craigs list saves the day

I am getting my second truck ready for summer and it needed some engine repair
I hate having to take a truck into town then I have to get back home then back to town.

So I advertised on craigs list for a mechanic for cash and got one.

The van engine was making some noise turned out to just be the alternator

Had a very nice gentleman come out clean cut own tools and did a great job for me
I had all the parts ready for him and I even steam cleaned the engine before the work.

I think I got pretty lucky now I have a few more jobs for him.

He did not work for cheap 50 dollars an hour two hour job I gave him 120 and a 12 pack.

$50 an hour IS cheap. Going rate for a mechanic around here is $95 and over a $100 at most dealers. To get one to make house calls.....real bargain.

Treat that guy well, he sounds like a great resource.

Yes,$ 50 / hr is a very good price, my mechanic charge me that because I take all my vans and minivan there and give him a ton of work, otherwise he charges $ 75 / hr which I think is still a good price, but a house call for $ 50 / hr for a great job AND honest, that's a HECK of a deal, please give him my info if he ever plan to move out to LA, lol.

1985 called and they want their hourly rate mechanic back!!!!!!!!!!   

NO ONE with any brains can make money in service work, esp traveling service work like we do at this rate anymore!

I have had work done from CL freelancers many times. Alot of guys using craigslist to make a couple of extra bucks.
Many good mechanics out there out of work, or looking to supplement their income, and can work cheap because they lack the overhead needed to support a shop.

Just gotta learn how to recognize and fight your way through the bullshiters and spamers.
I listed for a radiator swap and must have gotten 30+ legit responses from guys hungry for work.

the guy is not a full time mechanic just doing some moonlighting for cash,

I will let you all in on a little secret, that ASE certification that defines a "real mechanic" means about as much as the iicrc certification in this industry. If you have any shop experience (or someone willing to say that you do) you can take the exam....I past it years ago and I am an idiot.

The ASE exam doesn't get into specifics, just concepts much like the iicrc. Being ASE or iicrc doesn't make you skilled, just aware of the process.

If the guy knows what he is doing, he IS a mechanic....just like a cleaner without the iicrc IS still a cleaner.