Life as a mechanic in Prescott? (Phoenix: rent, insurance, home)

[BooksNBolts]

Hello!

I am posting this thread because I am currently considering moving to Prescott, Arizona from Northern Illinois in a few years. I am currently studying to become both a historian and an automotive mechanic, with dreams of owning my own repair shop in the future. However, I am unsure whether or not Prescott would be a good place to become a mechanic long term, as I have heard about issues such as home prices and water. If there’s anyone in Prescott who has had experience as a mechanic who can give some advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

Also, would restoring a classic car in the area be feasible? I have also been wanting to perform such a job after I graduate, but I am not very aware of such a hobby in the area.

[BooksNBolts]

Originally Posted by BooksNBolts

If there’s anyone in Prescott who has had experience as a mechanic who can give some advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

Quick correction: You don’t need to be a mechanic to reply. You could also share your experience with mechanic shops in the area. Do you find them to be reliable? Could the area use more of them?

[rcarbuilder]

Seems like a lot of technicians around and not as many mechanics. You might be better off starting in the Phoenix area first or at least move to Prescott for 6 to 12 months and rent a room from someone. Maybe you can find a mechanic in the area who you could rent from. Buying will require a good down payment or owner financing since you are not established. Prescott area jobs are lower paying since they have trees. Still gets hot in the summer with winds. Some hail storms too. Newer motor vehicle tags can be expensive along with insurance and gas. Plenty of ways to spend your money: stores, casinos, outdoor hobbies, music shows, single women, etc. The Historian sounds like a nice hobby but the money here comes from showing up and having the skills to do the job. Classic cars are ok but a losing deal unless you have someone with plenty of money paying you to restore their car.

[curiousgeorge5]

Originally Posted by rcarbuilder

Seems like a lot of technicians around and not as many mechanics. You might be better off starting in the Phoenix area first or at least move to Prescott for 6 to 12 months and rent a room from someone. Maybe you can find a mechanic in the area who you could rent from. Buying will require a good down payment or owner financing since you are not established. Prescott area jobs are lower paying since they have trees. Still gets hot in the summer with winds. Some hail storms too. Newer motor vehicle tags can be expensive along with insurance and gas. Plenty of ways to spend your money: stores, casinos, outdoor hobbies, music shows, single women, etc. The Historian sounds like a nice hobby but the money here comes from showing up and having the skills to do the job. Classic cars are ok but a losing deal unless you have someone with plenty of money paying you to restore their car.

I thought there was more mechanics (parts changers) than technicians (understanding the complexity or modern cars and how to diagnose accurately) throughout the country.

[curiousgeorge5]

OP: You're best off researching what parts of the country and what parts of various states are needing of mechanics/technicians.

There is an automotive part of City Data. Good luck.

[rcarbuilder]

Originally Posted by curiousgeorge5

I thought there was more mechanics (parts changers) than technicians (understanding the complexity or modern cars and how to diagnose accurately) throughout the country.

Having lived this long I`ve seen the transition of having to diagnose a problem without a scanner and with. I think it was harder to find a problem in the old days then now when a scanner gives you the answer and you change out those parts. I still think he needs to come out and live here for a while.

[wilberry]

well you will love the weather in Prescott

[BooksNBolts]

Originally Posted by wilberry

well you will love the weather in Prescott

I know that for a fact! I do enjoy myself some snow, but not too much of it.

[curiousgeorge5]

Originally Posted by rcarbuilder

Having lived this long I`ve seen the transition of having to diagnose a problem without a scanner and with. I think it was harder to find a problem in the old days then now when a scanner gives you the answer and you change out those parts. I still think he needs to come out and live here for a while.

Is the scanner 100% right the far majority of the time?

[Ex New Yorker]

Originally Posted by BooksNBolts

Hello!

I am posting this thread because I am currently considering moving to Prescott, Arizona from Northern Illinois in a few years. I am currently studying to become both a historian and an automotive mechanic, with dreams of owning my own repair shop in the future. However, I am unsure whether or not Prescott would be a good place to become a mechanic long term, as I have heard about issues such as home prices and water. If there’s anyone in Prescott who has had experience as a mechanic who can give some advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

Also, would restoring a classic car in the area be feasible? I have also been wanting to perform such a job after I graduate, but I am not very aware of such a hobby in the area.

I know this is an older post and I'm late to the party. Of course you can restore an old car in Prescott a lot of people do and the old car hobby is alive and well in this area. You can use your old cars practically year round and there are numerous car events where you can bring your car and meet new people. How do I know? I've got old cars from the 1930's myself that are on the road.

Even if your cars are a work in progress you can still attend car events meet and talk to the owners. Tell them about your project and bring some pictures. You can also join the Prescott Antique Auto Club. You might want to consider opening up a restoration shop. Becoming a historian and old cars kind of walk hand in hand.