Good thread, TR.

Quote Originally Posted by thankful_ragamuffin View Post

Ask around. Your friends and coworkers probably know of an honest shop that does good work.
I do almost all my own maintenance/repairs, unless (A) something breaks in the middle of winter and I don't feel like freezing while dealing with it, or (B) it needs a specialized tool or a vehicle lift. (If I can't easily do it on ramps/jack stands, I'm out.)

But after using several independent shops, I found a shop owner I trust. This shop doesn't make a lot of money from me personally because I DIY, but over the years I've sent many friends and family his way and he knows it. As a result, I think I get treated even better when I do show up with my own vehicle once every year or so.