How to beat dodgy garage repair bills?

[hakkan]

I couldn't manage to find a honest garage in 15 years! Lived many different parts of London and no honest garage I came across yet Latest one looks good on the jobs they do 2. time used them but I am suspicious because they bill me for the changed the parts but I can not see the parts they have changed not visible part of the vehicle usually. They bill me on their invoice including labour and all the parts itemised but as far as I know they don't sell parts. How could I ask them politely to see the invoice from the supplier of the parts? If there are people with similar experiences could direct me to right direction please? Thanks for your help.

[CheekyChops]

Why on earth would you want to see the invoices? Its more than likely that they buy the parts in bulk and have had them in stock for some time so may not have the invoice available. Also they may not want to show them to you anyway as then you could see how much they pay for them and how much they charge you!

Sounds to me like you have a deep mistrust of all garages, especially as you say you haven't found an honest one in 15 years. How do you know none of them were honest, do you have any evidence?

I'd get rid of the car if I were you and buy a pushbike.

[redcrx]

how about asking for your old parts back?

If you are really worried then go to a main dealer.

[david1702198]

or even fix the car yourself. youll probably also find that the garage wont have the invoice for parts as it will have been passed to an accountant. i dont see why a garage has to go to this length to gain your trust. and what do you expect the garage to do? charge you the same price as what they get charged after they ordered and arranged delivery of them?? as i say fix it yourself.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

you seem a very untrusting sort of person,and if you came in to one of our garages and ask to see our invoices for filters,oil,etc,you would soon be shown the door.of course there are cowboys out there,but 99 out of a hundred are not.

[redcrx]

why no stars for my answer. You are entitled to see the parts that they have removed and any garage wouldnt have a problem with showing them to you if you asked.

Asking for copies of their private receipts is taking it too far.

[hakkan]

Must be a lot of garage owners in this website!
Unfortunately I know nothing about mechanics and I am only asking simple questions hoping someone might have some good advice�Did not want to offend any of you garage owners. But have to say one of you gave a very good idea, which I will be using next time if I need to.