I done told you ngas already to buy a USCAN from Autozone or some place like that.
You then have to download the app for your phone.....and then BUY some add-ons for it.
Plug that shyt into your car and it'll tell your phone what's the matter with your car and how to repair it.
With that knowledge in hand, you can take your car to the shop and know with a 95% certainty if a nga is trying to rip you off.
This but for the non tech savvy people (a lot of people dont change their fuses or even put their own bulbs in the car, or fill their own cars with oil, not change the oil but just put more in by lifting the hood, taking the cap off and pouring it in) for roughly the same price you should be able to
A. Take car to the dealer, honda, ford, chevy, toyota etc. Get a full estimate and run down- tell them you are looking to the sell the car on craigslist because you have already purchased a new car and are looking to get some sort of financial compensation- They should test everything out and give you a full print out then ask what is critical, i.e engine, transmission, brakes, belts, lines, alternator, starter, fuel pump any steering alignment issues.
B. Take the car to a lower tier shop, tires plus, certified transmission, jiffy lube, etc..ask for a full diagnostic, tell them the same story, youve purchased a new car and are looking to sell this car however you want a full list of repairs so you can take care of some stuff prior to selling it. Likewise you should receive a print out with full details and if you'd like you can ask again what is critical...
The lists should be roughly the same. Obviously if the one says the transmission is fukked and the other says it is fine, there is an issue. And you can be specific, like obviously if the dealer says the engine and transmission are showing problems, tell that to the second party and see if they come to the same conclusions.
Ive done this maybe twice over 2 different cars and saved over $1600 in repairs and for the estimates only spent about $100 to $120.
Between different shops labor prices and parts pricing and what was deemed critical or immediate to fix I saved a grip. Also I used it as a referencing tool, replaced my own starter, alternator, radiator, calipers and rotors, and a few other things which were simply bolt on and connector. For those who arent savvy there are friends/family/coworkers that will do it for you that just have the know how. If you have friends and connections like that just post up on facebook or spread the word "I bought some new brake pads or new calipers does anyone know how to put them on?" If you have bought the parts a lot of people will donate the time.
And not everything that happens with the car registers a check engine code. for instance a knocking due to motor mount failing or failing actuators...
