Car repairs can drive you crazy, and the thought of the cost can make your stomach swell with butterflies. The first question that enters your mind is, “can I trust this shop to do right by me?” If the answer is “no” then you need some tips on how to find the right repair shop for your needs.
Start by asking family or friends where they take their cars for repair and what their experience was like. You will probably discover that the majority of them used a family owned local shop because they can trust the advice – the owner is there and has to build up his reputation. 
Dealerships or franchise repair shops may be locally owned but they have a corporate bottom line that a family owned shop does not. The family owned shop has a vested interest in the community it operates in, their professional reputation depends on providing fair quotes and repairs that are done right the first time and are more likely to happen than with a dealer ship or franchise operated business.
The local mechanic is more familiar with his customer base, the types of cars his customers drive and he has the ability and interest in developing a relationship with each individual he comes in contact with. He is also more apt to be honest about whether a particular repair is necessary or if it can be done at all. He is not likely to risk his business or reputation doing unnecessary repairs just to make a dollar. Word of mouth carries a great deal of weight and it doesn’t take but one unhappy customer to damage a business.
Using a family owned repair shop allows both the business and customer to develop a sense of trust that is hard to find these days. If something is not repaired correctly, on time, and in accordance with the original cost quote, your redress would not include having to deal with a corporate structure that can be confusing and irritating. You can have a face to face with a family owned repair shop and come to a mutually satisfactory resolution and still be friends.
Yesterday, the engine light in my car came on. I want to find a reliable repair shop where I can have it looked at a repaired quickly. As you suggested, I’ll be sure to start by asking friends and family where they go and what their experience was like.
Due to recent events, our family car is in need of going to the auto repair shop. I like how you pointed out that when it comes to finding the right shop we should start by asking people we know. That way we will be able to find the right place with experience and a good reputation.