Auto Maintenance Needed - Dealer or other Mechanic?

Question

My wife and I both drive Acura's and have always relied upon the Acura dealer to do the standard maintenance on the vehicles.

Our 1999 3.2 TL has 180,000 miles on it and the 2002 MDX has 115,000 miles on it.

Both cars are running well and no longer have any warranties active.

While we have always kept up the maintenance at the proper intervals at the dealer, we are finding that we are probably spending to much money - felt especially in recent times as we no longer make as much money as we once did.

My question is simple - is the dealer providing something that other mechanics can't?

For example, both cars need oil changes and brakes - should I just go to a Firestone, Pep Boys or another place OR does the dealer bring me peace of mind that I should truly pay them a premium for their work?

What other places (if any) do you recommend to cost-effectively get work done on your car?

Answer 1

Routine maintenance can be done anywhere. I would only use the dealer for a problem specific to the Acura.

Answer 2

No the dealer are no smarter or honest than the guys at firestone. You are paying too much because they gouge you, not because you are making less money.

That being said, what you need is a good independent repair shop. Your best bet is to ask your friends who they use, if they know someone through friends or family who knows their stuff and who they trust.
Independent shops rely on their reputation to stay in business, while national chains, and dealers know that if they rip you off, and you realize it, oh well, there will be thousands more right behind you.

Answer 3

I firmly believe an independent shop or mechanic would be your best bet. Firestone, Pep Boys, Monroe, Meinekie, large tire dealerships all have high overheads.

Through the years independents in my area are very scientific and have much broader knowledge of the total car than do the national dealership shops. I've had experience with second and third generation shops and most of these guys are so smart their scary. They don't stay in business if they do sloppy poor work.

If you go to an independent local shop you always are able to speak directly with the owner / mechanic. He will gladly discuss your options of types of pads / shoes / rotors and drums. He's also had much experience with brands of motor oil and oil filters, he'll explain why he feels his choices work better than others.

Answer 4

for simplistic things such as oil changes, brakes and such any shop outside of a dealership is fine, as long as the shop has a good reputation.. Most outside shops have a lower labor rate then the dealerships have. Most ppl take there vehicles to dealerships because usually thats the brand of car the specialize in... while i have worked at a dealership before i came to realize that some of them will try to sell you services that one does not require. Basically its called a wallet flush. instead of an engine oil,coolant,brake and tire rotate service. where the dealerships come in handy is when it gets to areas that become a little known problem with that type of vehicle. since most of the time thats what they sell and service there fleet mechanics usually are the first to encounter little glitches and quick fixes for problems.... there are alot of shops out there that are now coming up to outperform dealerships.. if you have an import shop in your area check them out. dont be afraid to ask them all kinds of questions. or be afraid to see a younger mechanic there. most of them are probably already running imports that can really move down the road.

Answer 5

I would stick with a repair/service shop that is part of a national chain. They mechanic has someone to turn to if he encounters a difficult repair problem.
You are right: dealers charge top dollar for their work. And it is not all necessary.
For oil and filter changes, check the Sunday newspaper for coupons. Someone is always running a sale, and the products used are all good.

Answer 6

Most dealers are overpriced on there labor rate and parts prices. They only use factory parts in most instances which sometimes can be a good thing and there warranty on repairs may be longer. It pays to comparison shop though. Besides price and quality of work though, the one thing that is hard to shop for and compare is honesty and integrity.

Answer 7

Any good garage with the latest in tools and equipment can do the work, best is to get a referral for a garage from a family member or friend. Once you find an honest competent garage stick with it.

Answer 8

The only Benifit that you would get with the Dealer are the OEM parts on the car. Other then that there is no difference between them and PepBoys.