In need of car repairs?? BEWARE

So I am moving to California from the east coast in a couple of weeks and I am driving. I knew I needed work done on my 2000 mazda protege (85,000) before I attempted the trip (ie a new timing belt, transmission flush, etc)

So anyway I ended up having to bring it to three places who gave me three completely different estimates.

The first place wanted to charge me almost 2 grand, for repairs I KNEW did not cost that much.

The second place wanted to charge me about a grand and a half, but did not include a new timing belt (the most expensive repair) in their estimate because they misdiagnosed my vehicle's vin # and told me I didn't need a new one for 15 thousand more miles. (that could have killed my car forever)

Finally, (and only after going through a family reference) Did I find a reputible individual who spoke to me like I wasn't an idiot and ended up bringing my car back into great shape for under a grand.

All I'm saying is get some estimates, watch out for bogus repair costs and make sure these people aren't trying to screw you over!

Especially for the female population (and i know this sounds sexist, but this problem still exisits) Speaking from experience, bring a guy (who seems to know something about cars, if you don't ) with you when you go.. They will level with them more.