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Dealer vs. independent shop?

294 messages,  Last post on Feb 12, 2008 at 6:09 PM

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Messages Page 28 of 30

#265 of 294 Re: Dealer vs. independent shop? [0patience] by ny540i6

Sep 02, 2007 (1:07 pm)

Replying to: 0patience (Sep 02, 2007 10:41 am)
For me this is a big "that depends". If I want any high performance work done, then a dealer would be my last choice; They are best suited to work within original specs, to get things to original condition.... and I agree that in many cases it is simply a process of replacing parts, based on a non-intuitive look at vehicle history. I use an independent for most of my work... they are more willing to discuss my options with me - so for instance, designing a service schedule for my car that suits me. This is not to say that there are no uses for a visit to a dealer, however i do see it as a valid choice.

#266 of 294 Re: Dealer vs. independent shop? [0patience] by isellhondas

Sep 03, 2007 (3:24 pm)

Replying to: 0patience (Sep 02, 2007 10:41 am)
One advantage a dealer has is extreme experience in working on ONE make of car. Few problems come up that they haven't seen before. they can always ask the guys in the next stalls too. If a 1997 Accord had a miss at 55-60 MPH as an example, chances are the guy on the job has seen this before and can fix it quickly without guessing.
 
An independant has to work on many different makes and models so his experience isn't that focused.

#267 of 294 Re: Dealer vs. independent shop? [isellhondas] by ny540i6

Sep 03, 2007 (3:42 pm)

Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 03, 2007 3:24 pm)
One advantage a dealer has is extreme experience in working on ONE make of car. Few problems come up that they haven't seen before. they can always ask the guys in the next stalls too. If a 1997 Accord had a miss at 55-60 MPH as an example, chances are the guy on the job has seen this before and can fix it quickly without guessing.
  
An independant has to work on many different makes and models so his experience isn't that focused
 
Not always true.... the Indy that I use focusses on a single marque. All of the guys worked at dealers previously, and all of their various certifications are prominently displayed. The big advantage is in the lower overhead, and that these guys genuinely like cars.

#268 of 294 Re: Dealer vs. independent shop? [ny540i6] by isellhondas

Sep 03, 2007 (4:07 pm)

Replying to: ny540i6 (Sep 03, 2007 3:42 pm)
Yes, I know there are places like that and they can be quite good at what they do.
 
The only drawback with these guys is the fact that theri experience ended the day they left the dealer. Maybe the last madel they worked on was a 1998 or a 2003 and they aren't abrest of the changes and quirks of the newer models.
 
After 19 years in the tool business I have been in and seen every kind of shop you can imagine. The very best down to places that keep their tools in a cardboard box and use cinder blocks for jack stands.

#269 of 294 Re: Dealer vs. independent shop? [isellhondas] by jeffyscott

Sep 04, 2007 (5:24 am)

Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 03, 2007 4:07 pm)
Most people (including myself) tend to use the dealer during the warranty period, so the independent is not going to see the newer cars much for a few years.
 
I had ususally ended up being not real happy with most independents I tried, until I started using a place 3 blocks from where I work that specializes in Japanese imports for an old Sentra we had. Independents that limit themselves like that are very rare. I decided to try the place because it was convenient, the car was an old pile of junk, and because the shop did limit themselves instead of claiming to be experts in every make and model. I plan to take my Mazda6 there after the warranty is over.
 
There is also a VW specialist about 6 blocks from where I work. My kid just bought a '96 Jetta and is trying that place out. My wife has a Jetta under warranty that still goes to the dealer. I'll probably use the convenient VW specialist and his $60 per hour labor rate over the dealer (and $95 per hour labor, plus inflated parts prices) after warranty is up.

#270 of 294 Re: Dealer vs. independent shop? [jeffyscott] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 04, 2007 (8:38 am)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Sep 04, 2007 5:24 am)
I agree. You can't be a great indy shop unless you specialize and really narrow your focus...narrower than "we fix German cars" I mean. A VW-Audi or Porsche-Audi specialty will work, but a VW-Audi-Porsche-Mercedes-BMW specialty will not. One or more of those makes will suffer, which means you the owner will suffer.

#271 of 294 Funny... by isellhondas

Sep 04, 2007 (8:58 am)

Some people will only use the dealer when the car is under warranty. The slightest rattle, squeak or vibration will send them scurrying into the dealer.
 
But, when the warranty ends, none of these "problems" are a problem any longer.
 
Independants always have an "out". If the really get stumped or it's areally miserable job they know will be more trouble than it's worth, they can always throw up their hands and tell their customers..."That is a dealer only type job".
 
A dealer can't do that. They HAVE to fix the car!

#272 of 294 Re: Funny... [isellhondas] by 0patience

Sep 04, 2007 (11:46 am)

Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 04, 2007 8:58 am)
A dealer can't do that. They HAVE to fix the car!
I kind of gotta disagree with that.
I've seen a lot of vehicles that have been to the dealer over and over with no fix. The people finally had enough of it and it ended up in my lap. I HAD to fix it, because the dealer couldn't.
 
There are a lot of the fleet vehicles I deal with that I send to the dealer, because of warranty, only to end up having to fix it myself or send it to an indy shop in town.

#273 of 294 Re: Funny... [0patience] by isellhondas

Sep 04, 2007 (12:03 pm)

Replying to: 0patience (Sep 04, 2007 11:46 am)
That is becaue you are a master at what you do.
 
I know your reputation and you are definatly an exception.

#274 of 294 Re: Funny... [isellhondas] by im_brentwood

Sep 04, 2007 (3:43 pm)

Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 04, 2007 12:03 pm)
Problem is the cost of tools and diagnostic equipment.. aside from normal hand tools and shop equipment, you need at least $20k in Diagnostic equipment and special tools to properly work on BMWs these days.

Messages Page 28 of 30

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