Why does a care dealership cost more to repair your vehicle than a regular mechanic shop?

Question

I had my water pump, brakes flushed and fuel filter replaced at a Ford dealership recently and it cost me $460. They told me I was going to need new intake gaskets because my old ones are "seaping". They estimate that at around $400. I called Buffalo Tire and Auto and they said that it would only arround $250. Now I think I got ripped off on the water pump, brake flushing and fuel filter.

Answer 1

OVERHEAD DUDE!

a car dealership has to pay utility bils and have huge space and land and taxs and keep a ton of employees and supplys and the owners have nice life styles. compare that to the grease monky with the dirty overalls and 4 5 cars sitting in a field behind an old shack with a wood heater

Answer 2

I had a 1995 Towncar nearing 300,000 miles and while driving on the freeway it turned off on me. Not knowing what the problem was I took it to the Lincoln dealership and within an hour they figured out what it was, the Main Power Relay. That is a $5 piece. I paid $150 for them to look at everything. The test they ran returned about 100 problems from blowby to emissions issues but they knew exactly what it was to replace and it did fix my true problem. You pay for what they know; their knowledge, not what they do. I always go to the dealership for everything.

I just wanted to address the guy below me - justanoldguyfromky's - when he says "get my brakes flushed" hes talking about his brake fluid. And if you really are a mechanic you should know that. If you dont, look it up, its pretty simple to do but takes 2 people.

Answer 3

The local GM dealership gave me an estimate of $2500 to do repairs on a '02 Impala that was bought new from them.
This included a repair job that they has previously done for $1,800. The $2,500 job was repaired for $870 at a local garage.
I notice too that the dealership always recommends routine maintenance work that is not factory recommended.

Answer 4

The dealership has a higher overhead cost than a mechanic shop. Plus you are also paying for the branding and the idea that the mechanic is well trained for that type of vehicle. Unless its under warranty, I avoid the dealer.

Answer 5

The dealer will always rip-off the customer because the factory rips off he dealer. Find yourself a GOOD mechanic, some dealers have kids in the shop that don't know what they are doing. STAY AWAY and remember your warranty is good everywhere. Always keep a copy in car, a good repair shop knows how to handle anything.

Answer 6

I don't mean to sound like a dummy, but I was an auto mechanic for many years and I've never heard of having your brakes flushed. That alone sounds pretty iffy to me.

BTW, that bill for $460 does sound extremely high.

Answer 7

To answer your question, they want to make more money. They believe their dealer service is better than an independent garage and often times that is true. OEM parts, original equiptment manufactuer parts are also more expensive than what you will normally get from an independent garage. Aftermarket parts sometimes are less well made but can be just as reliable as an original at times.

Answer 8

Just remember that generally speaking you get what you pay for. That being said....dealerships have considerably more overhead than your average "mom and pop" shop so their labor rates are generally somewhat higher. However, along with that you are getting the latest equipment, training, and information....something you probably not getting from the "mom and pop" shop.

Answer 9

because people like you will pay it to know they got it done at the dealer. Private shops are pretty much always cheaper than the dealer. The dealers always price gouge and such because people arent willing to go through the hassle of finding another good place to do it.

Answer 10

Because there is labor .The parts are also jacked up because they get them at wholesale and then charge more to the owner of the car.When you take your car to a car dealer always expect to pay more.Work at a car dealer