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spell out any guaranteed items (including exclusions), in case problems occur later and you need contractual proof.
• Watch out for these common scams:
• • They give you a verbal estimate then charge a higher price. Always get it in writing.
• • A shop lures you in with low-cost specials (oil change, brake inspection, etc.), then pads the work order with other repairs you don't want or need. If in doubt, have the initial work done and get a second opinion on the rest, unless there's an immediate safety issue.
• • Charging for services that are covered under the car's warranty. (Always read your warranty carefully.)
• • Dishonest mechanics have been known to inflict intentional damage during an inspection in order to boost needed repairs.
• • They don't want to return replaced parts to you, which could mean the work wasn't actually done, or they used inferior parts. (Keep in mind that there could be discarded parts lying around that they could pass off as yours.)
• • Going against your car manufacturer's recommendations. If your manual recommends getting an oil change every 10,000 miles but the mechanic says every 3,000, make sure there's a good reason.
• • Offers to waive the deductible - for example, offering to install a used part and

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