So I’m curious: What is the real difference between taking a car to the dealer vs. taking it to an independent garage? What is their motivation? What is the upside or downside to sticking with one or the other? These probably seem like obvious questions, but I’m new to car ownership & could use some…

IT ALL depends if your vehicle falls within the bulletin guidelines.

Xebadaih, your post reminds me of a chuckle that I get when I see shop signs that say, “We specialize in import and domestic”. I have seen several. To the O.P. Dealerships are required to have their techs current on training. Indies may or may not be. If they don’t know how to fix a particular …

find a new reply PLEASE! copy and paste is getting old. thanks!

The dealer normally has a higher labor rate due to necessity. A dealer has many, many expenses an independent shop does not. It’s not always a given that the dealer is higher in price even with a higher per hour rate. On average a dealer may stick closer to the flat rate time book than an independen…

Thanks Hardly, we’ll find out when they open the engine, I guess. Y’know, if they’re honest… haha… gulp.

It’s not only price. The dealership has more training availible to them. The indie does also but not as much. But with that said it also has alot to do with having a sharp tech. Dealerships do not always insist on using thier parts. One qouted me a price on thier brand and I asked them to qoute aft…

it depends on what you are talking about. it took you several posts and replies to even mention an ‘engine’ problem. you should state the whole story, and some relevant details.

Like the others, mostly cost but I’ve had good and bad luck with both. If it is a possible recall issue though, I’d be inclined to go to the dealer. They have a better knowledge of the particular type of car, have seen it before, have specific training, tools, and support. For a newer car, or com…

Dealer vs. garage: what's the dealio?

Maintenance/Repairs

y00phemism May 8, 2008, 2:26am 12

Again with the specific and useful advice… OK, if you are not a moderator already, you should be. Thank you.

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Dealer vs. garage: what's the dealio?

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