How to post a car repair job and get quotes online

Step 1: enter your vehicle registration

Start by entering your vehicle registration plate. AutoFixFair uses this to look up your car automatically: make, model, engine size, fuel type, and MOT history. This saves you typing out the details and helps garages give you an accurate quote without having to ask follow-up questions.

You do not need to remember your vehicle specs. The reg is enough.

Step 2: describe what needs doing

Select the type of job from the menu: MOT, service, brake work, electrical fault, engine warning light, tyres, or another category. Then describe in plain language what is happening.

A good description gives garages what they need to quote without a diagnostic first. For example:

• Good:“Grinding noise from front left when braking, started two weeks ago, worse at slow speeds.”
• Less useful:“Car makes a noise.”

If you have an orange or red dashboard warning light, note which one it is. If you have a fault code from a previous diagnostic check, include it.

If you genuinely do not know what is wrong, that is fine too. Describe the symptom and garages can quote for a diagnostic check to identify the fault before any work begins.

Step 3: add photos (optional but helpful)

You can upload photos of the fault, the warning light on your dashboard, or any visible damage. Photos are optional, but they help garages give a more precise quote. For bodywork, visible exhaust issues, or tyre damage, a photo can make the difference between an estimate and a firm quote.

Step 4: set your location

Enter your postcode so AutoFixFair can show your job to garages in your area. You can adjust the search radius if you are willing to travel further, or if you are looking for a specialist who may not be right on your doorstep.

If you would prefer a mobile mechanic to come to you at home or work, you can filter for mobile mechanics specifically. They quote with a coverage radius rather than a fixed address.

Step 5: receive and compare quotes

Once your job is posted, nearby garages can see it and submit quotes. You will be notified when a quote arrives. Each quote shows the garage name, rating, number of reviews, distance from you, price (including parts and labour), and any notes from the garage about the job.

You can compare quotes side by side. Price is one factor, but also look at ratings, reviews, and whether the garage has relevant expertise. A slightly higher quote from a garage with strong reviews may represent better value than the lowest price from an unknown one.

There is no pressure to accept any quote. You can wait for more to arrive, ask a garage a question before booking, or decline all of them.

Step 6: book and pay securely

When you find a quote you want, accept it and pay through AutoFixFair via Stripe. Your payment is held securely and is not released to the garage until the job is done.

This protects you in two ways: the garage knows the booking is confirmed (not just an enquiry), and your money is not released until the work is complete. No upfront cash, no invoice chasing.

You will receive confirmation of your booking, the garage address or (for mobile mechanics) confirmation they will come to you, and the agreed date and time.

Step 7: get the work done and leave a review

Take your car to the garage at the agreed time. When the job is complete and you are satisfied, AutoFixFair releases the payment to the garage. You can then leave a verified review so other drivers can benefit from your experience.

If the garage finds additional work during the job, they must contact you and give a separate quote before proceeding. You will never be charged more than you agreed without your explicit sign-off.

Tips for getting the best quotes

• Be specific about the fault. The more detail you give, the more accurate the quotes will be. Vague descriptions lead to estimates with wide ranges.
• Include your MOT history and service record if you have it. Garages use this to understand the vehicle condition and may price more competitively for well-maintained cars.
• Post with enough lead time. If your car is driveable and the repair is not urgent, posting a few days in advance gives more garages time to see the job and quote.
• Consider mobile mechanics for straightforward jobs. For brake pads, filters, batteries, or diagnostic checks, a mobile mechanic can often come to you the same day and at a lower total cost than dropping the car at a garage.
• Check ratings and read recent reviews. A garage with 50 reviews averaging 4.8 stars is usually a safer choice than one with two reviews, even if the price is lower.

Common questions

How long does it take to post a car repair job?

Most drivers complete the job post in three to five minutes. You need your vehicle registration (to look up your car details automatically), a description of the fault or service needed, and your postcode so nearby garages can quote. Photos are optional but help garages give a more accurate quote.

How many quotes will I receive?

It depends on your location and the type of job. Most posts in towns and cities receive two to five quotes within a few hours. For common jobs like MOTs, brake pads, or services, quotes usually arrive quickly. For specialist repairs, it may take longer as fewer garages have the relevant expertise.

Are the garages vetted?

Yes. AutoFixFair reviews garages before they can quote on jobs. Verified garages must provide their business details, relevant accreditations, and insurance. Founding Partner garages go through an additional onboarding step.

What if I do not know what is wrong with my car?

That is fine. Describe what you are experiencing: the noise, warning light, symptom, or behaviour. Garages are used to diagnosing from descriptions. If a diagnostic check is needed to identify the exact fault, garages can include that in their quote.

Is posting a job free?

Yes. Posting a job and receiving quotes is completely free for drivers. You only pay when you accept a quote and book the job. Payment is held securely by AutoFixFair via Stripe and released to the garage after the work is done.

Can I use AutoFixFair to book an MOT?

Yes. Select MOT when posting your job. You will receive competing quotes from nearby DVSA-approved MOT stations. You can book and pay through AutoFixFair, which means payment is protected and released only after the test is done.

What happens if I accept a quote and the garage finds more work is needed?

The garage must contact you before doing any additional work and quote separately for it. You are never charged more than the accepted quote without your explicit agreement.