Nonprofit Consumers' Checkbook evaluated more than 2,000 auto repair shops in seven major metro areas by surveying consumers, using our team of undercover shoppers to collect more than 10,000 prices, and checking for complaints with local government consumer agencies and the Better Business Bureau.
We identified hundreds of top-notch auto repair shops. Many were rated “superior” for the overall quality of their work by 90 percent or more of their surveyed customers. Unfortunately, many car repair customers get steered in the wrong direction: Hundreds of other shops were rated “superior” for the overall quality of their work by fewer than 60 percent of their surveyed customers.
Our undercover shoppers also turned up dramatic shop-to-shop price differences. For example, among shops located in seven metro areas, they found prices ranging from about $300 to more than $1,200 to replace the water pump for a 2016 Ford Focus SE. Hourly labor rates in those seven areas ranged from less than $100 to more than $200.
Fortunately, we found that good work doesn’t need to cost more. In fact, we found low-priced shops were more likely to receive high ratings from their surveyed customers than high-priced ones. And don't assume that new-car dealerships offer better quality work than independent shops. Our surveys of area consumers consistently find that, on average, independent shops outperform dealerships on repair quality—and charge lower prices for it.
Whatever shop you choose, use some care in dealing with it. Give the shop a detailed description of your car’s problems. If possible, speak with the technician who will work on your car. Insist the shop provide an estimate before doing any repairs. Pay by credit card—you can dispute the charges if things go wrong. If the car is still not right when you get it back, immediately inform the shop in writing.
Own an EV or thinking of buying one? Click here for special considerations and info on repairs.
