Streetwise: How to not get scammed in Banawe
What to do and what not to do when you're in Banawe
When it comes to sourcing auto parts, car repair, or adding car accessories, the first thing that comes to mind is to go where all automotive spare parts and accessories come from. One of the various landmarks that Quezon City has to offer, Banawe is highly regarded as the mecca for all things automotive.
Think of it as a car guy’s version of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills or Orchard Road in Singapore. Unlike many years ago when auto parts stores strictly sold parts, they have since become a one-stop shop. So, it’s not surprising that almost all of them have a stand-by mechanic on hand, turning their precious parking slots into functional work bays like a bustling WRC pit area. Competing against them are the various service shops and makeshift sidewalk talyers that proliferate the side streets located along the stretch of Banawe.
Admittedly, it is still the ideal place to go for parts hunting, simply because of the high volume of auto parts and accessories stores. Thus, the chances of finding a specific part are much higher, and being able to ask for a tawad or discount on the price alone makes it worth the trip. While it all sounds sensible, Banawe can also be a place to get scammed.
This could entail getting overcharged for labor and parts, receiving counterfeit or defective parts, and getting lured into buying all kinds of overpriced stuff from complete strangers. Whether you’re thinking of getting your car fixed, looking for a spare part, or upgrading to various forms of accessories, go over this brief article to prevent yourself from getting scammed and ending up with an empty wallet and a worthless part.
Random Sellers
The boring act of waiting comes with getting the car fixed, but this also attracts unscrupulous persons who will start offering all kinds of products. Normally these range from a pink liquid that will remove the small stain he just saw on the seat, unbranded rubbing compounds for that small scratch, door trim guards, rubber spacers, and just about anything else that they could sell. The problem is, this single person will soon multiply with others finding something else to do to the car and selling another product.
Best to try and avoid entertaining such persons who are not connected or affiliated with the shop. Because in most cases, what starts out to be something cheap might escalate into owing him and the others an unreasonable amount of money. The same applies to freelancers who line the streets offering tints, repairs, and any spare part you might need. Be very cautious in making any agreements/deals with such persons. Best to directly go and transact with someone from a legitimate auto parts shop.
Overpricing
Remember the senior couple who made headlines early this year? The story goes that they brought their pickup to a shop in Banawe for an oil change. What happened next was the shop was already installing a suspension lift kit and more. The senior couple was even more shocked as they were slapped with a PHP 100,000 bill for something they didn’t agree on.
Whether this was a simple case of misunderstanding between them, the bottom line here is to be on top of things. Overseeing and checking what parts are actually being replaced, cost price awareness, and insisting on having everything written in black and white. The same goes when buying parts, take time to compare and inspect the quality of the parts to get value for money. As far as getting a good deal on price, it is still best to ask around or canvass other shops to see who can offer the best price for the same part.
The Cheaper Alternative
Banawe is home to a lot of established auto repair shops, but along its side streets are these sidewalk talyers. Using the side of the road as a work bay, not only does it pose a hazard to other motorists, but just imagine the consequences just in case the repairs aren’t finished by sundown. Some motorists feel that it's a cheaper alternative than opting to go to a reputable car shop with a dedicated workspace.
However, the consequences, safety, and risk factors outweigh whatever monetary savings that could be gained. In some cases, it also becomes a trap for the unsuspecting client. They employ this style/modus of revealing the total cost only after the part has been removed. To make matters worse, they have started adding more unnecessary repairs leaving the client with no choice. Choose a legitimate repair shop with a proper facility and ask for a diagnosis and a quote first before agreeing to anything.
Counterfeit Parts
Based on experience, I once hurriedly bought a set of branded spark plugs from a random auto supply store without inspecting it thoroughly as it came with the familiar packaging. When I got home and was about to install the first one, only then did I notice that it didn’t have the familiar logo printed on the spark plug itself along with the others. What a waste of time and money.
My best advice is to buy only from a reputable shop or from your suki auto supply and always check for product quality and ask for a warranty if possible. When asking for a part, it’s fairly normal to ask the salesperson about product options to choose from. Most auto supply stores have a genuine OEM product, an aftermarket direct replacement part, and a class B replacement part to suit any budget and preference.
The Bottom Line
Whether it’s a spare part, a car shop quote for parts and labor, or a cool set of speakers with free installation, keep in mind that if something sounds too good to be true, it most probably isn’t.
Always go to a reputable shop or store and never deal or agree on anything out on the street with some random person claiming that he has the exact part or that they could fix any kind of car trouble.
