How to choose a mechanic you can trust not to overcharge

The mechanic who charges R800 for a job another workshop quotes at R1,200 isn't necessarily the trustworthy one—he might be cutting corners or underestimating the work. Trust with pricing comes down to how a mechanic arrives at the number, not the number itself.

Most overcharging happens through two routes: padding the bill with unnecessary work, or charging labour rates that don't match the complexity of what's being fixed. You stop it not by hunting for the cheapest quote, but by understanding which mechanics are transparent about how they think and what they charge.

Mechanics who itemise clearly and stand by their reasoning

A quote that says "full service: R1,500" tells you almost nothing. A quote that breaks down spark plugs, oil, filter, fluid top-ups, and inspection hours does. The first mechanic isn't necessarily dishonest—he might just work that way—but the second one is showing you exactly what he's charging for and why, which makes it far harder for him to slip extra work past you later.

Better still: when you ask why a part needs replacing or why labour is what it is, does he explain it in a way that makes sense to you? A trustworthy mechanic doesn't treat your questions as an insult. He'll tell you that a battery test showed it's failing and he's charging two hours' labour because the alternator is tucked behind the engine bay on your model. You might not enjoy the cost, but you understand it.

Call three or four workshops with the same fault or service need. You'll get different quotes—sometimes wildly different—and that's normal. But the quotes should follow a pattern. If two workshops charge R500 labour and one charges R2,500 for the same job, ask the expensive one why. Maybe his hourly rate is higher because he's got a fully equipped workshop and more experienced staff. Maybe it's because he's quoting ten hours when the others quoted two. The answer matters.

One practical check: ask a mechanic if you can get a quote by WhatsApp photo or phone call, or if he wants to see the car first. A mechanic who quotes work without inspecting it is guessing—and guesses invite cost blowouts. One who insists on a proper look is thinking carefully, which usually means he's less likely to bill you for surprises later.

Mechanics with a reputation that isn't just word-of-mouth

When someone tells you "my cousin goes to this guy and he's brilliant," that's useful data, but it's not complete. Word-of-mouth tells you the mechanic didn't rip off your cousin—it doesn't tell you if he'd rip off you, or how he'd handle a complex job you've never done before.

Better indicators: is the workshop registered with the Motor Industry Ombudsman or similar body? Is he transparent about his hourly rate upfront? Does he have a physical location you can walk into, or is he operating out of his garage on Gumtree?

Look for mechanics who've been in the same location for years and have ongoing customers, not the workshop that changes premises every six months. Ask for references from recent customers and actually call one or two. Ask them if the final bill matched the quote, if the mechanic contacted them before doing extra work, and whether they'd go back.

When you land on a shortlist, visit the workshop before you need an emergency repair. Is it tidy? Are tools modern or held together with gaffer tape? Is the owner around, or do you get handed to a salesman-type who doesn't touch a wrench? None of this is foolproof, but a workshop that takes pride in its space usually takes pride in its work.

The mechanic who won't overcharge you is the one who shows his working. He breaks down the quote, explains his reasoning without getting defensive, quotes in detail rather than lump sums, and charges rates that sit in the middle band for your area, not suspiciously high or low. On Strove, you can compare verified mechanics' customer reviews and get a clearer sense of who stands behind their quotes—that's worth using before you commit your car.