5 replies to this topic

[kevin265]

Afraid of getting ripped off when taking your car to a local mechanic? I'm your answer. I speacialize in automotive electronics but I also do light mechanical work as well. If I can't fix it, I will at least tell you what is wrong and possibly where to go to get it fixed. Kevin

[sdc]

Where are you located?

[kevin265]

I'm in Los Altos/Soler.

[Chiquito]

(Aware that I'm replying a year and a half after the post).

Personally I go to Tijuana for mechanics because I feel totally ripped-off by ones in San Diego. Ridiculous prices for little work and almost always saying you need parts that you don't. The last time I went to Ken's on Black Mountain they said I needed new front brakes (which was true), $180 for parts, $410 for labor and they put 5 miles on my car to figure that out. The car wasn't there when I came in as they were using it for errands.

I bought the parts myself for $85 at Napa and did the work myself in 30 minutes. 6o,ooo miles later I had the same labor done for me by a mechanic in Tijuana for $40. (Quoted $410 in San Diego per the mechanics estimating book they all use order of magnitude difference!!!).

Yesterday I had to change my spark plugs. After getting very bloody fingers doing the first one I gave up and went to Playas. The first two mechanics were too busy. The third changed them for $20 and we were done after 40 minutes. Twenty minutes of that was to let the motor cool down. While in the area I had a slow leak in a tire fixed for $5 while discussing the parks in Michoacan with the shops owner.

The border crossing and now the gasoline expense is well worth the savings I get by going to Tijuana for the labor. I like going to Playas because if they take a while I can go hang out on the beach. I speak good Spanish and have good knowledge of cars.

[BajaGringo]

Like Chiquito, I have had very good experience with mechanics down here as well. My mechanic here in Rosarito Beach is a 3rd year mechanical engineering student and has amazed me with his ingenuity as well as overall car knowledge and skill. He is very well versed in German cars and keeps mine running fine for a lot less than when I used to take them north, across the border...

[sdc]

kevin265,

PM Me.

I'm pretty sure I need new brakes...I'd be happy to meet up with you and give you the work..Let me know


SDC