Those “shop supplies” always get me too—like, what are they actually supplying? I’ve seen “environmental fees” pop up on oil changes, and it’s never clear what that covers. I use price-checker sites for a ballpark, but I never trust the final number until I see the full invoice. Sometimes the “deal” just isn’t worth the hassle.
Yeah, those “shop supplies” and random fees always make me raise an eyebrow. I’ve been driving for years and still get surprised by what shows up on the invoice. Price-checker sites are good for a rough idea, but I’ve learned not to take them at face value—there’s always that extra line or two tacked on. Sometimes I’ll call ahead and ask what’s actually included, but even then it’s hit or miss. At this point, I just expect a few bucks more than whatever the estimate is... better than being caught off guard.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had a couple of times where those price-checker sites saved my bacon. Once, a shop tried to charge me double for a brake job—pulled up the site on my phone and suddenly the “special order” fee disappeared. Sure, there’s always some mystery charge, but sometimes just having a ballpark number gives you a little leverage. I guess I’d rather have a rough idea than go in totally blind... even if it’s not perfect.
Yeah, I hear you. Those sites aren’t perfect, but they’ve definitely helped me call out a shop or two for trying to pad the bill. I don’t trust the numbers down to the penny, but at least you know if someone’s way off base. Honestly, I’d rather have a rough estimate than get blindsided. Shops seem to back down quick when you show you’ve done your homework.
Shops seem to back down quick when you show you’ve done your homework.
That’s been my experience too. Even if the estimate isn’t exact, just having a ballpark number keeps things honest. I’ve noticed some shops get defensive though, almost like they’re offended you checked. Has anyone here actually had a mechanic explain a big price difference, or do they usually just drop it?
