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Is a Mechanic a good career?
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olds442
Novice
Jun 19, 2012, 4:29 PM
Post #1 of 21
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Is a Mechanic a good career?
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I'm 14 and really considering being a mechanic. My grandfather, great-grandfather, and my uncle were all mechanics. Although they specialized in foreign cars rather than domestic (In the U.S). Both my mom and dad say I should not be a mechanic, because the money really isn't in it unless you start your own shop and what not. I just love cars and being dirty. The questions for you guys is; Is it a good career, are you glad you are one, and any tips or anything else you would like to add. Thanks.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2012, 4:36 PM
Post #2 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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There are many techs that make over 6 figures.
I wouldn't say there is no money in it. It can actually pay very well for some people. There are many other down sides though like the wear and tear on your body, the constant training required to keep up with technology and the tool investment that never ends.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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olds442
Novice
Jun 19, 2012, 4:51 PM
Post #3 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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Thanks for the reply. Yes, your very correct on the wear and tear on your body and tool investment. It is hard for my uncle to do the things he used to do when he was younger. He's 53 now and it hurts him just to rotate tires. He has also over 20k in tools and equipment. So I see where you are coming from with that. Thanks again.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2012, 4:54 PM
Post #4 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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High technology has really driven up the costs with electrical/computer test equipment.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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olds442
Novice
Jun 19, 2012, 5:02 PM
Post #5 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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Like what types of technology what be costly that are in cars now that there weren't years ago. Navigation? etc.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2012, 5:05 PM
Post #6 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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You start out looking like this:
and end up like this by the age of 45
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jun 19, 2012, 5:06 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2012, 5:08 PM
Post #7 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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What, are you kidding? Just about everything in a car now is computer or module controlled. Even windows and radios have modules that communicate with other modules. Scan tools and their software updates and all kinds other interface testers, lab scopes and programming equipment. New systems come out every years that require new testers and software. Different makes require different equipment. Specializing may be the smarter way to go these days.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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olds442
Novice
Jun 19, 2012, 5:14 PM
Post #8 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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I understand that, but if you have your own little shop your always going to have those clunker cars. Working in dealerships and chain automotive shops will have more of that type.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 19, 2012, 5:18 PM
Post #9 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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Don't bet on that. Computers have been in cars for well over 30 years now. They just get more and more high tech. Don't even think you are going to be able to skirt technology in this business, no matter where you work. I work for an independent shop and deal with it every day and i'm older than your uncle and still work 6 days a week.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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olds442
Novice
Jun 19, 2012, 5:21 PM
Post #10 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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I've heard location really helps drive in business. What do you think.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2012, 5:24 PM
Post #11 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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Of course. Every business relies on location, location, location but in this business, reputation and competence carries just as much weight.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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olds442
Novice
Jun 19, 2012, 5:27 PM
Post #12 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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I'm in Northwest PA, USA. Right up by Lake Erie. Not sure how business is in the local shops.
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2012, 5:45 PM
Post #13 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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As cars got more complex they became more expensive to make. They started costing a lot more and it goes up every year. So they also cost more used as they will last longer than the stuff from the 70's, 80's and 90's. Along with that figure the economy sucks so hard if it was a woman I would marry it and not many people can afford a brand new one like they used to. They can barely afford a used one since wages have been almost stagnant for over 35 years while costs have gone up. So the trend is to have a used car which will need to be fixed. Thats the cars you want anyway, they make you money.
You don't see old mechanics walk easily. You see many forced to retirement due to health and selling their tools for dirt just to put off foreclosure of their homes another 4 months. Its a physically demanding job and has a very costly tool investment. A $20,000 set is only a start now. Its more like $100,000 to be a senior tech that can do anything now and the price keeps going up. There is money to be made, but I assure you that clunkers aren't what you want. When you deal with broke people they always want deals every time. They throw a fit about an honest price and never can come up with the money. You want middle to upper middle class workers with a car less than 10 years old thats just hitting its parts-consuming time. They come to you for an oil change and you find bad brakes, ball joints, tie rods, bearings and cv shafts. Then you tell them they need to service the timing belt or risk blowing the engine. All sorts of things wear out but they can afford it in cash or on a credit card and pay you. No money in broke people. I used to have my own shop and actually refused all customers from a certain trailer park because all I did was write estimates for work they could never afford on cars I needed a tetanus booster to get within 10 feet of.
If you want to be a mechanic I would encourage you to specialize in the electronics. Plenty of idiots to do suspension work because all they know is what a hammer is. It takes a man with true knowledge to understand electrical systems and the top techs with top pay are those guys.
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olds442
Novice
Jun 19, 2012, 5:51 PM
Post #15 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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I really appreciate the tips and comments. Thank you. I will take advantage of the advice.
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olds442
Novice
Jun 19, 2012, 5:56 PM
Post #16 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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Not trying to be arrogant or anything but driving by local shops and stuff. The cars I see in the garages are 80's, 90's rusty older cars.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2012, 5:59 PM
Post #17 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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So, what's your point? You don't have to know anything about newer vehicles?
How long do you expect this career to be? A couple months? couple years?
What are you planning after that?
Exactly how much do you expect to make off these people driving 30 year old cars? Do you think they have a lot of funds to repair them?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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olds442
Novice
Jun 19, 2012, 6:01 PM
Post #18 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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I didn't say you don't have to know about newer vehicles. Of course you do. All I wanted is advice on the career. Instead I have you guys arguing with a 14 year old.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2012, 6:04 PM
Post #19 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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Don't let them older vehicles fool you. Just because those vehicles are older doesn't mean they are easier to work on. Some of the older ones can blow your mind. Especially the older Mercedes and Jaguars.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jun 19, 2012, 6:04 PM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2012, 6:07 PM
Post #21 of 21
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Re: Is a Mechanic a good career?
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My advice is to worry about getting through high school and graduating. You have plenty of time to decide what career path you want to follow. Heck you might dream of being in one career and end up doing something completely different.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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