how do you mantain your car ?

[Maverick]

do you bring it to your dealership ? or to a local chain kinda place ?

It kind of makes sense why you would bring it to a dealership, like having honda mechanics work on honda cars.

the question is....... is it actually worth it to bring it to a dealership ?
or is it good enough to take it to a local chain mechanic shop ?

any mechanics on here ? any input would be helpful !!!

big karma hit to the good reply's

 

[Mr. dB]

I would only go to the dealer for warranty work. Once the vehicle is out of warranty, find a good small independent shop and develop a relationship with them.

 

[chewyxrage]

It depends, really if you want to use a local mechanic you want to know the guy pretty well.

I used to take my thunderbird to the ford dealership all the time until I met a mechanic through mutual friends who mentioned he had taken down and rebuilt several T-birds and knew everything there is to know about them - So I switched it up - now I save money and get better work done. Keep an eye open for an opportunity like that

 

[RaZor Ramon]

I have a regular mechanic and I do stuff myself. It just kinds on how big a job it is and how much free time I have. But going to the dealership is generally a rip off. I good local mechanic will probaby charge you almost half a what a dealer would.

 

[JayC9]

Dealerships are generally more expensive than your, "corner shop Joe the mechanic."

Ask around your area and someone should be able refer a decent mechanic that'll do the maintenance work for a resonable price.

Be sure to agree on the price before you let the garage do any work on your vehicle.

 

[Maverick]

thanks !!!

 

[Lestat]

this question will never be answered definitively one way or the other.

I used to be a small shop kinda guy, then I got a new car and only went to the dealer, but I found that you can find expert mechanics for you specific car, that are probably even better then the dealer.

The dealer has the advantage of seeing the same car over and over, but they usually use really junior mechanics all headed up by one really senior guy who never really sees your car unless there is a big problem. So if you find an independent shop you can actually get someone with more expertise and experience.

The final selling point is that non dealer shops can charge up to 50% less and they still use all factory parts. The labor is just less.

I am back to going to an independent.

 

[Razorguns]

I take it to the dealer to get stuff diagnosed. Pay $70 and get an expert opinion.

Then i take that information to another local mechanic.

I just did exactly that with my speed sensor replacement for my honda accord. Dealer told me what it was, then i went off ebay, picked up a sensor -- and installed it myself. Dealer wanted $350 for it. I don't think sooo!!!

 

[Raina]

I wash it once a week, put gas in it, and change the oil whenever my husband sees how far I'm over and yells at me.

 

[from zero]

I wash it once a week

Damn. Mine's lucky if it gets washed once a year.

 

[pintoca]

I take it to the dealer, basically because you can pay a lump sum at the beginning and have all services covered for the lease period...and you can have that money throw in the lease rates as well, so no big deal.

Good service (replacement car, etc) is also a must.

 

[*MissFit*]

dealership only for me.. i know u pay more.. but... i dunno.. i feel they can be held more accountable

 

[hrt39]

All issues related to covered (warranty) work go to the dealer, as it should be free that way. If it is non-warranty, definitely shop around a bit, if you have the time. That will pay for itself.

 

[Steve The Bluesman]

Regular maintanance I do myself. Oil, tire rotations, filters, plugs, brake pads, all pretty simple stuff.

I suggest getting the repair manual specific to your car and see if there is a forum for your car. (I drive an SRT-4 and my wife a Taurus - there are great message boards with tons of info for both.)

For more involved work, I have a trusted mechanic that I have been using for 20 years.

Try to find a good local guy. Ask friends and family where they go and if they trust their mechanic, then use him.

Dealer for me would be last resort. Way too expensive AND I generally do not trust the work they do, but that is just me.


Bluesman

 

[saleen556]

Take your car to a dealership only if it is under warranty.The mechanics at the dealerships are no better than some of your smaller shops and they charge way too much.

 

[Y_lifter]

An Individual Mechanic you trust and that knows your type car or specializes
in your type car is your best bet for financial savings on all but the serious items.

Labor rates per hour are your key to going to the Dealer or the Shop..
Also, some dealership service dept are better than others so don't feel

I get my oil changed at the dealer because it is only $20 and gets done
in 30 min with OEM parts and castrol oil..