a Shounak says, they are as good as their owner. the one at marion shopping center used to be great a couple years ago, i used ot know everyone there and they were top mechanics, didnt rip you off and didnt overcharge and gave good advice and service. but who knows now, every mechanic i knew there has left except for the boss.
@zoist, some people think they know it all but know nothing. i used to get that alot, people coming in and wanting this and that speciafically fixed, but half the time ther was something underlying that caused what they want fixed to happen which had to be fixed. couple of classics. dude wanted a head gasket replaced in his 82 laser, nothing else, just the head gasket, he had it done not 18 months ago but it had blown again. took the head off and replaced the gasket. he didnt want anythng else done. radiatore was like 70% blocked, head was bent, the car had been overheated. after numerous arguments with the boss over it the customer insisted on only getting the headgasket replaced, he ended up towing it away as the boss refused to do it because it would not work and only blow again in a matter of weeks.
another one, an XF falcon with an oil leak from the back of the engine came in, customer said i want the rear main done as the oil leak has been annoying him for months and has recently got alot worse, WHILE HE WAITED, as its leaking oil. we did it, WHILE HE WAITED, the car came back next day with leaking oil problem again. the boss got an ear full because the oil leak was not fixed. problem was the oil sender unit leaking as well as the rear main as well as the rocker cover as well as the head gasket it turned out once the customer gave up his self diagnosis and we had a proper look.
so customers most of hte time know jack **** and cant diagnose correctly. hence why they say on the phone bring it in and we will check it out.