Get an estimate in writing. Ask the repair person to write down the estimated cost of repairing your car including:
- What exactly is going to be done?
- How much will it cost, including parts and labor?
- When will the work be completed?
Once you have an estimate, do comparison-shopping before you hire the repairperson to do the work. Remember that the cheapest estimate may not be the best choice in terms of workmanship and reliability.