If you need your car repaired, where do you go?

Ask a dozen drivers this question, and you’ll get a dozen different answers. Some swear that the only place to get their car serviced is a licensed dealership. Others mention that they’ve got a shop that they trust for car repairs. While some can perform the fix themselves. At least one will insist that they “know a guy who can fix anything with a socket wrench and a little elbow grease.”

When TikTok user Niyah (@z_niyahh) was faced with this question, she took her car to three different places. Unsatisfied with the quotes, she found an alternative. But does this alternative really make sense?

In her video, which currently has over 71,000 views, Niyah shows herself pulling into a local mechanic.

“When they try to charge me $350 for a tire replacement and wheel alignment so i go to the Mexican guy around the corner from the house and he do it for $50,” she writes in the text overlaying the video.

In a comment, she clarifies that she ended up only buying a single tire with installation for that price. She describes the tire as “used,” but that getting it was “cheap and affordable for my [expletive] car.”

Should You Buy Used Tires?

Most experts agree that one should buy new tires instead of used ones.

While Niyah’s tire may be fine, buying used tires can come with a host of problems. For example, used tires wear out quicker than their new alternatives.

Additionally, limited rules and regulations around used tires mean that a shop can sell a customer a used tire that may prove unsafe. Even if a visual inspection makes the tire appear perfectly adequate, there’s always a chance that something is amiss — and if there’s really something wrong, the lack of warranty on a used tire means that you’ll probably be paying to fix it out of pocket.

The price of a single new tire with installation varies considerably. Drivers can expect to pay an average of anywhere from $100 to $200 or more for a new tire with installation, though these prices can get dramatically higher depending on the specific tire.

Why Are ‘Local Mexican Mechanics’ So Common?

There’s a reason why Internet users find the experience of “visiting your local Mexican mechanic” so relatable.

To start, the United States has a substantial amount of immigrants from Mexico and neighboring countries. According to a 2025 study from Pew Research, over half of all immigrants currently in the United States are from Latin America. As noted by the World Economic Forum, Hispanic immigrants are largely employed in “lower-skill occupations” — a term that can refer more to licensure and professional training required to fill the role rather than the actual talent needed to perform the job.

Historically, this has meant that Latin American immigrants are more concentrated in trades than immigrants from other nations. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that, despite making up only about 19% of the total American population, 30% of construction workers identify as Hispanic.

Part of this has to do with licensure and training. While one may be trained to perform a “highly skilled” job in their home country, engaging in the same role in the United States requires specific licenses and education that could come at a significant expense. Consequently, many find themselves working in fields that do not require such licenses, or fields where licenses are easier or less costly to obtain.

Still, the share of Hispanics working professionally as auto mechanics is only slightly higher than their representation in the population. One study estimated that 20.1% of auto mechanics are Hispanic or Latino.

Are Mexican Mechanics Cheaper Than The Dealerships For Car Repairs?

Generally speaking, it is cheaper to go to a local mechanic over a dealership for a car repair.

Independent shops usually enjoy lower overhead than dealerships, which results in cheaper bills overall. 

According to Consumer Reports, American drivers prefer to use an independent mechanic outside of regularly scheduled maintenance for repairs. 

“Independent repair shops offer service that’s just as good as dealership service departments’ but at a lower price,” per Consumer Reports. 

Not only that, but independent shops may be more willing to use high-quality aftermarket parts than their more expensive, dealership-approved alternatives. Additionally, independent shops rely on repeat business and referrals so customer satisfaction is a priority, Edmunds reports. 

That said, there are instances where one might want to choose a dealership over an independent shop. For example, if your car is under warranty, it may make sense to get it serviced at a dealership.

Commenters Are Divided

In the comments section, users offered their own stories of dealership and local mechanic repairs.

“My sister just last week was texting me that she had a flat and the shop close to her wanted $200 for a new tire which is fair but $150 to put it on and balance it which is insane. She went to a place closer to where I live and they told her it wasn’t serious & just needed a patch ($20),” recalled a user. “I swear some places try to take advantage when it’s a woman.”

“My AC died in the summer of 2024. I had two big major companies come and give me an estimate of over $10,000 to replace the entire unit or $6000 to replace a tiny piece that I have burned out. I asked the Mexican maintenance worker at my old apartment complex, I used to live at if he knew how to change the specific piece and he did it for $600. It’s been over a year and it’s still running strong. Always try to shop around. I went from $6000 to $600,” another added.

“These shops are awful 90% of the time. Just pay to have it done right,” countered a third.

We’ve reached out to Niyah via TikTok direct message and commented on the post.

@z_niyahh cause what do i look like??? never give up on my hispanic brotheren ✊?✊?✊?✊?#cheap #tire #fyp ♬ original sound – Austin®