My experiences in the last 10 years have all been negative (with 5 different mechanics), except at Feu Vert, but they do not do complicated repairs. Thus, I now rely on a Geneva mechanic. Costs more but he is honest and effective. This past month I needed a repair and two French mechanics quoted me repairs costing more than 1,000 euros, and their diagnostic was completely different from one another. I know enough mechanics not to believe them, took it to the Geneva mechanic, he found the problem, told me how to fix it myself (replace a simple cheap piece) and charged me nothing.

Ok, then maybe you could share his name ... honest mechanics are not easy to find around here

Can you find honest machanics anywhere in the world?

His name is Giovanni Stimoli, and his shop is "LEGENDARY CAR," in Vernier, close to the IKEA. His hobby is reconstructing very old cars, 60-70 years old, for which there are no existing parts. He is very clever and inventive.

I had my timing belt changed, and a full service, for 380 Euros. I had to drive down to Malaga for the privilege, though... 

hey! I ended up going to the Renault garage in St Genis Pouilly (not the first garage I checked) and the service was good, slightly cheaper, and within the stipulated budget.