A Texas man was left stunned after receiving a $7,000 repair estimate from a dealership—only to have the issue resolved by a local mechanic for just $125 in under two hours.
Jonathan Morsinkhoff, a realtor based in Dallas, said he rushed his Honda Odyssey to a dealership when the red airbag warning light came on.
In a TikTok video he posted about the experience, Morsinkhoff explained that the dealership told him the fix would cost a staggering $7,000. Technicians claimed the warning was caused by a malfunction in the passenger seat’s airbag system wiring harness, and that the job would require removing a large portion of the vehicle’s interior.
Unconvinced, he sought a second opinion from a trusted local mechanic. After examining the vehicle, the mechanic determined the issue was simply a loose connector under the driver’s seat—and charged just $125 for the repair.
“This is why I don’t trust anybody else with my cars,” Morsinkhoff said.
Why Dealerships Overcharge
Ryan Ratkowski, a seasoned mechanic and owner of Motorcycle Maestros, weighed in on the situation. He said many drivers rely on dealerships for dependable service, but those same shops often inflate prices on both parts and labor.
“Tire rotations and replacements are the first things you should consider getting done somewhere else,” Ratkowski told GoBankingRates. “You can get your tires rotated or replaced at many other service stations or tire shops often for less money and with quicker service.”
He also pointed out that many tire retailers offer free rotations if you purchase your tires through them.
Joe Giranda, owner of CFR Classic, added that aftermarket installations and cosmetic upgrades—like audio systems or vehicle wraps—are often better handled by specialty shops. These businesses have more targeted expertise and offer greater customization options, typically at lower costs.
When it comes to simpler fixes, Ratkowski suggested some can be done at home. Replacing wiper blades is one of them.
“It might seem intimidating at first, but you’ll learn a new skill and save a lot of money,” he said. “Grab some from an auto parts store and change them in your parking lot. Dealerships might use this as an opportunity to tack on extra service fees.”
How to Avoid Being Scammed at a Repair Shop
Experts from Motorautocar and AARP recommend the following to protect yourself from unnecessary repair charges:
- Ask to see parts or fluids that were replaced. If the shop says it’s not possible or refuses, that could be a red flag.
- Request a walkaround of completed repairs. Look for evidence like clean areas, new parts, tool marks, or nearby tools.
- Check reviews online—Google, Yelp, and Facebook are good places to start. Just remember that many people only post reviews after negative experiences.
- Get multiple opinions for expensive repairs. If two or more mechanics recommend the same fix, it’s more likely legitimate.
- Test new shops with known minor issues. This helps assess their honesty before you commit to a major repair.
- Bring someone knowledgeable about cars if you’re unsure.
- Get everything in writing. Keeping repair records not only protects you but can also help if legal action becomes necessary.
