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Maintenance & Repair Dealer vs. independent shop?
294 messages, Last post on Feb 12, 2008 at 5:09 PM
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Replying to: 0patience (Sep 02, 2007 9:41 am) |
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Replying to: 0patience (Sep 02, 2007 9:41 am) An independant has to work on many different makes and models so his experience isn't that focused.
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Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 03, 2007 2:24 pm) 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.
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Replying to: ny540i6 (Sep 03, 2007 2:42 pm) 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.
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Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 03, 2007 3:07 pm) 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.
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Replying to: jeffyscott (Sep 04, 2007 4:24 am) |
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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!
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Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 04, 2007 7:58 am) 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.
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Replying to: 0patience (Sep 04, 2007 10:46 am) I know your reputation and you are definatly an exception.
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Replying to: isellhondas (Sep 04, 2007 11:03 am) |
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