Like every decision there are a lot of considerations which come into play. Cheap is a relative word of which there are many meanings. For example, do we mean cheaper compared to another quote, or the cheapest possible around?
So, Is a mobile mechanic cheaper than a garage? The unbiased answer is that it depends on the type of service you need, the situation you’re in and the specific mobile mechanic or garage you are considering.
In general, a mobile mechanic may be cheaper than a garage for simple services like minor servicing, tune ups etc. This is because mobile mechanics may have lower overhead costs as they may not have to maintain a physical location.
However, for complex repairs that require highly specialized tools or equipment a main dealer or specialist garage may be more cost-effective as they will likely have the necessary, specialist tools and proprietary information readily available.
Additionally, some garages – especially the large franchise chains – often have access to special deals with suppliers and discounted parts that they purchase in bulk, which can further lower the cost of repairs.
This isn’t always a good thing, as the negative side of this is that the bulk purchase of parts (especially engine oil) may mean that the incorrect parts are used for your vehicle which can lead to problems.
Also, these types of garages tend to offer very low servicing prices to entice customers only to then upsell with additional work. This is something that is a common negative experience for many customers.
In fairness this is more a business practice than a direct comparison of a physical workshop compared to a mobile mechanic.
It’s also worth considering the convenience factor. While a garage may be cheaper in terms of price, they may not be able to provide the same level of service and convenience that mobile mechanics can.
Generally speaking you will also get a more personal service with a mobile mechanic, which is preferable to some people as often customers can feel anonymous at a large garage.
Ultimately, the cost of a mobile mechanic versus a garage depends on your specific needs and the service you require. It’s a good idea to get quotes from both mobile mechanics and garages before making a decision.
Here are some factors to consider when considering if a mobile mechanic is cheaper than a garage and which is the right choice for you:
Location
Mobile mechanics can come to your location, eliminating the need for you to take your vehicle to a garage. This can save you time and money on transportation costs and is also much more convenient.
Business Model
A mobile mechanic may have lower overhead costs than a garage, which can translate to lower prices for their services.
Specialisation
Mobile mechanics may specialise in certain types of repairs or services, which can make them more cost-effective for those specific needs.
Emergency / Breakdown Situations
In the event of a breakdown, a mobile mechanic can come to you whereas a garage cannot. This means you may have to incur more expense towing your vehicle to that location.
Reputation
Consider who is running the business and what kind of experience they offer. Checking customer reviews and feedback online is a good indication of this.
FAQs
The Wrap Up
However, there are also some potential downsides to using either type of business, such as limited availability, capacity, equipment and specialization.
Overall, whether a mobile mechanic is cheaper than a garage depends on the specific business and the type of service or repair needed. Cheap and quality are generally not two words associated with each other. Beware of things being too cheap, as it may mean that it ends up costing you more in the long run.
