Mechanic in Charlotte County (Palm Beach, Bell: cars, good, service)

[JBMallory]

Dealerships are not overpriced.

Fact: Your local garage does not have the factory tools and equipment to service every vehicle.
Things are done with makeshift specialty tools and generic scanners. Some independent shops are VERY competent, but until you find the one that is, you may have to try around.

I used to be a Ford certified technician, and I sold professional tools to shops and technicians. I may have a little more insight into the matter than you think. But, just a suggestion, if anything, avoid the chains like "tires choice" and "firestone" and "midas" if you can.

[MrsTommy]

Originally Posted by JBMallory

Dealerships are not overpriced.

Fact: Your local garage does not have the factory tools and equipment to service every vehicle.
Things are done with makeshift specialty tools and generic scanners. Some independent shops are VERY competent, but until you find the one that is, you may have to try around.

I used to be a Ford certified technician, and I sold professional tools to shops and technicians. I may have a little more insight into the matter than you think. But, just a suggestion, if anything, avoid the chains like "tires choice" and "firestone" and "midas" if you can.

Thanks...I always try to avoid the chains like the plague. I have always been able to find great local guys by word of mouth. Since hiknapster's hubby was in the biz locally, I thought he might have some input. I once found a retired Detroit Engineer who was working out of a shop in his front yard. Best mechanic I ever had. Was even able to diagnose an electrical problem on my Fiat from a wiring diagram in ITALIAN!

[JBMallory]

It's easy to diagnose cars if you know what the images represent. I once diagnosed a no-start on a mercury grand marquis as needing a new PCM in my neighbors driveway with a test light and a wiring diagram. I know a guy in LaBelle that works out of his backyard, very competent if you don't mind a drive.

[hiknapster]

When my husband needs a special tool, he goes to the dealership and they let him borrow it. It rarely happens, but it does happen.

My husband works out of our home now, too. He has all the computer diagnostics right here. His scanners are specific to every make and model, foreign and domestic. His tools are probably worth about $50,000. A good mechanic is a good mechanic, no matter where they are.

But you are all correct. Avoid the chains like the plague. I've never seen a real mechanic worth anything stay at one of those places. They usually have kids out of high school that have not been trained to do any of that work.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by NY Annie

Oh criminny, I will have to find local mechanics for my KIA when we move too. All the little things you don't think about.

NY Annie, you are moving to TN, not FL. Are you following me around?

(It's okay.)

[JBMallory]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

A good mechanic is a good mechanic, no matter where they are.

without a doubt, havent read anything more true on here yet

[MrsTommy]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

Yep. my husband says, "Don't do it."

He's been an ASE-certified tech for 20 years. Was a foreman in Fort Myers.

He'd help you out but it's a 700+ ride!

He wishes he knew someone...

Can he recommend anybody in Lee? We would make the drive.

[JBMallory]

i can recommend a guy in labelle if you want.. fair prices, good work

[hiknapster]

The only place we could recommend would be C&C Tire and Auto. They have one in Bonita and one in Naples. They used to have one in Fort Myers but it looks like it closed.

C&C Tire & Auto
Bonita Springs 27861 Crown Lake Blvd
Tel: 239-947-0087

[MrsTommy]

LaBelle's a bit of a schlep. Was hoping for the Cape or Ft. Myers if nobody knows of anybody in Charlotte. Thanks though. My luck, the belt would break in the middle of that long haul out Palm Beach...