A mechanic with a soul near Biloxi?

[Calista_Syn]

I've heard they exist, do you know of one? You know, one that won't take one look at my ass and proceed to try and rip my ovaries out through my mouth? I'm having some icky car issues and really need some work done! Cash for services is ideal, but willing to play with a pre set discount amount for services if it tickles both of us.

Yes, I'm the stereotypical girl who knows nothing about cars but thats why I got one that tells me what it needs right there on my dash board. Hence needing someone who'll be honest and fair!

Theres a serious screeching/high pitched scratching/mind shattering squeal that seems to be originating from the rear right tire area.. Also, the last 2 times I got the oil changed, my check oil alert came on before it was scheduled for another.

If you are one or know of one I can contact, please let me know!

[gary5912]

Wow babe l wish you were in my area l could help, the nosie coming from the right rear sounds like it could be your brake pads have getting hard spots in them or there wore down to the rivits that hold the pad on, so now you have metal to metal on the brake rotor,the oil change lite is due to who ever changed the oil did not reset t he lite, l hope this will help some, lf l knew anyone in Biloxi l would send you there way, but l don't good luck

[Blade78633]

I just recently quit my job working for Ford. Honestly, knowing how a shop works as I do now. I would drive up to you manufactured car dealer, up to a bay and ask one of the techs if they want work on the side. Instead of paying $90-110 per shop hour, it will most likely be half which is still pretty awesome for a tech. Ontop of that, you may be able to go through him to get parts at dealer cost +10%. Just make sure they have some certs through the dealer they work for and a name brand box (Snap-on / Matco / Cornwell / Mac).

Also, on most cars the oil change light is by milage and / or hours run. It will come on at a certian milage regardless if the oil was changed or not unless you reset the light. Also, on some cars (2012 fiesta) the light can only be reset when it comes on which is like 4-6k.

[Calista_Syn]

Originally Posted by gary5912

Wow babe l wish you were in my area l could help, the nosie coming from the right rear sounds like it could be your brake pads have getting hard spots in them or there wore down to the rivits that hold the pad on, so now you have metal to metal on the brake rotor,the oil change lite is due to who ever changed the oil did not reset t he lite, l hope this will help some, lf l knew anyone in Biloxi l would send you there way, but l don't good luck

Thanks hun! At least I know where to start!

Originally Posted by Blade78633

I just recently quit my job working for Ford. Honestly, knowing how a shop works as I do now. I would drive up to you manufactured car dealer, up to a bay and ask one of the techs if they want work on the side. Instead of paying $90-110 per shop hour, it will most likely be half which is still pretty awesome for a tech. Ontop of that, you may be able to go through him to get parts at dealer cost +10%. Just make sure they have some certs through the dealer they work for and a name brand box (Snap-on / Matco / Cornwell / Mac).

Also, on most cars the oil change light is by milage and / or hours run. It will come on at a certian milage regardless if the oil was changed or not unless you reset the light. Also, on some cars (2012 fiesta) the light can only be reset when it comes on which is like 4-6k.

Won't I get in trouble or get the tech in trouble for trying to get him to work outside the shop? I can be daring, just don't want to make some guys boss hate him..

[Pepeeltoro]

Ask the young man if he would care to join you for lunch offsite what you discuss with him offsite is not getting him in trouble, he will be helping a friend he just had lunch with. He will get in trouble if he uses shop equipment and parts.

[Guest110512]

Try Angie's list or go to a local parts store like O'Reilly Auto Parts and ask them to take a look at your car. Just bat your eyes at the guy behind the counter and tell him you know nothing about cars but yours needs help. Ask if they can they take a quick look and point you in the right direction. They can often recommend some decent local mechanics that they sell parts to or someone who moonlights. They should also know who the hacks are. I would keep the bartering to myself unless he brings it up. May be a good way to loose an otherwise good mechanic. Remember a guy moonlighting is probably going to repair it in his garage that is attached to the same house his wife is in. However if he happens to be single you could be in business! Good Luck.

[Blade78633]

Originally Posted by Calista_Syn

Won't I get in trouble or get the tech in trouble for trying to get him to work outside the shop? I can be daring, just don't want to make some guys boss hate him..

Not really, at the ford dealership I worked at it was not uncommon to see techs there working after hours (5:30-9:00) on their own cars or family / friends. You have to remember, I personally had 10,000 dollars worth of tools and a box in this shop, If I needed to fix something on my vehicle or a friends, I was NEVER questioned by management. They won't tell you to do it offsite or something, all your tools are there.

Seriously, go ask one of the techs, if anything you lose 10 minutes of your time. If sucks to pay face value at a shop. I had an f150 that came in for a squeeking noise in the front end. Diag was .5 tenths of an hour to me which was $5.50. The part was a pully @ $65. Install was .3 tenths or $3.30. The customer paid .8 tenths of an hour or 48 minutes labor at $110 per shop hour which is $88 plus the cost of the part which brings the total to $153. EVERYONE gets paid in a shop. Service writer, service manager, tech, dispatch, shop foreman, and good ole corporate. If it was a side job, it would have been maybe double my normal pay so $16-20 plus parts. Im not sure what the main shop guys made but Id think between 20-40 and maybe more for the diesel techs. Offering to pay $50 per flat rate hour plus parts will put you way ahead of going through the shop, moreso if the tech gets the parts at cost +10% or go through carquest or napa.