US Patent 8131417 Automotive diagnostic and estimate system and method

The method provides users with estimates for vehicle repairs. The user, typically the vehicle owner, provides details sufficient to identify the vehicle, and location details to enable the system to locate suitable mechanics and replacement parts, and determine labor costs and times. The user may provide symptoms of the problem, and the system provider automatically determines the likely cause of the symptoms. Once a diagnosis has been generated, local labor and replacement auto part prices are automatically located, and a repair estimate automatically calculated. The estimate, along with a list of local mechanics with interest or expertise in the particular type of repair, is then automatically communicated to the vehicle owner.