And that's a wonderful suggestion.

[Flaca]

We just had our clutch replaced at Walton's and they took care of our dummy red light. The clutch didn't set it off and nothing else would have set it off. We just needed a clutch, tune up-a few small things that we weren't charged for-including the red light.

[Donny Ozmund]

I lucked out by the "skin of my teeth." My 3 year manufacturer's warranty expires JULY 26! As long as I get the car in before midnight tomorrow I'll get whatever it is solved "free."