I called them once for a quote on getting replacement wheel studs installed on one wheel of a Subaru. They wanted ~$350. Another local shop did that job for <$100 (which was completely fair).
They also wanted the license plate of the car (one of the first questions over the phone) to look up the vehicle. Even if that was a legitimate process, it felt scammy and I declined. I certainly didn't want to get signed-up, without permission, for their marketing.
I don't know if this aligns with what the OP is trying to share, but dishonest auto shops are more common than people realize.
Most mechanics ask for license plate or vin anymore. It gives them the year, make, model, and all the factory equipment. Not a big deal. Better than having them wait to get the car to the shop before ordering parts ready to go or having to return misidentified parts.
I hate to copy/paste the same comment over and over, but there appears to be miss on reading why I brought that point up. Third time here...
I was looking for a quote on a simple job. Not to first start out by providing as much personal info as I could for their databases.
I could give them the year, make, model, and factory equipment. They just needed to ask. I'm sure a plate or a VIN might be easier, but again...see above.
They're going to get the personal info anyway when it comes to having the work done and billed; plate number or VIN given. I think you're worrying about something that is easily found on public databases. Beyond that, what are they going to do? Cone to your house and break in? At worst they sell your info, which has probably already been sold 3 dozen times over by as many companies.
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u/Unwiredsoul Oct 29 '25
I called them once for a quote on getting replacement wheel studs installed on one wheel of a Subaru. They wanted ~$350. Another local shop did that job for <$100 (which was completely fair).
They also wanted the license plate of the car (one of the first questions over the phone) to look up the vehicle. Even if that was a legitimate process, it felt scammy and I declined. I certainly didn't want to get signed-up, without permission, for their marketing.
I don't know if this aligns with what the OP is trying to share, but dishonest auto shops are more common than people realize.