I have been living in UK for the last 13 years. In that time I have two popular makes of car and, for both of them, I have used small family run franchised dealerships. They know what they are doing, even if you only visit them once a year they know your name and your car. There seems to be a low turn-over of employees, The labour rates are fair, they use genuine parts and I trust them. That said, if my car was out of warranty and had a tricky electric or engine (injection) fault I might be tempted to go direct to and indie specialist, so olng as they were recommended or had some track record locally.

Receptionists who talk down to you,mechanics who climb into the car without protective seat covers,over pricing,and work done that was not asked for plus charging for filling the washer bottle with magic fluid.

I would ask around - although I doubt that many would have heard of said mechanic; so it all comes down to "you pay your money and take your chance"

I would weight their opinons based on their own mechanic knowledge or car knowledge

Yes - if someone feels they were being ripped off then say bye bye to any future referrals.

For example a friend of mine went to get his tyres changed on all 4 corners and asked them to check the brakes while they were at it. They said that his breaks were badly worn and would need replacing ASAP; but they didnt have any in stock. They could get them within an hour. He declined as was in a rush.

A month later he needed a service and always used to go to a main dealer. I told him to try the mechanic I had just used (chap who did my radiator and service).

He was charged much less, liked the guys stright-forwardness and honesty. He was told his pads are fine for at least a couple more months - around 5-10k miles.

Result: He attained a new customer.

My friend then went ahead and booked in mothers and fathers car for a service

I did. It is convenient when you're having to book something at work or, using your mobile phone.

1. I googled the name of the company I wanted because I'd seen a poster advertising the good offer.

2. I looked for an online booking service.

3. Like I said above, pure convenience. Also I hate talking on the phone, but that's a 'thing' I have. This particular company also sends out mail shot reminders to me to book my MOT etc as I've used them for that job.

I’ve never tried to find an independent garage. If I did, though, I’d do a Google search for “independent car servicing” followed by the town I live in.

I’ve just done that and one site which came up is Checkatrade.com. I wasn’t expecting that, but the plumber I found on there previously was absolutely brilliant in all respects (most important was that he came when he said he would – both times).

If I was FelixK, I’d try very hard to get listed on there. “Garage/Vehicle Services” seems to be the category. That brought up 23 results in my area (the South East), but none in my town. The closest was about 18 miles away. As it happens, I’ve used a main dealer that far away, because one of their mechanics lived near me and was able to pick the car up.

I think what you have to remember is that a mechanic you trust is not someone you would change, just like having an accountant.

That's why most mechanics dont go for online advertising unless their seeking out new business. It's a fact that 80% of a business's revenues come from 20% of their client base, these are repeat customers that pay full prices.

To attract new customers a mechanic woud be giving a discounted price and spending money on advertising, its an arduous process.

Most mechanics rely on their reputation (last job) as their way to gain more business. Nowadays, having RAC Approved status or MotorCodes goes a long way to ensure that the client has peace of mind in having their vehicle looked after by such a mechanic.

Having a directory that is more of a network, i.e. specialising in a particular car, driver or some other factor would allow you to act as a resource. giving information on that, say, high performance mechanics directory, and giving useful tips on spray jobs, new engine tuning, etc etc...

We work in the automotive sector and alongside mechanics instaling and developing systems for their garage to work more efficiently, including marketing.

Edited by Avant on 06/03/2014 at 22:14