Sorry, I am not near SD. I have over 15 years experience as a licensed mechanic. Class "A" Licensed in Ontario with interprovincial red seal, this just means that I am not backyard, I know my stuff. I would like to open a small shop helping people get their cars fixed "properly" the first time.
Is there a need an experienced and trained mechanic near the Sanitago area?
What would be a fair hourly rate to charge?
Do you want to work for beer as a canadian master tech?
Here in the DR every men is a mechanic and they work for cheap.
I just opened my shop recently and I could talk to you about the "quality" and "level" of their work and knowledge. I have not seen anything that came from a dominican shop that was fix properly!!
Actually, most of the cases they f^<k it up even better. Well, as I said just started the business 2 months ago.
They have no proper diagnostic tools and tools in general -beside maybe a volt meter or a probe light - nor a torque wrench.
Just last week I replaced an oil pan for a fellow DR1 member because some idiot over tightened the drain plug with a force that cracked the pan.
Ask them about fuel trim, adaptation, CAN, VVT, CIP they will look at you like you are from the Mars.
They will cut any cables -including network cables- to find B+ for a POS radio or any accessory they try to install.
Few weeks ago I had a customer and his ex-mechanic cut a fiber optic cable on a BMW. It can not be repaired and the wiring harness cost only US$ 7500. They are using RTV silicon on applications that required Anaerobical sealer. Sure, the RTV is only $5 and the other thingy is $30!
But hey! Mechanics are cheap here!! They work for a beer. :bunny: :bunny:
The other things are the parts. While there are OE and good quality parts are available for pretty high prices, most dominicans are using the lowest quality POS parts ever. They are bringing here any cr^p that could not pass DOT, TUV or any other quality standard.
For this reason I get most of the parts from the US.
How about when they try to sell a used part for more $ than a cost of a new?
I really don't know what the f^ck are some of the expats thinking when they import their BMW, Infinity, Lexus etc... to the DR and they want Jose with a machete to fix it for 100 pesos, perhaps a beer?? Thanks God most are not like this and they know the good old rule:"you get what you paid for"
I'm not the cheapest shop for sure, nor the most expensive.
But after 20+ years experience in EU and USA, with ASE master and Automotive Consultant certification with over US$ 100,000 in equipments and tools I don't want the bottom feeders who are offering beers for repairs.
I leave them for dominican mechanics.
I'm sure there are good dominican mechanics also, and hopefully I'll meet with some.
Answering to your question: sure, there is always a need for a good mechanic.
I have sent you my number, just call me I'd like to talk to you.
The Hun