is it worth it to get my car fixed at an official honda dealership? or do the ordinary car shops good enough?

Question

my check engine light has been on for like a week and i dont know if i should get my 96 hatchback fixed at the dealership where i know it would cost a lot more or just get it fixed at one of car shops nearby. Thanks

I have heard about this recall and asked the dealer about it and she said she doesnt know about it. Is the Vin like the ID number of the car? where can i find this?

thanks a lot mike, and now i know jack schit too

Answer 1

IMPORTANT!
How many miles are on your Civic? The '96 (and '97) Civics had a recall on the emissions system that extended the warranty to 14 years 150k miles, this recall covers many items that will cause the check engine light to come on (including some transmission parts). This will include an oxygen sensor, which is the most likely culprit of your check engine light. This means your repairs could be done at no charge if it's still under the warranty.

Call your dealer with your VIN and they can check for recalls on your vehicle to see if it falls under this recall.

Next, if it isn't covered under the recall, before you decide on taking it to a particular shop (dealer or independent mechanic) call and ask about price for diagnostic and also for how much a repair would be (for example, you can ask if it is the oxygen sensor, how much will it be).

You would be surprised at how little difference there may be between a good independent mechanic and the dealership service department. I've even seen independent repairs cost more than the dealer would've charged.

Also, keep in mind that the dealer has expertise in your vehicle, and know the ins and outs of it and little quirks with them. Independent garages don't always have this same knowledge. Scan tools don't always tell the whole story and will sometimes lead to replacing an incorrect part, delaer technicians will be more likely to have run into any problems like that and know about them, preventing replacing unnecessary parts.

BTW, I do know Jack Schitt, see the links below :)

Added:
Yes, the VIN is the 17 digit number on the dash panel visible through the windshield on the driver's side (should also be on your insurance card). If the dealer is claiming no knowledge, tell them it is bulletin number 98-081. If they still claim no knowledge, call Honda America at 1-800-999-1009 and they should be able to assist you.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

A car repair shop that specializes in Japanese cars should be able to do a reasonable job on your car. They should have all the tools and instruments needed to read the diagnostic codes and repair 85-95% of the standard problems. Ask to have a quick look in their shop to see if it is well-ordered, mostly clean and safe for the workers.

Check out several places in your town: go onto AAA's website and look for recommended service shops who abide by the AAA's code of conduct and pass their annual inspection. Or check the shop's state certification as well as the mechanic's own certification, by ASE or a similar auto training and repair rating service. Check with you Better Business Bureau for mechanics with unsatisfactory ratings.

Ask about the shop's warranty policy, if they don't fix it right the first time as well as miles and months that they stand behind their work.

You should ask them to diagnose the problem, but you also want to approve any repairs before work is done: get a written estimate of work to be done before you authorize the work. And if you are still concerned, ask for the old parts they removed from your car and replaced with new ones.

A decent mechanic can save you a fair amount of money on lower labor costs, and give you choices for the quality of replacement parts - used or salvage, OEM-equivalent or genuine Honda parts. Choice is good.

Answer 4

If I were you I would go to AMCO where they claim to check your engine light for free. If that is the case they will be able to let you know exactly whats wrong with your car without you having to pay. It could be something as simple as the 02 sensors, which you could pick up at your local auto parts store and change yourself. Or it can be something more complicated in which case I would take it to an ordinary car shop. Don't take it to a Honda dealer, they're way too expensive.

Answer 5

as long as the nearby shops use ase certified mechanics they should be able to fix it just as well for much less than the dealer. Of course the local shops will use aftermarket parts or nos parts to repair it with where the dealer will use only honda authorized parts. where you take it is entirely up to your budget.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

it might. They might say that window was not installed properly and broke something or other like the regulator or the mounting tabs on the window. be persistant. you have a 3/36k warranty from the factory that should cover this normally. you still might have to pay a diagnosis charge though but that will be a hour labor, and dont mention about the replacement window, let them notice and bring it up to you, they might not notice

Answer 8

i own a repair shop,and on the older cars ,,a good small repair shop,can do as good of a job,,but will only charge half the money for this,,and im sure they,ll appreciate the business also,,its not necessary to keep going to the dealers for repairs,,most of the small shops have as good if not better mechanics working for them also,good luck hope this help,s.

Answer 9

Go to a trusthworthy mechanic, its the same as the dealer but you'll save around 40% in parts and labor.

Answer 10

generally i would always say get it fixed at a local shop that is known to do good work. always will be cheaper than the dealer, and it will often do better work too.