Hi, I'm Samson. I've been fixing cars since 1992, the year before I got my drivers license. Why? Well, my dad has been in the automotive repair industry since 1965, and my right of passage was to resurrect the car that I would inherit.
"If you can get it started, it yours," said my father Sam. "Why can't you fix it for me? I don't know how to fix cars." said this scrawny 15 year old kid from H.B. CA. My dads answer: "So that in the future, no one can lie to you about what's wrong with your car when it breaks down." Well, I got that car running well before my 16th birthday. I didn't do it by myself, my pops guided me and taught me the things I know today. He also taught me how to treat customers; to be kind and that honesty is always good for business. We pride ourselves in honesty and the concept of fixing what is broken now. I remember once, a customer came into the shop with a laundry list of repairs the dealership gave him. He went in for a recall and came out with a 4 figure estimate. Shocked and concerned, the customer came in for a second opinion. We not only told the customer what was absolutely necessary to repair (although all repairs are necessary, sometimes they are just recommended or suggested "PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE,") but we also provided an estimate that was significantly lower, fixed what was absolutely necessary. Customer was happy. Score!! I am a Southern California driver, my car breaks down, I get it, but it shouldn't cost me an arm and a leg. I am lead mechanic at the shop, working side by side with my dad. Another customer of ours needed tires one Saturday. She went to a local Liar Shop, I mean Tire Shop, and they scared our client into buying more than she needed, absolutely horrible that not only did they sell her something she didn't need, (because we had just recently serviced her car and give it a clean bill of mechanical health) but they OVERCHARGED her so much, it broke my heart. There are shops out there that give honest ones a bad reputation. My father and I never oversell, or suggest unnecessary repairs. Shops like ours DO EXIST. Look for them. Read reviews. Take a drive to one and strike up a conversation with the shop personnel or owner. Trust your gut. If something doesn't seem right move along. Go to the next shop. Visit 10 if need be just to find the right one. And always, ALWAYS, get a 2nd opinion. Your mechanic is essentially your vehicles doctor. Would you go to a shady doctor to care for your health? I didn't think so. Drive safe. Be diligent, ask questions. Go ahead, ask me anything about your car problems or concerns. We got your 6. Samson
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AuthorI enjoy fixing and restoring cars. I also enjoy writing. Figured I'd write about fixing and restoring cars. Check it out. ArchivesCategories |