RepairPal: Auto Repair Expert – Review

Our rating:

By: RepairPal: Auto Repair Expert

Version #: 1.0

Date Released: 2009-01-12

Developer: RepairPal Inc.

Price: 0.00

User Rating:

Loading...

Download App

Maintaining a car can be a costly and frustrating experience. For those of us that must make use of a motor vehicle, and are not blessed with the mystical ability to maintain and repair our own vehicles, we must struggle with finding a reputable dealer. This requires a good deal of research to make sure we are not being over charged. Repairpal aims to help with this research by giving you "ballpark" figures for the cost of repairs and maintenance for your specific vehicle.

The first step is to select your vehicle from a list of makes and models. Once that is completed, you are given a long list of maintenance schedules and repairs that can be completed for your vehicle. You can then enter a location, (or let the iPhone find your location) and Repairpal will give you a rough estimate for the cost of the repair. Scrolling down with give you a break down of parts and labor costs as well as some advice about the particular repair you are looking up.

Repairpal also has a tab for finding shops in your area. The shops have user ratings and reviews from Repairpal’s site. You can call shops right from the app and use the price estimate to determine if the price they quote is reasonable. While there are many other factors when it comes to selecting a shop for service, this tool gives you a good base line for the costs you should expect.

Repairpal could have stopped right there, and they would have had a decent app to interface with their website, but they must have looked at those lonely tabs at the bottom and felt they could take it one step beyond. Repairpal also features a roadside assistance button that puts you in touch with a roadside assistance rep that will dispatch a tow truck or other service for lockouts or when you run out of fuel. Repairpal utilizes a third party company called Cross Country Roadside Assistance that finds and contacts the closest service to pick you up, or get you back on the road. Repairpal’s app also has a list of dealer warranty numbers that makes calling for service easier.

Repairpal has a nice feature set that gives you valuable information when shopping for repair service. This addition of a roadside assistance button could be a great feature for those that don’t already have a roadside service company. If you have a car, truck, or SUV, this app is definitely worth a look.