I have to put my two cents in on this one. I agree with moosmom. When I take my car in I always have them call Bruce after they've looked at it for the problem I brought it in for. When I was living at home........they called my dad or my brother.
While I've never been taken advantage of......that I'm aware of.......I still feel like they see me coming and think $$$$$. And honestly I'd feel that way if it was a woman too.
I did have a wonderful mechanic in Galt when I lived at home. He is now still my dad's mechanic. I trusted him completely. I just wish I could find one like that here in the East Bay.

There are good trustworthy mechanics out there. It's just finding them that's the hard part.