So I have a non-running car in my driveway that I am looking to restore. I have a mechanic I trust who says he'd love the job, but I am having the devil of a time getting the car to him. I do not have anything I can tow with myself, so I thought "let the pros handle it." In my quest I asked about right local tow companies for a quote. I specifically said "submit quotes/questions by e-mail, DO NOT PHONE ME!" Not a single one of them has given me a quote, but I think every one of them has tried to call. Assholes, can't follow simple directions or be bothered to compete fairly with their competition. If they can't charge out the ass for an "emergency" pull, or work a deal carnapping parked cars out of shopping center parking lots, it seems they are not interested in my money.

I personally know someone in this line of business (through his wife), and I have long known that he is total scum. Apparently everyone else in the biz is the same.

Maybe this should have gone in Rants? If so, I apologize.

Your mechanic can't recommend a tow company?

Rent a U-Haul pickup truck and car trailer and transport it to the mechanic yourself. Shouldn’t cost you more than $100 if your mechanic is reasonably close, and I doubt you’ll find a tow company willing to tow it for less based upon your description of the tow operators in your area.

quote:

Originally posted by Lt CHEG:
Rent a U-Haul pickup truck and car trailer and transport it to the mechanic yourself. Shouldn’t cost you more than $100 if your mechanic is reasonably close, and I doubt you’ll find a tow company willing to tow it for less based upon your description of the tow operators in your area.

This or depending upon the condition of the project get a AAA membership and have them tow it.

AAA is like $125 a year.
Tow company charges $165 for an in county tow.

Check your auto insurance too as you might already have towing coverage.

Flatbed price, when it’s not an emergency, is actually very reasonable.

quote:

Rent a U-Haul pickup truck and car trailer and transport it to the mechanic yourself.

Provided the trailer has a winch. The car doesn't run. And even for a day it may exceed the cost of a flatbed tow. I think the OP just needs a better towing company.

AAA and most other motor clubs only cover towing for currently registered/plated cars. Not sure the status of yours, so keep that in mind.

Every time I've had someone tow cars for our work, I just called them and asked for the rate.

Incredibly easy.

I've had consistently good luck with AAA pulling cars onto their flatbeds with a winch, taking them to the mechanic/address I give them. But those were running cars. However, I believe it is the Driver, not the car, that AAA counts, since if you're a AAA member and you break down in or with a friend in your friend's car, they will tow you.

Had my wife's non running car towed to the mechanic about a month ago on a flatbed, distance was 10 miles. 140.00 cash

quote:

Originally posted by Orguss:
Your mechanic can't recommend a tow company?

My mechanic has his own tow truck.
And on the positive side, he has a trigger finger just like mine!

I would call two or three tow companies, ask for a quote over the phone and hire whichever one provided me the cheapest quote. Sometimes it's just better to do business over the phone rather than depending on someone to respond with an email. If you accepted a phone call you'd probably have your quote and your car would be at your mechanics.

Does the project car roll?

If so, I have a car tow bar you can borrow.

You’ll need only another vehicle with a tow hitch.

Harsh words for people you’ve never met, talked to, or whose services you require but have never used. That they have all responded to you in the same way suggests they don’t do business the way you would like them to. I suspect tow truck people deal with a wide variety of folks and talking to people enables them to narrow down actual scope of the work in order to provide an accurate quote.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Harsh words for people you’ve never met, talked to, or whose services you require but have never used. That they have all responded to you in the same way suggests they don’t do business the way you would like them to. I suspect tow truck people deal with a wide variety of folks and talking to people enables them to narrow down actual scope of the work in order to provide an accurate quote.

I agree, I would not get so bent out of shape because they decide not to run their business like you want them too. I Have customers that still do not use text messages - some people are just like that. It does not equate to anything negative about their character. I have used three different local tow companies around me over the years and never had an issue, prices and service were just fine. I think you overreact.

I don't know they all are but I do know some are.

We had a POS tow company come out, assigned by AAA, and wind up putting a car down a 12-ft ditch through their error, then claim they weren't responsible. Unfortunately I wasn't present, and nobody there at the time thought to take pictures or demand names and insurance info.

Wouldn't let me know their insurance company, either. Considered filing suit, but decided after doing the math to just get it fixed on our insurance.

quote:

I specifically said "submit quotes/questions by e-mail, DO NOT PHONE ME!"

Pass. They have shit to do



If you simply called, tell them the job and ask how much I'm sure it would have got handled

Nah, apparently only assholes and pieces of shit use the telephone.

If you were a tow truck business, would YOU want to deal with someone like you?

They do everything by phone, and in minutes, rather than submitting questions and quotes via email.

Just call a couple. It's gonna cost what it costs.