Reliability and low cost...

No. The dealer had black mechanics too. They still tried gouge me.

My take was: These over priced quotes were tied to the expensive (debt laden) equipment that they used. Snap-on truck needs its weekly account settlement. I tend to see a lot of shiny Snap-on tools/toolboxes in Non-Immigrant shops. The shop owner has to cover their fixed cost, through me, hence the spike in price, for exact amount of work.

This is no different than the dude that drives a $180K Peterbuilt with chrome all over. He's gonna ask for $4-5/mile. I come and accept $3/mile, and now I'm the illegal immigrant bringing the rates down --- even though, I'm getting a higher rate than MEGA's (stated in their financial statements)

 

Ive heard stories of how resourceful people in less privileged countries can be.

About the guys charging 4 a mile. They wouldnt be getting that if someone wasnt willing to pay it though.

 

That's absolutely true. Someone (willing payer) is forking out $4+/mile. I just need to find them... lol

I saw a TV show awhile ago, where a trucker was in Uganda (Africa, thats where) and rear seal had busted, losing all fluid. Guess what the locals told them to use? GREEN BANANAS. They went to the market, bought all the green banana's they could find, stuffed them into the axle shaft, sealed it up and made their destination.

 

Last thing I'll say is I think we can all agree unless it's warranty work dealership are a the highest priced option, sometimes with the least skilled "Techs". Anyone that is really good at his skill/trade will usually pursue higher compensation, thus leaving said dealership and opening his own shop and such.

Finally I go by reputation, & history of a mechanic, not race or ethnicity. It's good to check out his work that he's done with other also.

 

I was just being a smart ### lol.

Any mechanic buying lots of Snap On definitely drinks the Kool-Aid. My cheap tools outlasted all my Snap On and make me just as much money. I'd rather spend $30k on a lot of cheaper tools than $30k on a huge tool box and a basic tool set.

 

@Coover I agree with everthing you said.

The Honduran mechanic was actually refered to me by a machine shop. They said they never get re-work on his head jobs.

Methinks that the industry is full of shysters, and a lot of players see the independent trucker as a sucker. It does not bode well for a "not-too-smart" independent.

Case in point: It took me 3 weeks, and self reading to do my MC application. The number of calls I got to "help me thru the process" as unbelievable. Last week, I got the FMCSA new entrant audit letter. I have already recieved 20 calls in 3 days to help me prepare for the audit. All my stuff is organized from day 1. I dont need any hand holding -- but all these non-trucker players are trying to get me to open my checkbook.

Crazy.

 

I guess... if you can get past.. aw never mind. Strike that.

 

I always get confused nowadays if I’m trying to describe someone.

What I should say:
“A naturalized American of Latino descent self identifying as male who is well trained in the arts of diesel mechanics adhereing to a business protocol of fair pricing and quick turnaround with a list of references that point towards positive cost effective results.”

What normally comes out:
“That Latino dude ####ing rocks. Fixed my #### for like 1/2 of what the dealership wanted and it stayed fix.”