A Subaru driver took her vehicle to a mechanic and was quoted $5,000 for a new transmission. So she went elsewhere. And she’s very glad she did. In a TikTok, car salesman Robb (@robbthecarguy) says the Subaru driver brought her car into his shop and claimed a mechanic was trying to take advantage of her. Robb took a look at the Subaru and discovered that the first mechanic was wildly mistaken. “All she needed was a front left CV joint removed and replaced with two hours of labor $90 an hour,” he says. Robb says the total parts and labor costs came out to be $382. “From $5,000 to $382. This is affordable and got it done in one day,” Robb adds. The TikTok has generated over 15,200 views as of this writing. It’s raising questions about whether mechanics overcharge women. Do Mechanics Charge Women More? Research has shown that women are in fact charged more by mechanics. In a recent interview with Motor1, Robb shared his thoughts on the issue. A transcript of our conversation follows. Motor1: Why do you believe mechanics upcharge women? Robb: “I’ve been in the automotive industry a long time, and I know that some shops take advantage of women. When a woman walks into a mechanic shop and shows even a little hesitation, some mechanics see that as an opportunity. They create fear and urgency, making her feel like she has no choice but to approve the repair. Motor1: Why do you feel like mechanics are able to get away with it? Robb: “Today, many women are independent and don’t rely on a spouse or family member to step in, which unfortunately can make them more vulnerable in those situations. Once a car is in the shop, a mechanic can say almost anything is wrong with it. And after it’s ’fixed,’ how do you prove whether that was truly the original issue—especially if the symptoms are gone? That lack of transparency is what gives parts of this industry a shady reputation. That’s exactly why I’ve found my niche. If I stay honest and focus on long-term relationships instead of short-term profit, I win—and so does the community. Trust builds business.” Motor1: What advice do you have for women when dealing with mechanics? Robb: “The best advice I can give women (and honestly anyone) is this: Get three opinions Get a free scan at a local auto parts store Use Google and ChatGPT to research the issue Ask a friend to come with you. They don’t have to know anything about cars—sometimes just standing confidently beside you makes a difference Never go with the first bid without asking questions. Motor1: Anything else you’d like to add? Robb: “An informed customer is a powerful customer.” Why Getting A Second Opinion Is A Smart Move Whether you are a man or woman, it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion on a car repair. Just as people get second opinions with doctors and financial advice, the same applies to vehicles. When dealing with an expensive car repair, it may feel natural to trust the professional and act promptly. By getting a second opinion, you are able to verify if the first diagnosis is accurate and fair. Each shop can approach repairs differently and one may be more expensive than the other. While one mechanic may believe the entire part needs to be replaced, another may find one component just needs to be fixed. If both mechanics find the same issue, then you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that you weren't bamboozled. It's also true that women may be particularly at risk of getting taken advantage of at the mechanic. “A less-than-honest shop might suggest that a part needs replacing when in reality a smaller, less expensive repair could do the job,” per The Car Guys. Mechanic's Good Deed Earns Much Praise Viewers were highly impressed by Rob's tale—and in awe of his rates. “Wow $90 labor, very reasonable i’d drive all the way to you,” one said. “90$ a labor hour !?!?!??? Papa doing gods work,” another added. Others appreciated his honesty. “You are definitely doing great pricing. So good to see an honest mechanic who don’t take advantage of people,” one shared. “Hope everyone is taking notes,” another commented. “Keep up the good and honest work sir,” a third added. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
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