Auto Repair Prices in Maine... (Winslow, Rumford: real estate, house, buy)

[CT2MEwoodnutt]

Hi Group,


I'm waiting until I get to Maine, before I get auto repairs done, because I have heard that it would be cheaper there.


Can anyone tell me where/how I might find the most reasonable place or person for auto repairs?


In Connecticut, they 'rape & pillage' you at the local auto garages.
The normal hourly rate is $80/$90 an hour, plus parts at auto repair places.


I need front end work on both, and I might look into a body shop for some fix ups.


Someone has got to be less expensive than what I'm used to.


Thanks in Advance,


Irv in CT.....4 weeks and counting down...

[90077]

You might ask the real estate agent who's helping with your Peru house purchase. If she's been in the area for any length of time she should know people.

Also inquire at the local barber shop next time you're in for a cut.

Here's one in Rumford I found on Yelp.com:

https://www.yelp.com/biz/dans-automo...=Mechanic+Auto

Good luck.

[massnative71]

I'm not in your area, but I've found ME in general to be much more reasonable than MA for auto repairs. I think my guy charges around $50/hour, and he is one of the more expensive places in town.

[wror]

I am familiar with this Auto Repair shop. They can be trusted. The hourly rates are usually lower than average. They dont mind if you bring your own auto parts. The owner was once recognized as business person of the year. Only issue,because of their popularity it is usually a week's wait to get you in because they are backed up by so many customers.

They have been around for 4 decades. Its a small 2 bay shop shop despite their popularity, i am guessing their philosophy has been to 'stay a small mom and pop business' rather than expand and water down the product. Or services in this case.

Carroll's Body Shop
Carroll Quellette
548 Benton Avenue
Winslow, ME 04901
https://www.manta.com/c/mmsmqdd/carroll-s-body-shop



https://www.google.com/maps/@44.5626...7i13312!8i6656

[mainegrl2011]

There are mechanics in Maine who charge $90/hr. so it pays to shop around, make friends, etc. Some shops won't guarantee the work if you bring your own parts. Of course it benefits the shop to purchase parts at a discount and charge the customer a little more. That's why they go into business--to be profitable, make a living, provide a home for their families ... not talking about rape and pillage. Anyone who can repair an automobile deserves respect imo. I'm all for getting a fair deal, but if I could repair the car myself, I wouldn't need to hire a mechanic with his/her skills.

[jdoll88]

i thought 80-90 hour was pretty standard across the country it is standard here in idaho 50 an hour would be amazing!

[inthetrees]

Originally Posted by mainegrl2011

There are mechanics in Maine who charge $90/hr. so it pays to shop around, make friends, etc. Some shops won't guarantee the work if you bring your own parts. Of course it benefits the shop to purchase parts at a discount and charge the customer a little more. That's why they go into business--to be profitable, make a living, provide a home for their families ... not talking about rape and pillage. Anyone who can repair an automobile deserves respect imo. I'm all for getting a fair deal, but if I could repair the car myself, I wouldn't need to hire a mechanic with his/her skills.

I have to say I dont agree with what you are saying at all. It's really no different than someone selling something on ebay for what appears to be a good price, but then charging an exorbitant amount for shipping. It's deceptive business practices at best. The only way it wouldn't be was if everyone knew auto repair places make money on the labor and the parts.... and this is not common knowledge.

Charge me X amount hourly to work on the car, that should cover everything you mentioned. Even if you have to charge more hourly. No need to double dip or be sneaky. Similar to vets that insist you buy RX's from them... Charge more for office visits if you need to make more money.

With that said, our local mechanic charges 65 an hour, however we can bring our own parts and he will install them without warranty. We know other mechanics in the area that range from 40-85...

[mensaguy]

I've always assumed that car service shops made a profit on parts they sell. It would be silly for them to sell parts at cost since they have other costs involved. Every service business marks up the cost of parts sold.

[slyfox2]

My mechanic says I should buy the tires myself since his price is not even within $30 of the two or three big Northeastern UPS next day deliverable.

[maineborzoi]

Originally Posted by slyfox2

My mechanic says I should buy the tires myself since his price is not even within $30 of the two or three big Northeastern UPS next day deliverable.

We were told the same.... He said " you can get the tires cheaper than I can sell them.. Buy them- and bring them here... "