How to negotiate with mechanics if you don't know sh*t about cars

· 5 min

  1. Eaborate on step 1, step 2, how to walk away,

My Mom’s 2010 Santa Fe SUV has served me incredibly well since I got my license five years ago. It has taken me to countless trailheads, ski mountains, and grocery stores. And yet, when it started to break down this year, I was completely helpless in taking care of it. The most advanced thing I can do with a car is spray the windshield cleaner.

However, since then, I’ve negotiated with mechanics, tow trucks, and tire shops alike. I read negotiation books and happened to work a job cold-calling construction workers. These are the tips that have saved me thousands of dollars.

  1. Learn the Language

    • Before you go into any negotiation, ask ChatGPT to brief you on the common slang of the field. For tow trucks, I’d say: “I don’t need a flatbed, just a wheel lift.” You want to seem like an insider.

  2. Calling for Quotes (be more specific that it’s calling)

    • If your car starts making noises, pay a mechanic $50 to diagnose it, and then call five different shops to ask for a preliminary quote range. They won’t give you a hard number unless it’s a very clear job.
    • Be short, casual, and succinct in your calls.
    • When asking for a quote, always ask for the person’s name at the start - that way, you have a definite reference such as “John told me it would be $400.”
    • All mechanics know their competitors by name. Don’t be afraid to drop it when negotiating between shops. “Dave from XYZ Autoshop down Smith St. quoted me $350, any chance you can beat that?”

  3. Negotiating On-Site

    • The real negotiation starts when you bring the car to the shop. Mechanics often try to raise the price once you show up with a BS excuse, such as “Oh it looks worse than I thought.” You need to be willing to walk away and call their bluff.
    • Show up with exact cash, with a couple extra hundred stashed in a separate wallet.
    • Be mindful of appearances, don’t dress like you’re expensive.
    • Always make small talk.
    • Don’t look like you’re in a rush.