SURVEY SAYS:

SURVEY SAYS: What is the biggest bill you ever got stuck with?

“Approximately $3,000 for an engine replacement. The customer refused to pay and it went to small claims court. Still waiting.”
Greg Hyes, Main Street Auto Service, Sussex, N.B.

“The biggest bill was in the thousands – and it was for an account that went bankrupt on us.”
Bob Gammon, Serbu Tire, Windsor, Ont.

“The RCMP was unsure of my rights and told me to hand over repaired car and file a small claim. Lost $2,200.”
Cheryl Tilma, Jarvie Auto Service

“A long-time regular customer decided to declare personal bankruptcy, leaving us whistling Dixie to the tune of $930.”
Joseph Champion, Triple C Automotive, Bishop’s Falls, Nfld.

“I’ve lost count of the number of times and dollar amounts lost for being sympathetic to a customer’s situation.”
Mike Hoffman, Automotive Brake Renew, Kelowna, B.C.
 

SURVEY SAYS: What’s your favorite car to work on and why?

“Honda Civic. It’s easy to work on and simple.”
Perry Vandergulik, Jem Auto Services, Coquitlam, B.C.

“Old, classic muscle cars – lots of room under the hood.”
Aaron Moss, Randy’s Automotive, Waterford, Ont.

“The Chevrolet Cavalier is easy to repair and parts are easily obtained.”
Craig Spiece, Craig’s Complete Car Care, Riverview, N.B.

“The Toyota Camry and Corolla are both well-engineered.”
Cliff Martin, Midas Auto Service, Charlottetown, P.E.I.

“Toyota Corolla – reasonably-priced parts are always available and the Corolla is easy to work on.”
Alexander Novak, Farrell’s Ultramar, Antigonish, N.S.

“Toyota. Well-engineered and fairly easy to work on. I own three!”
Jack Shea, John’s Quality Auto Service, Lindsay, Ont.

“Any Honda model because they are designed to be serviced.”
John Robinson, HJM Auto, Victoria, B.C.

“I prefer Jeeps and Chrysler products.”
Mike Hoffman, Automotive Brake Renew, Kelowna, B.C.

“Chevy trucks are user-friendly and there’s lots of info.”
Theo Goverall, Whitecourt Autopro, Whitecourt, Alta.

“My own ’83 Camaro. I learn from working on it. Working on it improves my skills and my car at the same time.”
Josh Pohlmann, Keith & Herb Alignments, Saskatoon, Sask.

“Toyota Camry. I’d like the opportunity to work on one but they never break down.”
Bob Irvine, J & B Raceworks, London, Ont.

“I prefer GM models due to the space availability to work around, although they are now being built more compact.”
Al Jackson, Spence Tire, Windsor, Ont.

“The Chrysler Intrepid is fairly easy to work on and diagnose.”
Jim Anderson, Kal Tire, Stettler, Alta.

“All full-framed, rear-wheel-drive vehicles. For example, the Suzuki Sidekick.”
William Brink, Wiltech Services, Calgary