Car Repair – How Accurate Is Your Auto Repair Estimate?
One of the most common terms that both car repair customers and service representatives use when discussing auto repair costs is “ball park” estimates. In other words, rather than 
actually pin down a number, repair shops will often say “oh around $200-$300 bucks. Even customers as for “just a ball park,” as if they don’t want to trouble their mechanic for a firm price.
While “estimation” is indeed necessary for many repairs, most repairs and services are straight forward. The trouble with ball park estimates is that they are too vague, allowing a repair center to manipulate the price to maximize their profit. In fact, you may agree to a ball park estimate that’s quite frankly “out of the park!”
In short, be on alert when you’re told: “About $800 bucks and your car will be all set.” Or,“It should run around $200 bucks.” Auto repairs rarely come out to a nice even round number. Think of it this way: if you went to a hotel and asked how much a room was for the night and the clerk said “Oh…I’d say around $200 bucks,” would you accept that? Of course not! Learn more @ Car Repair
By Ted
I’ve been lucky enough to find a repair shop that will quote me a price, but call me as soon as they think they’re going to go over the estimate. There have been at least a few times where I was very happy they let me know, even if it was only a few hundred dollars over.
No kidding, they always ball park low and then when it comes time to pay, it always on the high end. Thats why you should always get a direct quote.