Finding a mechanic we can trust is so important - not just for the sake of our pockets, but also for our peace of mind.

Here are some tips to help us find a good and solid mechanic (whether you're in Melbourne or anywhere in the world, the principles apply).

When any of us finds a trustworthy mechanic who is thorough and communicates well, we're usually quick to share the love with those who ask. So we should ask around. Despite all the technological advancements that have come about, this kind of word of mouth is still one of the best forms of marketing because it brings the experience and integrity of our friends, family and colleagues into the equation.

Even with the help of our personal network, it's still a good idea to check online reviews. In the same way that our friends want to share the love when something is good, customers are empowered by online review opportunities to warn people of things to stay away from. It's important to look for a pattern rather than merely taking into consideration the advice of a single review. Patterns may include the mechanic not being open in communication on costs or performing unnecessary services. If we find continuous positive reviews, it's a great sign that the mechanic may be right for the job.

Being informed through online research and asking around can give us a rough idea of costs, repair procedures and labour time. Prices will differ between different locations, different shops, and different cars so we must keep this in mind with our research.

Popping into mechanics around our local area to see what the facilities are like and if they are packed with cars (always a good sign) can give us great indication as to whether we have found a good mechanic or not. Reputation is also a high priority for a local mechanic whose name is often the heart of the service.

Talk to the mechanic and ask loads of questions. A good mechanic will want to empower us with knowledge so that we can make good decisions (as opposed to patronising us or taking the decisions away from us). This will help us to be sure we are clear on what they are doing to our car and that we understand the costs. A great mechanic will be happy to answer our questions and should even take initiative in providing us with relevant information before we have to ask! Steer clear of the non communicative mechanic...

If our car has specialised parts or features we may be able to take it to a mechanic that specialises in what we are after. For example, if we have a classic car, there are mechanics who specialise in repairing classic cars.

It's a good idea to test the mechanic by getting them to do something small on our vehicle, like a basic service. That way we can see how they treat us and our car before we need a larger job completed.

We hope that these tips will help us find a mechanic who is going to do an excellent job repairing our car at a good price! Happy researching and stay safe...