Dealership vs. auto repair shop: Where should you service your car?

Elizabeth (Auto repair shop)

Car dealerships are notorious for ripping off their customers. While using a dealership's services can be convenient at times, utilizing your local or best-rated auto repair shop offers far more convenience, better customer service, and technical specialists that dealerships can't always supply.

When it comes to general pricing, according to the confession of one car dealership service manager, 'Maintenance bills are routinely inflated with unnecessary fluid flushes and replacements, nickel-and-dime charges for regularly used 'shop supplies' like rags and lubricants, and parts that the car owner could buy for 30% less at a store like AutoZone.' Independent shops often have lower labor rates, which means lower prices for you. When the desire is to save money, the trick is never to go to a car dealership for service unless one's absolutely desperate. 

Additionally, many horror stories about servicing at dealerships abound, especially regarding quality customer service. Auto shop customers can experience improved personal client-business relationships based on the built rapport between the mechanic, technician, or owner at independent shops, as they come to understand your car and you better the more you keep returning for their specific services. Dealerships make it impossible to establish relationships as many 'middlemen' often come between the client and the services rendered. Likewise, they do not have to try as hard to 'win' customers as the smaller auto shops do. 

Lastly, auto shops offer customers various locations and flexibility. There are hundreds more independent auto shops than dealerships, making finding a closer location near them with more availability easier, as dealerships are often busy and overbooked. Ultimately, your local, independent auto shop beats the dealership in both price and customer service. Unless your car is covered by a new-car warranty or manufacturer recall, it is best to go to an independent shop. 

Luis (Dealership)

When it comes to repairing your car, the safest move to make is to go to a car dealer instead of an unknown auto repair shop. After all, dealership technicians are fully trained to work exclusively on the vehicle brand they sell, which means they'll not only have plenty of experience in dealing with any problem your car may have, but they also have specialized knowledge that a repair shop probably won't possess.

Another reason why it's always better to go to a car dealer is that they'll have full access to all necessary original equipment manufacturer parts to choose from to repair your vehicle and its specific issue. This is always crucial when fixing your vehicle since some parts are specifically designed for your car, and it may be necessary to keep warranty coverage. It's also important because keeping your original parts that the car manufacturer/dealer tailor-made for your make and model will allow the car to keep functioning properly and for longer.

In addition, dealerships usually keep detailed records of every single repair and service done to the vehicle, which will definitely come in handy in case you need to provide proof of maintenance for warranty purposes or you're planning to sell your car in the near future. Moreover, numerous car dealers offer rental cars while yours is being serviced, and you can call a supervisor in case there's any issue with the repair. While plenty of auto shops can offer decent service, car dealers are the way to go if you want the best result and desire to feel comfortable and in guaranteed good hands during the whole process.