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Question: Dealer or independent garage for car maintenance?
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I need new bakes and a blower motor, should I just take my car to the dealer or would an independent garage be just as sufficient?
Do you think the dealers price would be about the same as an independent garage?
Q&A:
Answer by CAB
Do as much as you possibly can yourself.
Use the dealership as a last resort.
Answer by John W
An independent will at times work with you on price. Ask around and pick one that has a good reputation. If you go to the dealer you can sometimes find guys who work on the side and that will save you money too.
Answer by Binbolito
The Dealers will charge Tons and Tons of thousands of Dollars, the Independent Garages, are way cheaper, if you have like real Issues with the car, like keeps over heating ETC just take it to the Independent Garages, because they are cheap
Answer by wcboopster
dealers are generally more expensive its good to go out and get t know garages ask around like friends and family to which ones they use and then stick with them
Answer by thebax2006
It really depends on the make car you drive. Dealers are usually more expensive as far as hourly labor rates go, but there are many times an independent shop cuts corners that in the end will cost you more money. If an independent shop does your timing belt and it’s 3:30pm and they close at 5:00pm, what do you think will happen if they find a dry tension bearing for the timing belt? Are they going to wait until the next day for parts and loose money or are they going to put it back together and let it go hoping it lasts long enough so you don’t come back? Dealers have factory trained mechanics and the parts for your car to do the job right. Your call!!!
Answer by Charles
Typically dealers charge more per hour than an independent garage. With this being said there are pros and cons to selecting either one. Shops use labor guides to estimate how long a particular job takes. Almost all mechanics (with skill) can get jobs done much faster than the guides show. Most dealerships charge you the full amount of time for the repair even if the mechanic finishes it in half the allotted time. Independent shops use more discretion in this area. If a mechanic at an independent shop knows he can get the job done in 2 hours instead if 4 like the guide states he may only charge you three hours. Another area where shops make revenue mark up on the parts. With this being said finding a good mechanic is in some ways like finding a good dentist or Dr. although not as important. I would suggest you look for an independent mechanic that specializes in your types if cars (Japanese, German). Unfortunately this is going to take some work in your part. For the most part all mechanics are honest and fair although if there are unscrupulous ones out there it happens more often with the independent shops. Large dealers have too much to lose to cheat their clients. Remember unethical mechanics are really few and far between the overwhelming majority of mechanics are hard working and honest people trying to make a living.
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