Don't mess around when choosing a mechanic to work on your car. Keep an ear open for recommendations and warnings when your friends and family have car troubles. If you know beforehand of a body shop you feel comfortable with, you won’t need to make a rushed or incomplete decision when you need one.

Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. I stay in touch with homeschooling families. They’re often part of a larger group that can share recommendations for mechanics they’ve felt were honest and reputable.