Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Wanna fix my ride?

An important man in my life is gone.

No, it's not my boyfriend, my father, or James Franco. But you're close.

It's my mechanic.



My car is dying a slow death and this magical mechanic, JD, had been keeping me afloat for the past two years.

He has given me priceless advice which has literally saved me thousands of dollars.

He has been extremely honest with me. For example, two years ago I had a rubber tube in my engine that was leaking. The dealership wanted $400 to replace it. Five other auto shops quoted between $300 to $500 to replace it. JD took one look at the tube, laughed, and then cut the part that was leaking. He then reattached it. "Never let these places rip you off," he told me. "You don't need a new tube at all."



He has also had my back. A year and a half ago, my air conditioner blew out. It cost me $600 to replace it.

Six months later, my air conditioner stopped working again. It was under a year warranty with the auto shop. I took it to the shop where JD worked. His boss smirked and told me, "I think a rock hit the air conditioner, so that isn't valid under our warranty. It's gonna cost you another $600, honey." I was dumbfounded. JD was pissed as well and he actually chewed his boss out for me. I could hear him in the back room yelling, "that's wrong! You're cheating this girl! She shouldn't pay for NOTHING!"

In the end, JD didn't win over his boss completely, but I did only have to pay for labor, not the air conditioner. He saved me $300.



Well, this morning I discovered the brakes were not working properly on my car. I took it to the shop. JD wasn't there. Normally when I bring over my car, JD looks at it for free and then tells me what needs to be done. This time, a scowling girl at the cash register told me I had to pay $80 for an inspection fee.

I told her I wanted to speak to JD. She smiled meanly and told me JD didn't work there anymore

"He was giving advice to people and doing practically free labor for customers without our knowledge," she said. "He totally got fired. He was a terrible employee. You're the fifth person to ask about him today. He really had a fan base with his shady little deals. We're SO glad he's gone." And then she threw her head back and cackled like a witch.

I was horrified.



And that's when I realized I had lost a very important person in my life. An honest mechanic. Someone I could trust with my car. Someone who truly did not want to rip me off. A mechanic with a heart of gold.

If you ever become friends with a mechanic, do not let that person go. Cling to them. You will never regret it.

Now I'm going to spend this weekend searching for JD or someone like him. There is a good chance I will surface with no results.

My bank account is so screwed.

83 comments:

syieranuar said...

aww this JD guy is so sweet!! i wish i could find someone honest like him O.O

Angela said...

ah... feel for you!!

Vanilla said...

I hope you find him! he sounds like a great guy :)

Love, Vanilla

Vix said...

What a shame! He sounded a fantastically generous spirited man. There's too many mechanics that take advantage of lone women and think that they can rob them blind. I wonder if he's joined another garage or if he's freelance? Either way, I hope you find him. xxx

MG said...

Oh my gosh, JF, I am so sorry! What a terrible start to the weekend. If you'd like - email me all the details of the joint and I'll write up a comical bashing, :). In any case, I truly hope you can find someone, ASAP!

xx,
MG

Sarah said...

Aww! Love the photos!
x

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I'm so sorry. We have an honest mechanic and I don't know what I would do if he was gone!

Tabatha said...

I feel your pain! It's so awful that JD is gone & even worse the he got fired just because he's a good person!
But maybe you can find him somewhere, maybe he's still in town? *crossing fingers*
I used to have a JD-type-of-guy as a mechanic, too, but he moved away & since then it's so hard (= impossible) to find somebody who gives you honest advice instead of trying to rip you off.
Wishing you a good weekend, though :-)

Cybelle e Fabi said...

JD is a very nice guy, it's sad that he is not around anymore! Hope you find him!
xoxo Cybelle & Fabi

http://www.fromustwoyou.com/

Josie said...

He sounds like an absolute sweetheart. All the luck in finding a new mechanic, my dear!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Sherin said...

Oh no. How awful. I can't believe he lost his job for being a nice guy. It's such a shame how being honest can lose your job!

SMD said...

That's absolutely terrible! What is the world coming to? You can't even trust mechanics anymore. I would say never go back to that shop with that scowling, mean little girl. Tell her to get her head out of the clouds or wherever she is, because she needs to learn politeness. Aww I really hope you're able to find JD! http://thearcenciel.blogspot.com/

David Macaulay said...

That sucks Jennifer. Mechanics like JD are hard to find. I take mine to 'dodgy Steve' in the hood. He gave me a new drive belt that the dealer quoted for about $800 for about $300. Fortunately he's self employed so won't be firing himself I hope.

Barry said...

Yup, if you find a guy who looks out for you and who you can always trust don't let him out of your sight.

*cough* likemeforexample *cough*

xoxoxo

Oh to Be a Muse said...

man, you should've gotten his number or email or something. maybe you can find him facebook? if you can't find him then maybe you can get someone just as good!

be privé said...

yes me too, loooove gucci summer collection!!
Like your blog, i'm your new follower :) follow me!

http://beprive.blogspot.com/

Twenty.Something said...

You were so lucky to have a JD! I always get screwed with mechanics... such a dishonest business. I hope you find a new JD soon... cars are so friggin expensive!!!

Unknown said...

I understand all too well how that goes. Hope it all works out.

Couture Carrie said...

Oh he sounds amazing... sorry, darling!

xoxox,
CC

Courtney Erin said...

That sucks!

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Bella y Cecile said...

incredible text, you're always so orginial, and the photos are also amazing
thanks for comment!!! :)
http://pop-corn-love.blogspot.com

Life At Victoria House said...

Awww he sounds adorable :) Maybe you should write to him and say thank you for his attempts :) Letters always make people feel better!
www.clashingtime.blogspot.com <3

btd. said...

Aww man, I really hope you find JD. Don't give up hope because there aren't guys out there like him. Good luck!
And I'm about to blog again for what the ABC diet is. :)

Chyrel Gomez said...

Thanks for your comment in my blog and sorry to hear about your mechanic. I'm sure you can find a good replacement. :)

LEONID GUREVICH said...

Jennifer dear

Your comment made me smile like a Cheshire Cat. How sweet are you! Thank you for saying these wonderful things, dear.
That event was wonderful indeed and there will be many more. Will let you know of the upcoming ones because i would just love to meet you in person one day.

Are you seriously writing an Isabella Blow biography? That is just amazing. Pls lemme know when you're done, i'm obsessed with her. Would just LOVE to read it.

Let's def keep in touch

<3

Leon

Leia said...

Wow, it sounds like he was an amazing guy! I hope you manage to find him or someone like him again!

Leia

Leia said...

Wow, it sounds like he was an amazing guy! I hope you manage to find him or someone like him again!

Leia

Unknown said...

ah i feel so sorry for him. his nice persoanlity got him fired.

Missy
Blending Style, Celebs and Fashion
http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com

Julia, the Thanksgiving Girl said...

Oh gosh, I'm sorry to hear it!! Thsi cashier womans spound slike a totaly bithc, too, btw. Hope karma gets to her for that soon. As for your guy, any chance they will tell you where he's gone? I doubt it though... But hope you manage to fidn him somehow for he soudns like the guy worth following into another workplace!

Cafe Fashionista said...

Gah! That is horrible news, Jennifer! Findign a good, honest mechanic is so hard; and JD sounds like the best! I so hope that you find him! Maybe you should try Facebook? :/

From the start till the end said...

I love those pictures!
I hope you'll find him...

Unknown said...

Interestin and sad story, it doesn' matter a lot with fashion and so it's not the classic kind of post that I read...because I lvoe news, j'adore this psot. However, I'm reallys ad for you I hope that this history will have an happy ending ;)

http://fashiondoesntexist.blogspot.com/

Bonnie said...

I love this man.
I want to find him.
Annnddd I love you for going through my entire blog to catch up on all old posts.
Annnndddd I love your crazy comments that always make me smile. This is why we are friends.
Oh, P.S., I love you, too. <3

http://glamkittenslitterbox.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88

mirjam schuurkamp said...

i always love to read your blog!
you really talk about something:) hehe!
love the pics !

thanks for the comment!
i have a new outfit post Check it out!

xo model from holland

www.mirfashion.blogspot.com
everyday new post

StyleIDnet said...

I know the feeling and can only wish you the best in the search for a new honest guy.
Those places do rip you off.

http://styleidnet.blogspot.com/

a woman's right to shoes said...

He sounded like a quite generous man. Hope you find him.

Sierra said...

i would miss JD too, i just love honest guys that want to help you out. i have someone similar in CA and i miss him when i'm here. sending good mechanic vibes your way so that you find a good one and that your bank account stays filled up!

Kristy said...

I love your writing, you are very descriptive and you've captivated me in almost all of your posts! keep up the amazing writing x

myheartstumbles.blogspot.com

Kathryn {Sweet Tea and Champagne} said...

Oh man, I need to take my car into the shop soon too, and it's something I do NOT look forward to. I've been driving around with tape on my car. Chic? I think not. Embarrassing? Yes. We all need a JD in our lives!

Kathryn
http://sweetteaandchampagne.wordpress.com

stylenuggets said...

He sounds like a good guy. Hard to come by an honest mechanic, but hope you do!

Jenn @ Peas and Crayons said...

Oh noooo! I had the same thing happen! My mechanic and I were bff for years.... since I first got my car 10 years ago acutally! and he saved me zillions, but got fired for giving away tires that belonged to the company to someone (not me. phew!) and I was pretty bent out of shape about that =/

sowwy love! best of luck finding someone!

xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

S. said...

Great post! I hope you find someone like him.

:) S.
maybeyoumaybe.blogspot.com

Miss A said...

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Yours looks very interesting! Will follow :) feel free to do the same :)

xx

beautyandmakeupboudoir.blogspot.com

MariahSmile said...

I hope you find JD soon! Love all the pics you used!

Unknown said...

oh my dad always says there is no such thing as a honest mechanic so that is terrible he was fired!!

Marcia B. said...

Car drama, i know what you mean..i hate that, so expensive! :(

said...

Best wishes to the trooper. I feel you...I fear my car is headed in his footsteps as well. Love your blog. Hope you can have a look at mine. Have a beautiful day darling

Emma//

parisiennemoonlight said...

thank u <3

20 YORK STREET said...

I totally feel your pain sweetie! Trusty mechanics are rare finds!

Good luck on your search dear.

besos,

ML

Join the Easiest Blog Project Ever at:

Twenty York Street

Fashion Cappuccino said...

You know, people like JD are so rare and I wish there are more guys like him. He's better off not working for a company like that! Gosh, girl, I really hope you'll find someone honest and nice! And that mean girl cashier, gosh, I hate it when people are so rude! Take care and let me know how you're doing! xooxxoo

M* said...

love the pics..:)

M*
http://notimeforsleeping.blogspot.com/

The Vogue Advisor said...

Hi Dear,thanks for your comment on my blog....Your blog is very nice....do you want to follow each other???Let me Know!!!Kiss!!!!

THE VOGUE ADVISOR

Anonymous said...

How could they fire him?

http://theythinkimtooyoung.blogspot.com/

Lee Oliveira said...

I feel for you girl.. Go and and dance.. best remedy for the soul
lee x

Chicago Chic said...

So true Jennifer!!! It's so difficult to find a good mechanic, SO difficult....and not to mention, car problems are the absolute worst!! Too bad he is gone, but maybe if you ask around to all of your friends they can recommend someone great. My dad found a good honest mechanic, and he just worked out of his own garage. Good luck on your search darling! (Oh and these car photos are adorable!:)

xoxo
Rachel

Fashion is for idiots [like us] said...

thanks for your lovely comment!! :)

fashion is for idiots [like us]

The Vogue Advisor said...

Sure Dear..I follow you...and thanks!!!!

Anonymous said...

thnksss for yur post!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
i followe you right noww!!!

kss!!!!

ilsteviewonder said...

awww sorry for your car! but the photos are nice! :D

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your comment!
Love your blog, i follow you! ;)

http://paulie-trends.blogspot.com/

Arini Desianti Parawi said...

JD guy!! we all missing you :)

PS : interesting post girl! you share your story bout your mechanic boy while you show us amazing spreads of girls in the car. i can see the connection ;)

THE SECRET LIFE OF "D"

in Love&Light
Queen D

claarax. said...

cool inspirations!!

Tanya Dempsey said...

NOOOOO! They fired JD! That's awful. It's so rare to find trustworthy mechanics and the whole biz is such a sham. They fired him for being honest. You should report that company to the Better Business Bureau. For real.

Love your blog, btw. Just found you!

xx

November Grey

Nina said...

haha wow great pics!

thanks a lot for your reaction:)

xoxolovessss

Anonymous said...

Nice pics ;-)

Venus Loves Virgo said...

OMG! If you were down the shop in person you could of slapped that b**** I'm sorry about your car troubles,hoping good things comes your way Jennifer :) I totally love those retro car photos you added XOXO

F. said...

Oh..feel for you. Hope you find him again :)

xoxo F.

Tanvi said...

I know what you mean. Sorry for your loss babes!!!

2befab said...

I totally understand...an honest mechanic is hard to find...especially here in Italy. Luckily my car is still brand new...
Thanks for the lovely comment,I hope to hear from you soon.
Ingrid
http://2befab.blogspot.com

MĂ­riam Juan-Torres said...

Ohh, that's so sad, poor man, that's what one gets for being good? :(
I hope you find him
xx

Style, She Wrote said...

Going to the mechanic can be so frustrating but it sounds like you found a good egg. Congrats!

Unknown said...

my condolences for your loss I totally understand, I had a plumber who was a wonderful guy who moved on to a company unbeknownst to me

Katie said...

Maybe you can track him down somehow? There's got to be a way! A mechanic like that sounds like a godsend. Don't let him get away that easily! :)

Annemarie said...

Oh no! Hope you can find JD soon! I had to laugh out loud when you said it wasn't 'James Franco'. He's one of my faves too :)

Hugs xoxo

CRISTHIANDANESIKARNOSKI said...

I love your pics!
please follow me with Bloglovin'
I'll follow you back (: xX

http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2232748/no-cris-no-party

Any Brasil said...

bealtiful. i loved!!!!
trendluxo.blogspot.com

noone said...

mechanics are very important... cuz you want one that gets the job done and doesn't try to rip you off!! I totally feel for you

yiqin; said...

The photos are so nice!!

FashionJazz said...

I hope you find him hun! xx

Haute World said...

There must be a way you can track this guy down, no? I know that almost all mechanics are trained to screw you over. The car repair industry is worth so much and it's really awful they feel the need to gain a profit by ripping off customers. I think the only way to avoid it is to have decent knowledge of cars yourself (or know someone who does). I think it's very unprofessional of the receptionist to talk about him like that though. Even if he did something wrong, it's not something you tell your clients.

Tights Lover said...

Okay. First of all, the girl behind the cash register is a horrendous human being. I just wanted to go on record as saying that.

Secondly, I definitely feel your (and your wallet's) pain. I (once again) have the 'check engine' light flashing on my dashboard and I don't wanna bring the car in. I keep turning my car on and hoping it won't light up but, invariably, it does. There are few feelings in the world worse than that.

If I find JD, I'll tell you...but not before he takes care of that 'check engine' light...

MY REPUBLIC OF FASHION said...

LOVE this story!! Obviously, not loving that JD is gone from your life. Some mechanics (not JD) are shady, shady people!! :)SArahD

Passion for fashion said...

Love the photos! Amazing choices!