What mechanics are more trustworthy?

Question

1) Dealerships (the service center of a Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, etc...)
2) Independent repair shops (Midas, Mr. Lube, Active Green Ross, etc...)
3) Small repair shops (Those small repair shops usually named with someone's first name... Where you can fit about 2 cars only.)

Where do you usually have your car repaired?

Answer 1

You are asking a "How High is Up" question here. The dealership will have the latest make specific data for the cars they sell, but lack that same knowledge for makes they do not sell. This leaves you going from dealership to dealership if you own two or more different makes. And their shop rate will be high as well as their parts. The chain shops, Midas and Gooey Lube type places have a problem in that they use "bait and switch" pricing to make budget and can cost more than the dealer. They also will use the cheapest parts they can find to improve bottom line. Your best bet for your dollar is to find a local independent shop that either specialiezes in your make or specializes in say Japanese or Europeon makes, etc. They will have spent the money to have the same tools and diagnostic equipment as the dealer but at a much better shop rate. Do not be affraid to ask if they have this equipment and the training to use it. Any good independent shop will only use OEM or better parts to prevent comebacks. Comebacks are "freebies" and not good for business. To aid in your search for a shop other than the dealer get on the web and do a search for national parts suppliers of your make of car. Contact them and ask who in your area they would recommend as a good shop. In my shop when a customer moves from the area, I am on the phone to my supplier asking for a shop that is in the area my customer is moving to. Any supplier knows who buys the cheapest parts from them and who buys the better parts, and they will use this info to help you select a good shop. In my shop, we specialize in Europeon, BMW, Saab, Audi, Porsche, Volvo and Benz, and we can do anything the dealer can do except warranty work. The oldest saying in the car repair game is "If you don't know cars, know your car mechanic", and it still holds true.

Answer 2

That's tough! Except midas, goodyear, walmart, etc., all have their advantages and disadvantages.
Dealer mechanics are generally better trained and equipped for their line but you deal with ultimate ignorant crooks - service advisors. They not only screw you but will also overcharge.
Small independent shops are - providing that you find THE ONE - is a better choice. They are reasonable, customer-oriented, and can be talked to (unlike dealerships and nationwide chains) - they won't give you "there is no sense but it's our policy" kind of crap.

Answer 3

They all can be good, I suggest get suggestions on good shops and tech from family and friends. To me, being in the business for over 20 yrs, its not the shop, its the tech. Good techs should be ASE certified, and should have cerdentials posted of their training they have completed. Experience is what its all about, some "old timers" think they know it all, but they are relying on experience 30 yrs ago. Trained techs are the ones that constantly go to school to keep up with the new technology thats happening all the time. I work for Goodyear, yet my owner keeps us up to date with all the newest equipment and training. We use the same equipment that the dealers use, so we dont have the need to send stuff to the dealer that alot of shops need to. Bottom line is, word of mouth is the best. Just remember, qualitly auto service is not cheap, but you are paying for work thats done right the 1st time. 90% of techs are not out to screw you over, they want to make an honest living just as you do with your job. Good luck

Answer 4

to sum up what "scooter" said, the dealership will be higher than most but will stand behind what they do. forget Midas, etc.! private shops you have to ask around about 'cause there are more fakes in the business than real people. i'm a private shop 'cause i got tired of paying too much for basic repairs. looks like a lot of other people did too.

Answer 5

I as quickly as depended on my labmate as to who replaced right into a solid mechanic and that they tried to tear my ex-spouse off. The idiots loosened and moved a timing screw and suggested the motor vehicle choose for $six hundred in upkeep. I went back together with her and suggested we did no longer choose for to get it fastened. Then some days later yet another Indian (woman) despatched us to an Indian mechanic who replaced right into a superb mechanic and an trustworthy guy. He laughed and suggested her motor vehicle did no longer have a timing chain, it had a timing belt. Then he confirmed is the screw and suggested, "See you will discover the place it replaced into in the previous, and he moved the screw back and all replaced into properly. the factor is basically a retard might think of the intercourse of a individual had something to do with figuring out on a solid mechanic. hint, hint.

Answer 6

All will have tthe same likelyhood of being inhabited by scumbags or saints. I've known experienced dealer mechanics with a wall full of ASE's who I would let check my air pressure and I've known mechanics at little mom-and-pop garages had no formal training but who were simply amazing and vice versa.

What I always tell everyone is - find a shop you like and stick with them. Develop a relationship and don't just jump from the cheapest price to the cheapest price. I have many customers at my shop who I'm on a first-name basis with. I know their voices when they call. They bring us cookies when they come to pick up their car (this literally happened yesterday!). Do these folks get better treatment and "deals"?

You bet.

Answer 7

there are good and bad in all of them. go through the Better business bureau to see if a local mechanic has had any complaints. ask your neighbors who they use.

I personally do most of my work, with the exception of mounting and balancing tires. I keep up the maintenance on my vehicles and have not had any major issues on any.

Also, I don't know if it helps or not but the added expense is worth it to me. I use synthetic fluids in everything. I have used Bosch platinum plugs since the 80's, Fram air filters and Fram XG oil filters. I also use Slick 50 every 50k miles, engine and transmission

1999 Dodge Caravan 175000 mi
1990 Ford F250 183000 mi
2005 Chrysler Pacifica 37000 mi

and all pass Texas emissions inspection

Answer 8

Dealerships will be more trustworthy, but more expensive, it's a trade off...pay alot= fixed honestly....pay less= chance of being reamed.....
I have only taken my vehicals to dealerships,better safe than sorry.

Answer 9

I would say the dealer. They can use genuine parts that are made for YOUR car. I take mine to the acura dealer they use genuine parts.

Answer 10

I suggest asking lawyers, politicans, realtors, used car salesmen and Hillary Clinton.