Is it normal for a Range Rover mechanic to refuse a quick fix and ask for a full inspection first?
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Last Wednesday my 2017 Range Rover Sport started shaking a little when I pressed the brake at highway speed, and I took it to a small workshop that a friend had mentioned. I was hoping the man would look at the wheels, say it needs balancing, and send me home in thirty minutes. Instead he walked around the car, listened to my story, and told me he would not touch anything until he did a full inspection. He said guessing is how people end up paying for parts they did not need. Honestly, part of me respected that, and part of me was annoyed, because I wanted a fast answer and a small bill. Since then I keep asking myself if I did the right thing by agreeing. My brother says a good mechanic should be able to tell you the problem in five minutes, and that a full inspection is only a way to charge extra. My neighbour says the opposite, that these cars are too complicated for quick guesses, and I should be happy he is careful. I read a page about Range Rover repair mechanics, and it gave me some ideas, but it did not say what a normal first visit should look like or how much time it should take. So I would like to hear from people who have been through this. First, what does a proper inspection include, only a computer scan, or also a lift check, a test drive, and a look at the suspension and brakes? Second, is it normal to pay for the inspection, and does the fee come off the final bill if I go ahead with the repair? He did not tell me, and I forgot to ask. Third, should I ask for a written list of what he finds, with photos? I would like proof before I say yes to any big job. Another thing I wonder is whether the shaking could be something small like tyre balance or a bent wheel. I did hit a bad pothole two weeks ago, so maybe that is the real cause, and I would hate to pay for a big repair when the fix is cheap. Also, how long should a first visit take, one hour or half a day? I need the car for work, so I cannot leave it for many days. If a mechanic asked you for a full inspection before touching your Range Rover, what did you do, and was it worth it? Thanks for reading, I will check the replies tonight.