how do you mantain your car ?

[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..