Recommendations for a reliable mechanic? (Pittsburgh: inspection, prices, budget)

[DSOs]

Originally Posted by sugarbomb

Thanks, ontheroad. PM is sent.

Anyone else care to actually help?

I will be living in Squirrel Hill, and my car is a Toyota.

It looks like you're in good hands but this post may prevent some unpleasant surprises.

You are wise to be concerned about getting your car inspected in a new area. I had to get 2 cars inspected in East Allegheny & it's been the worse experience. One car is a 1992 which means I had to get a tailpipe emissions test. I was told by one mechanic, "$432.00 & you can walk out of here with 2 stickers!" He also said, "New comers & women get taken advantage of around here." I guess he felt he was "entitled" to ripp me off? Another mechanic (different shop) tried to hold me hostage even though he was $150.00 waivered; which means there is a $150-$210 dollar limit a mechanic can charge if your emissions part of the test doesn't pass.

Make absolutely sure you go to a shop that is $150.00 waivered! The mechanic that tried to hold me hostage was $150.00 waivered but didn't tell me because he wanted to finish the safety part of the inspection so he can go back & nail me big time for the emissions part.

I suggest you learn "the game" & get a recommendation from someone on this board if you don't know anybody where you are moving to.

[Elder18]

You have to get your car inspected?

I did not know this.

Thanks for the advice.

You'll never catch an Ahian off guard though.

Good luck in that, Pittsburghers!

[sugarbomb]

Thank you so much, pmzenith! I was unfamiliar with this $150-waivered business. Sorry to hear about your difficulties, though.

(I just poked around and found this: a listing of the top 3 cheapest places to go for emissions tests, updated monthly, with a hotline to report abuses. The PDF of listings for Pittsburgh is here).

[Plink]

If you feel like going outside of town, try Crafton Service Center.

The guy and his staff are honest and highly knowledgeable. They make most of their money doing Fedex, UPS, DHL, and other delivery vehicles. There is a reason they get all that business in light of all the mechanics around.

My girlfriend lived in the city before I met her. I can ask her about where she went and if it was a good pllace.

Most of the mechanics are good, honest people in and around this town. It's only crucial that you avoid the poseurs that do exist. Best thing to do is to ask people such as you have done here and in person.

Good luck!

[jinxd_13]

We are here guys and, thanx to old Murphy, my car blew a head gasket the week before we moved. I have a Saab, so it is going to be even more fun getting it fixed. If anyone knows a good foreign car mechanic, especially one close to West View, I would be forever in your debt!

[NowACityGirl]

Originally Posted by South Range Family

Moving in a month and your biggest concern is finding a mechanic?
Maybe you should replace that piece of crap before the big move.

A little rude, don't you think? How do you know she drives a "piece of crap"?

[dannythekid]

PM Me with what area you're moving too. I know of a couple places with people that I can trust. Also can get you in touch with people who can do good legit inspections.

[Chuckles1821]

I know a good mechanic in West Mifflin, not far from the Waterfront, but I don't think that is terribly close to you.

[truemann77]

i need a good mechanic around the same area
can i have ur suggestions plz

[PeterRabbit]

^ What same area?