Several kinds of shops repair vehicles. How do you decide which is the right shop for you? Each has its drawbacks as well as its advantages. The following describes each of these service options so that you can choose the type that's best for you.
Dealerships
When they buy a new vehicle, many people assume that they have to use the dealership's service facilities, at least until the warranty period is over. You can have warranty service (but not repairs) done by any licensed independent mechanic, as long as all the service requirements in your owner's manual are fulfilled. (Read your warranty.) You may want to stay with the dealer who sold you the vehicle, because dealerships may offer the following advantages:
- They often provide extra services to ensure goodwill.
- They usually have a variety of factory-trained specialists right on the premises. The advantage is that you can have brake work, transmission work, and sometimes even bodywork done at the same place.
- They stock a wide variety of original parts and equipment (OEM) made specifically for your vehicle. This not only assures you of satisfaction if parts fail, but original parts may increase the resale value of your vehicle.
- If you have a complaint, you're dealing with an established company that's financially able to reimburse you and that's insured to cover any major lawsuits that may result.
However, dealerships have disadvantages to consider as well:
- Dealerships are often more expensive than other types of service facilities.
- The sales and service departments of a dealership are often operated as separate entities.
- You probably won't receive the personalized service that you may get from an independent mechanic.
Chain and department stores
Large chain stores and department stores that have automotive service departments offer another set of pros and cons:
- They're generally less expensive than dealerships.
- They usually stock a wide variety of parts, many of which are made to their specifications and carry their brand name.
- They usually provide good guarantees on parts and labor.
- Large chain stores maintain branches nationwide that honor their warranties and guarantees. If you move or travel frequently, this feature can be very beneficial.
Chain stores also have their disadvantages:
- Large chains also use service writers, and the work may tend to be impersonal, with a new technician working on your car each time.
- Technicians at some chains get a commission on the parts they sell. This may motivate them to sell you a new part instead of repairing an old one, or to perform work that your vehicle may not really need.
Here's a feature of large chains that has both positive and negative aspects:
 | Large chains are good training grounds for inexperienced technicians who are just out of school and are working at their first professional jobs. Your car may turn out to be a guinea pig, as well as a gas hog, if it falls into incompetent hands. On the other hand, it may be lucky enough to be tended to by bright, enthusiastic young people with all the latest techniques at their fingertips. |
Independents
An independent service facility can offer the best—or the worst— alternative:
- Honest, reliable, and experienced independent mechanics can provide personalized service based on high standards of excellence. They can offer you the opportunity to communicate directly with a professional who knows you, knows your vehicle, and cares a great deal about maintaining a good reputation, because most independent business comes from referrals.
- Many independent shops are less expensive than dealerships. Others, especially those that service only luxury cars or high-performance sports cars, may offer the finest workmanship at relatively exorbitant rates. A cherished few provide fine workmanship at low prices — these mechanics are probably saints disguised in greasy coveralls!
- Expertise, the availability of specialized tools, and the variety of parts in inventory may vary from one independent shop to another, so check carefully to be sure that you're getting a reliable one.
The type of facility you select may vary, depending on the kind of service your vehicle requires. You may find the best buys on tires at a major chain and depend on an experienced independent mechanic for the best deal on reliable, competent service at a good price.
Specialists
There are two types of specialists: A specialized chain store or independent mechanic deals with a specific type of repair, such as brake work, transmission work, or muffler replacement. The other type of specialist is an independent shop that works only on specific makes or types of vehicles, such as Ferraris, Volvos, motorcycles, vans, or classic cars.
Here are the pros and cons to consider:
- A reliable specialist can provide the experience, specialized tools, and extensive inventory that may be unavailable at a shop that handles everything in general and nothing in particular. If you know that the trouble with your vehicle resides in a particular automotive system, you may want to look for a well-established specialist who focuses on that type of work.
- Some specialized chains that sell and install cheap parts may be more interested in selling new parts than in repairing old ones.Their"lifetime guarantees" may keep you coming back to pay more for the labor to install those "free" replacement parts than you'd spend on higher-quality parts that last longer.
| Check out national chains that specialize in the type of repair you need in consumer publications such as Consumer Reports to be sure that the one you choose has a good reputation for durable parts and quality service. |
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