Q: I’m new in town and need some work done on my car. I don’t want to go to a dealer so what should I do to find a good independent mechanic? — Maybelle Moved

A: Dear Maybelle: Unfortunately, my editor doesn’t allow me to point out specific companies/shops (good, bad, or indifferent), but I can offer a few recommendations that will help in your own search for a reliable body shop or garage. It appears your mind is set against a dealer so we’ll zero in on independent repair shops, which usually offer a more satisfactory price along with good service.

Most people would first ask friends or tradespeople whom they trust for a recommendation. Don’t forget to use trade associations, too, as is the case with most service-oriented businesses.

If you go online and Google automobile repair shops or garages in your area, certain organizations should pop up, including the Automobile Service Association (www.asashop.org). The site tells us that professional business practices by all its members means almost 80 percent of its clientele become repeat customers. (Moreover, you’ll be able to pull up other trade associations, as well.)

On the other hand, perhaps as important as great shops are the signs of those you should avoid like the plague.

I always advise consumers to personally check out the environment where repairs of any kind are to be made, and this type of business is no exception. Is the garage clean (or as clean as grease and such can be) and, particularly, the office section?

Is someone always available to ask questions and from whom to receive responsible answers? What about modern technology? Do you see any technological devices that make the mechanics a lot more aware of cost-efficient measures?

And one last item on the “to-do” list: when you decide upon a repair shop and take your Aching Auto in for service, always first get a written estimate after you explain the problem(s) in detail.

After the work if completed but before you pay (and obtain a written invoice so you can return the vehicle if the “ache” isn’t really fixed), insist the mechanic goes with you for a test drive. Keep your eyes, ears, and nose at the ready while the two of you tootle along.

web scam alert

The FBI tells us to be on the lookout for spam e-mails spreading the Storm Worm malicious software (malware) which mention “FBI vs. facebook" (sic).

The e-mail directs the recipient to click on a link to view an article about the FBI and Facebook. Once we click on the link, this software is downloaded to the computer and causes it become part of the Storm Worm botnet, which is a network of infected machines under the control of a single user. This takeover of your computer make possible criminal activity such as spam e-mail, identity theft and denial of service attacks.

Ellen Phillips is a retired English teacher who has written two consumer-oriented books. Her Consumer Watch column appears on Saturdays in the Business section of the paper.

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