Good Mechanic - Reasonable Rates in Calgary

[MJK]

Can someone refer me to a good mechanic who has reasonable rates in Calgary?

I need a winch and possible a rear bumper installed.

Thanks!!!

[Tower]

His name is Sinbad. He is honest and explains everything to you and has always given me the old parts that are replaced.

403-217-1544

[DESS]

I'm a firm believer in going to the dealer. Their rates can be a hair high, but at least you're getting the highest quality service.

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by DESS

I'm a firm believer in going to the dealer. Their rates can be a hair high, but at least you're getting the highest quality service.

there is no guarantee that you are getting the highest quality service at a dealership... I've heard horror stories about how bad the work is at some dealers.

[kevman]

Seeing as you just want a winch and bumper done take it to a 4x4 shop. Modern Motors or National 4WD are both great and last I checked their labour rates are cheaper then most "muffler & brake" shops.

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by DESS

I'm a firm believer in going to the dealer. Their rates can be a hair high, but at least you're getting the highest quality service.

Shouldn't this text be green?

[Tower]

Originally Posted by Regulator75

Shouldn't this text be green?

These dealers are in on the Dogicide. This is why Dess likes them so much.

[DESS]

Dogicide!? You make my plan sound so diabolical.

[iggypop]

Might help to say what kind of vehicle it is.

If its a VW go to Tunedub, George is awesome!
If its a Volvo, go to Mr. Volvo.

Those are the other two brands I can help you with.

Originally Posted by DESS

I'm a firm believer in going to the dealer. Their rates can be a hair high, but at least you're getting the highest quality service.

How do you know that? Dealers are always more expensive and unlike a private shop, they don't an invested interest in providing you great service because they know they will always get continuous business. A private shop owner, on the other hand, knows they need to provide exceptional service or else they are out of business.

So not only is the price better, but you will almost always get better service from a small private mechanic.

Also, most private mechanic's, like George at Tunedub, have >15 years previous experience working at a dealer. So, not only will you get better prices, but you will get the same level of experience and quality as you would get from the dealer.

Sorry, I'm not trying to just plug Tunedub, just using them as an example to say that in my experience private shops are always the way to go.

[DESS]

Meh, I'm still a dealer man myself.

[henriksedin33]

Originally Posted by DESS

I'm a firm believer in going to the dealer. Their rates can be a hair high, but at least you're getting the highest quality service.

This is not true at all in my opinion. I much prefer to take my car to a mom & pop specialty shop that only works on one make for $70/hr than to pay $90/hr for some 17 year old trainee at the dealership to do the same thing, and likely a worse job.

I used Tunedub when I was in Calgary a couple years ago and can +1 on the recommendation for the VW/Audi people. Good place.

[MJK]

I have a 2008 Jeep wrangler.

[Nage Waza]

Mike's Auto in Mardo Loop is actually really good, Mike is really good to deal with and he actually is pretty honest. (My dad brought his car to his dealership to get something done, and they called him and said he only had 10 percent left on the front rotor - he had his breaks done a week earlier!).

[Thor]

Originally Posted by DESS

Meh, I'm still a dealer man myself.

You like taking it from behind?

Butt seriously, the most honest mechanic is the auto repair place just north of Southland/Mcleod, formerly a gas station, across the road from the Blockbuster in Brick Plaza.

Haven't been there in years but he's always busy due to word of mouth, easily the best/honest mechanic I've come across.

[Mayer]

Renfrew Auto Service

(403) 277-8621

Earl is the man to ask for.

[Coach]

My dad ALWAYS takes his cars to the petro-canada certigard on 16th ave near shouldice.

[DESS]

Well you get what you pay for. Dealers have the best equipment, invest in the best training for their staff and have the latest info on your car (recalls etc.). Joe wrench turner down the street can't compete with that no matter how honest he may be. In the long run you'll probably save money with the superior service you get at a dealer.

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by DESS

Well you get what you pay for. Dealers have the best equipment, invest in the best training for their staff and have the latest info on your car (recalls etc.). Joe wrench turner down the street can't compete with that no matter how honest he may be. In the long run you'll probably save money with the superior service you get at a dealer.

By law everyone has to have the same access to recalls so that is a moot point. They also do not always have the best training etc.

[4X4]

I'm beginning to think that South Pro Automotive (on Horton Road SW) owes me a royalty along with Meloche Monnex and a couple other businesses I pimp every time someone asks.

Seriously, South Pro has been good to me and to my ex(s) and to a few others. No BS, just fix the f'r and pay and get the heck outta there.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by DESS

Well you get what you pay for. Dealers have the best equipment, invest in the best training for their staff and have the latest info on your car (recalls etc.). Joe wrench turner down the street can't compete with that no matter how honest he may be. In the long run you'll probably save money with the superior service you get at a dealer.

That's the funniest thing I've read all week.