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Readers responded to my post on how I saved $3,100 using tips I received from BargainBabe.com readers with requests for help. Please leave a comment if you have ideas for them.
Cindy in San Jose wrote:
I am looking for someone to repair my dryer. Thank you, Cindy
Yazmin in Los Angeles wrote:
Hi, I am purchasing a foreclosure home in Los Angeles. We hired an inspector and told us that whole house needs to be rewired. Our agent recommended her electrician (licensed). He went to see the house and he estimated (just labor) $1900 and we can buy material estimated $850. I am trying to stick with a licensed person. We did not expect this expense when we considered purchasing the house. We still need to buy paint and carpet/tile. I need you help please!! Yazmin
Lisa in Studio City/Sherman Oaks wrote:
Hi Julia- In reference to your article today about the Mini repairs, I’m looking for a reliable alternative to the dealer for my ’05 Honda Pilot with 66,000 miles. Needs service YESTERDAY (that crazy “maintence required” light keeps coming on!!), so any help would be appreciated
thanks, Lisa
Related posts:
Upholstery, Landscaping, and Auto Body Repair at a deep discount
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:32 am
Hey, Lisa. I have a mechanic who’s been servicing my Hondas since 1981! Try AI (Automotive Instincts) in Northridge. 818-349-5900. They’re so good, even AAA recommends them! Friendly, knowledgeable and honest mechanics. You’ll love them!
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:42 am
Hi Yazmin,
I don’t know an electrician but I do know that a lot of my neighbors use the local Yahoo board to find recommendations for various service providers.
For the northeast area of LA (Highland Park, etc)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nelalist/
From the Home page you can look for other Yahoo groups. It’s a great way to get to know your community, find out what’s going on that doesn’t make it to the newspapers, etc. You have to be a member to post but anyone can use the search function.
Good luck with the new house!
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:23 am
Try enrolling at Angie’s List. angieslist.com…it’s $7 a month but you can look up everything from A-Z including doctors. The list will say if they’ve got insurance, if they are licensed, bonded, etc. So you choose what type of liability you take on when you speak to the companies. I’m having a 100% GREAT experience with everyone I’ve called based on the reviews posted by other users of service. Reviews are so good most will tell you if that company charges more then someone else..and reviews are all researched by Angie’s List, as are the companies.
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:41 am
Looking for a Prius mechanic. I live in Culver City and work in Santa Monica. Anywhere on the westside would be good.
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
I am looking for someone to service my 2006 Prius. I live in Culver City and work in Santa Monica. Anywhere on the westside would be good.
July 2nd, 2010 at 11:54 am
George (owner) at Honda Only for mechanical, purchase of used cars, body work on Hondas and some other makes. He’s in Sun Valley.
First thing you might want to check when ‘service engine’ light comes on: Is your gas cap screwed on properly? If not, the light will come on. You may need to have light re-set or disconnect battery to re-set the light, then see if light comes back on. This happened to me & many people I know.
Another money saving car repair tip: When light comes on, have someone use code reader to get the problem code. Then google it to find out the issue & faulty part number, buy part, take it to mechanic you trust for installation. I end up paying only 20-40% of dealer prices this way!
July 2nd, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Jaek’s Automotive in Van Nuys is absolutely wonderful!
They know what they’re doing, are very thorough, reliable, honest, and reasonably priced.
Ask for Bekah. 818 786-6586.
Trust me, you won’t be sorry.
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
For car repairs and maintenance I recommend Magnolia Automotive in North Hollywood. They do great work for an excellent price and are honest about what actually needs to be done. I found out about the place from a friend, and my boyfriend and I have both taken our cars (a 2005 Toyota Matrix and a 2003 Honda Pilot) there since. You can find reviews of the place on Yelp and Yahoo Local.
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:03 pm
For a great mechanic on the Westside, Prestige (Sepulveda & Venice) http://prestigeautorepaircenter.com/ I’ve used them for over 10 years for my Hondas & my friends’ Toyotas; they are honest and do great work.
July 2nd, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Dodge Brothers in Granada Hills has been great with three of our cars. Tony will “scope” your car’s computer for free and tell you what the “service engine” light means. He doesn’t have a problem if you decide to go somewhere else either. His specialty is racecars, by the way.
If anyone is in Pasadena, I used to go to Emile’s, not far from Altadena & Lake. He was great, and would even pick up and drop off even though it was just him at the garage.
July 3rd, 2010 at 5:32 am
@Cindy, are you sure you cant repair the dryer yourself? Take off the hose and make sure its empty and the connection to the dryer and the house are also empty. Then check the lint filter underneath the part you pull out. Those are the things I always check first…. Hope this helps! Otherwise sears is actually not spendy and the work is guaranteed. Which I find important because a new dryer is expensive.
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:11 am
For the electrician, try Esa at 805-304-0510. He did several small jobs for us and his prices were really reasonable. He came highly recommended by several people on a local message board. Good luck!